The Mirror Cracked: Care in the Community in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Like the Lady of Shalott, many people with learning difficulties in Australia, early last century, saw life as a reflection viewed through institutional windows. Then in the 1980s, the mirror cracked. People with learning difficulties began to leave institutions, others were not admitted and more began to live their lives in the wider community. Unlike the Lady of Shalott this did not mean they were doomed, although it has to be acknowledged that the dreams and aspirations of those involved in the deinstitutionalisation movement have not been fully realised. This chapter begins with one person’s narrative to illustrate some of the changes that have moved some people with learning difficulties from being mirror gazers on life to being more active participants. It also examines the limits of these changes and how they have reflected in microcosm wider themes in our society. The chapter focuses on changes occurring in one Australian state (Victoria), because it led the way with the reforms that occurred for people with learning difficulties. However many of the reforms and changes instituted in Victoria were later reflected in changes in other states.

And moving thru’ a mirror clear

That hangs before her all the year,

Shadows of the world appear …

The mirror cracked from side to side.

Tennyson, 1832