Intellectual disability in Switzerland: the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as a vehicle for progress

Purpose This paper aims to provide an overview of the history, current status and future challenges for intellectual disability (ID) policy and practice in Switzerland. Design/methodology/approach Following a review of the literature, academics in the field of ID in Switzerland reflect on critical issues. Findings The implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has resulted in the move from institutions to more flexible and individualised, community-based support services. Originality/value This paper describes a Western-European country facing the challenges of deinstitutionalisation to become an inclusive society due to directions given by the CRPD.