Normalisation in an abnormal world: A study of prisoners with an intellectual disability

The most appropriate means of dealing with offenders with an intellectual d isability has become a contentious issue of postdeinstitutionalisation. pro ponents of normalisation argue that offenders should be held accountable an d responsible for their actions in the same way as nondisabled citizens. Cr itics argue that such an approach fails to recognise the multiple disadvant ages under which most offenders labour. Unfortunately much of this debate i s carried out at the level of rhetoric only because comparatively little is known about the experiences of offenders within the system. This study exa mines the characteristics and experiences of two groups of offenders with a n intellectual disability held in custody: one within the mainstream prison system the other within a secure facility on the grounds of an institution . Although not without its disadvantages, the secure facility appears bette r equipped to meet the multiple and complex needs of this grossly disadvant aged group of offenders.