Social Institution for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Gara Samuil, Razgrad district

The institution for adults with developmental disabilities in Gara Samuil accommodates 103 women and 12 men with different degrees of disability.

One of the institution's biggest problems is the lack of running water. The water supply was stopped in May 2001 after a breakdown in the village pipeline. Ever since then the institution has been counting on delivery of water by water-tank. The only place that can count on running water is the nurse's room.

The bathroom is another problem for the institution. Located in the basement, it is equipped with two baths, which are filled with water from the tank. At the time of the BHC visit in January 2002 the baths were filled with slack and slimy water, with dead insects floating on the surface. Water is heated in a big tank and the residents wash by pouring the warm water with cans. All residents have one bathroom at their disposal. Judging by their general appearance, residents do not have frequent access to bathing and hygienic materials. Although technically every floor has a toilet, residents can use only three outdoor toilets with no doors.

Physical violence in the institution - from the staff to the residents and between the residents themselves, is another serious problem. According to the institution's medical records, some 8-10 incidents requiring medical attention are registered daily, casued by fights and "suppresing the agitation of residents by the staff". Some residents reported that they have been beaten by specific individuals from the personnel with metal and wooden sticks when they became agitated or failed to obey their orders.

In 2001 there were four suicide attempts by residents. The general opinion between residents was that the insitution should be closed down; they do not believe that money or repairs cna change anything.

Residents are not allowed to go out in the yard; the door is contsantly locked. It is apparent that no training or correctional activities are carried out with the residents. (information as at January 2002)