Have we met?

Abstract

Over 160 adults attending day workshops for people with mental handicap were interviewed regarding the persons they had talked to in the community and who was usually with them on these occasions. The number of community contacts was heartening, with most occurring around the neighbourhood, fewer in the city, and least of all at home. However, there were only three groups of people with whom the majority of respondents had recent contact – local shopkeepers, bus conductors, and chemists. In general, community contacts were rarely in the company of friends – cinema‐going was the only exception. Usually they were with their family, or alone.Results from surveys of this type can help to establish the effectiveness of our social education programmes, can challenge parental assumptions about their son or daughter's abilities, and can identify groups within the community who would best benefit from guidance on how to interact with a person who is mentally handicapped.