Abstract:

The main subject of the submitted survey is the possibilities of lifelong learning for adults with mental disability in the Moravian-Silesian Region in the Czech Republic. The article refers to data based on analysis of the educational conditions of the target group in the above specified area.

Individuals with mental disability need lifelong guidance and support in learning. It may not seem as effective, yet the outcomes of lifelong learning must be viewed from the perspective of an individual with mental disability. These outcomes are very important and beneficial especially concerning their self-sufficiency and quality of life.

If an adult with a mental disability does not have an access to further learning and is not provided further guidance, his or her abilities and skills will decline and are likely to deteriorate gradually. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on continuous practice and training of acquired skills and knowledge. At the same time the individual's attention should be drawn to learning about the surrounding environment and better orientation in society which leads to enhanced socialization of the individual.

The research addressed the total amount of 392 subjects (employees of the City of Ostrava, the Regional Office of the Moravian-Silesian Region, all municipalities with extended authority, social departments, school departments, the Society for the Support of People with Mental Disabilities and their subsidiary associations, municipal authorities, special primary schools), out of which 171 (N = 171) actively participated in the survey. A detailed in-depth analysis of obtained data was conducted. It revealed information about the current situation in the field of lifelong learning of people with mental disabilities.

The results show that none of the educational institutions addressed and involved in the survey provides formal lifelong education program for adults with mental disability. Further on, the same results were confirmed in case of findings regarding Activation Centres. According to the data the only provider of adult (lifelong) education in the Moravian-Silesian Region are the Social services. They offer and provide activation and education activities to adults with mental disability.

Keywords:

Mental disability, adulthood, specifics of people with mental disabilities, lifelong education of people with mental disabilities.