A CASE STUDY EVALUATION THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND DETERMINING THE EFFECTS OF LIVING-UNIT DOWNSIZING IN THE RENOVATION OF A FACILITY FOR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY CHILDREN

Abstract

This paper determined the effects of living-unit downsizing in a facility for children with intellectual disabilities. The children's living space was split into floors and units in the process of living-unit downsizing. Downsizing has enabled the staff to respond more easily to individual needs, ensuring the life rhythm of each unit. However, compared with when the living units were large in size, involvement with the opposite sex has decreased and information sharing among staff has become difficult. As living-unit downsizing occurs, it is essential to provide both "soft" and "hard" opportunities and places that enable interaction among various units.