[PACE : an approach that goes beyond empowerment.]. / PACE : une approche qui va plus loin dans l'empowerment.

This article summarizes two conferences held during the 10th Symposium of l'Association québécoise de réadaptation psychosociale (AQRP) in November 2000. The first author Fisher, introduces himself as someone having had the chance to completely recover from schizophrenia. He refers to several episodes of his personal experience as well as results of interviews conducted at the National Empowerment Center (NEC) with people who have recovered from severe mental illness. The second author Ahern, is the co-director of NEC with Fisher and co-author of studies on recovery. They present here the specific characteristics of PACE (Personal Assistance in Community Existence) an approach they have developed. PACE favors a community integration with a more personalized intervention.