The normalization principle

We are guided by the principle of normalization in our activities.
The main idea is that the lives of our children and young people with disabilities should be as normal as possible.
The principle of normalization emphasizes that the life of a person with disabilities should be the same as that of other people in our society.

This principle underlies most concepts of improving the quality of life of people with disabilities and is considered the guiding principle for organizing assistance to socially vulnerable categories of the population around the world.
This principle was first formulated in specialized literature, a book by the Swedish scientist Bengt Nirje, where he expressed the content of the concept of "normal life" for people with intellectual disabilities in eight points.

Basic rules of the normalization principle

1. Normal (usual) rhythm of the day

Daily routine - bedtime, wake up time, morning procedures, breakfast, lunch, dinner, training, work, rest, etc. - should be similar to the normal daily routine of people of the appropriate age. This means getting out of bed and getting dressed, even if you have a profound mental retardation or severe complex impairment. Meals should have place in calm conditions, suggesting harmony and pleasure.

2. Normal (usual) rhythm of the week

As a rule, people separate specific areas of life such as work, household and official matters, and free time. Most people can live in one place,  work or study - in another, and spend their free time in different places. So people with disabilities should also have this opportunity. Daily activities should have meaning and purposes. Not only a change of place is important, but also a change of people, because usually at home and at work/study we are in contact with different people. Situations, when all parts of life take place in one building or complex for weeks, or even months, should be avoided.
Living in a normal weekly rhythm gives people with functional disabilities more opportunities to gain experience and social integration.