Strategies and Challenges in Developing Community Support Structures for People with Intellectual Disabilities: A 25-Year Organizational Analysis

Abstract

Recent research highlights the importance of services to foster social inclusion. However, public funding continues to prioritize welfarist care. This presents a dilemma for organizations: maintain segregated services to obtain public funds or strive to develop community inclusion strategies with their own resources. The purpose of this study is to evaluate an organization with 25 years of experience providing services for people with disabilities in the community, in order to identify key aspects of its history that allow us to understand the challenges and obstacles faced by organizations that intervene through the creation of support structures in the community. To this end, a mixed research design was employed, using collection techniques such as focus groups, likert-type evaluation and documentary analysis. The results reveal barriers, such as instability in public funding or legislative changes that require constant adaptations, among others. In response, the organization develops strategies such as diversifying funding sources, strategic management planning, developing organizational resilience and fostering continuous transformation. These findings underscore the need to connect public policy with evidence-based professional practices, and to advocate for legislative changes that support the inclusion of people with disabilities in their communities.