In early November 1998, OIKOS—a group home run by the Association of the same name—opened its doors to five young adults with severe psychotic-autistic disabilities.
We don't usually cover new services as they launch. Our practice is to wait until projects of this importance have proven their durability over time.
But we're writing about OIKOS now for several reasons:
- The fact that Rome's municipal authority has already signed the contract means not just sound planning but financial security.
- The nature of the initiative: a still-young mother conceived it, joined with other parents, and fought hard to overcome the numerous obstacles in her way.
- This mother didn't wait—couldn't wait, given her urgent need—to see it happen. Her fourteen-year-old daughter still lives at home with her.
- The house operates through close collaboration among the Association's director, the parents' group, and the staff.
- The house follows a precise educational framework designed and tested specifically for this type of disability. Trained specialists carry it out, supported by experts.
The home itself—rented at reasonable cost from a convent—had ideal features for the project: many rooms with nearly private bathrooms, a good-sized kitchen, a communal living space, areas for laundry. Outside, there's a pleasant, comfortable terrace on the ground floor and a garden with various plants and a nice stone table. The renovation consisted of cleaning, arranging furniture, and finishing the space.
Except for one resident, all the young people attend day programs during the week. The house is truly a home—where they sleep, eat, and spend their free time, including weekends and holidays. It stays open always, a necessity when welcoming people with such severe disabilities, some of whom have no family.
On weekdays, at eight in the morning, the house van takes the residents to their day centers. They return at 3:30 and, after a snack, join in simple activities or take walks around the neighborhood.
Dinner is at 7:15. The young people are encouraged to set and clear the table and wash the dishes.
Staff numbers shift throughout the day. Two assistants are present at night—one per floor. At seven in the morning, three staff members arrive to help the residents wake, wash, and eat breakfast. During the morning, two assistants, along with Marco (who stays in the house), manage room tidying and garden care. An Indian man comes in to clean, while one volunteer mother does the shopping and cooking. All five eat lunch together at noon. In the afternoon, when the others return, staffing grows—the one-to-one ratio is nearly essential given the residents' disabilities. A psychologist coordinates staff and directs the house. A social worker comes two hours a week. And parents, siblings, and relatives visit with varying frequency to spend time or lend a hand with small or large repairs.
(1) The educators follow the Schopler method.
- Nicole Schulthes, 1999