The inclusive city through the lens of quality of life

Abstract

In the city of Almere in the Netherlands, social policies are directed towards creating an inclusive society in which all citizens have the opportunities and resources necessary to participate fully in economic, social, and cultural activities that are considered the societal norm. Active citizenship, empowerment of persons with disabilities and partnerships between disability and mainstream organizations are the most important criteria for local practices in pursuit of this inclusive society. Social inclusion simultaneously incorporates multiple dimensions of the quality of life framework. In this chapter we discuss several inclusive policies and practices as they relate to employment, education, welfare and leisure in the city of Almere. We will study these practices through the lens of the quality of life framework and will describe how they lead to a coherent program that contributes to valuable outcomes for persons with intellectual disabilities. Throughout the course of this chapter the involvement of Almere's citizens with and without disabilities and the partnerships needed in realizing inclusion will be of particular interest.