Intragenerational Trauma: Family Stories of Institutionalization and Policies of Care
Authors/Creators
- 1. Dept. of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB Canada
Description
Despite the official closing of many institutions for people labelled/with intellectual disabilities in Canada, the emotional and relational effects of institutionalization continue to reverberate in the families of institutional survivors. Although often an unheard group, siblings of survivors offer insights on institutions’ long-lasting effects on individuals and families, and on the ways in which their stories can contribute to more just and sound policy decisions moving forward. In this paper, five siblings share their experiences of the intragenerational trauma they have experienced as a result of their brother’s or sister’s institutionalization and offer critical perspectives on addressing this chapter in Canadian history as one step towards creating policy that will address the needs and concerns of people labelled/with intellectual disabilities, their families, and communities.
Plain Language Summary
- Most developed countries have closed many of their large institutions for people with disabilities. This is a good thing.
- Institutional survivors and members of their families still feel the effects of institutionalization.
- The brothers and sisters of people who lived in institutions are also sad and angry about what happened.
- It is important to share stories about institutions and about what happened in families so that it does not happen again. These stories can help decision-makers to make better decisions about how to care for people with intellectual disabilities and how to create a society where everyone can flourish.
- We need to think of better ways to care for each other.