The non-profit organization Constellations – vzw Sterrenbeelden brings together parents of people with mental disabilities, individuals with mental disabilities, professionals from the sector,
and anyone committed to contributing to providing people with mental disabilities the help and assistance they need.
All recognize the rights of people with mental disabilities as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (United Nations General Assembly, March 30, 2007) and commit
to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities, as well as promoting respect for their inherent
dignity.
The founding goal of the organization is to provide a solution for young people who face difficulties finding places of care when they leave the school system.
Several guiding principles have shaped our reflections:
- Respect for the disabled adult as a full-fledged adult,
- Openness to others, "living together," and inclusion in society,
- Well-being and quality of life,
- The ability for individuals with disabilities to make their own choice.
1. Objective
Ensure support tailored to the needs of the person with a disability, with an approach that encourages their active participation in their life project and inclusion in their community.
2. Target audience
The living spaces that the Constellations non-profit creates, helps create, or supports are primarily intended for young adults with moderate to severe mental disabilities, whether associated
with other forms of disabilities or not. However, it is essential to recognize that with the increasing life expectancy of people with mental disabilities, the structures that previously
accommodated them no longer meet the specific needs of aging individuals. It is therefore imperative to incorporate this reality into our concerns and to develop living spaces adapted to this
aging population.
3. Philosophy and ethics of the projects
a) Guarantee people the freedom of philosophical, political, and religious opinion.
In this context, attention will be given to ensure that everyone can express their personal beliefs and, to the extent of their abilities/possibilities, put them into practice. Similarly, each
person is expected to respect the opinions of others.
b) Allow each person the freedom to form emotional and sexual relationships with the partner(s) of their choice.
The staff will be mindful to recognize these relationships and translate this recognition, for example, by responding positively to requests for housing adjustments. If the user is under extended
minority or guardianship, decisions regarding their emotional and sexual life will be made in agreement with the parents or guardians.
c) Strive to meet the aspirations, requests, and needs of adults with mental disabilities to live as harmoniously (balanced) and autonomously as possible, taking into account their abilities and
providing them with the support, assistance, and security they need to achieve this.
d) Aim to promote collaboration and consultation between disabled individuals, professional support staff, and families. Also, encourage exchanges with external actors (support services, family
planning, legal services, mental health services, etc.).
e) Develop in the living spaces a social environment conducive to ensuring the well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities, ensuring that the diversity of needs and identities is
respected.
4. Characteristics of care facilities
The care facilities will be managed in accordance with the legal and regulatory provisions applicable to centers approved by public authorities.
Ideally, the living spaces will be located in the city, away from high-density traffic roads, and near recreational areas, shops, and public transport.
The care facilities for housing and daytime activities will be located near each other, in completely separate buildings, so they can be identified as two distinct living units. One is the place
for the activities in which they participate during the day, and the other is "the place where I live," my home, my place of relaxation. These spaces will be used differently, and this
distinction will contribute to the mental and emotional structure of individuals and thus to their autonomy.
