Transitioning to independent living in the community: trajectories and crossroads in the context of Lithuania

ENThis paper aims to analyse the transition to independent living through the lens of the wellbeing of communities. A case study methodology was applied. The research showed that the relocation of people with disabilities into community group homes is only an intermediate stage towards independent living. Without a thorough discussion with local people, it can end in a lack of trust in the idea of deinstitutionalisation. Paradoxically, independence implies co-dependence on each other, as this co-dependence opens up opportunities both for newly arrived people with disabilities as well as for long-time residents of the community. Keywords: deinstitutionalisation; persons with disabilities; independent living; Lithuania.