Affiliation:
1. Primary Special Education School, Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, 15122 Marousi, Greece
2. Department of Early Childhood Education, School of Education, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
Abstract
Experiences of occupational participation of adults with Intellectual Disabilities (IDs) were explored through the lens of the Model of Occupational Justice (MOJ) and Critical Theory in order to shape and develop an occupation-centered model of quality of life (QoL). This qualitative study involved thirteen adults with IDs (N = 13). A semi-structured interview, constructed based on MOJ and Critical Theory principles, was administered to explore perspectives on QoL, as well as injustices regarding occupational participation. The interviews were analyzed using QSR NVivo8 and followed a content analysis methodology. A preliminary model of Occupational Quality of Life (O-QoL), with an everyday occupations core component, has been formed. The model includes three core O-QoL domains: (i) social well-being, (ii) emotional–physical well-being, and (iii) material adequacy. Key indicators of O-QoL were identified as leisure and social activities, while socioenvironmental factors such as occupational deprivation were noted as aggravating. Specific occupations, including leisure activities, physical exercise/sports, art, video games, and vocational training, were found to be beneficial for O-QoL. Moreover, the importance of promoting and supporting the rights of people with IDs for employment, independent living, and sexual expression was highlighted. The model of O-QoL (version 1) could be a valuable alternative conceptual framework of QoL in the field of IDs; however, further research is needed to validate and refine the model.
Funder
Laboratory of Health and Road Safety (LaHeRS) of the Department of Social Work at the Hellenic Mediterranean University
Reference113 articles.
1. Inclusive Discourse in Greece: Strong Voices, Weak Policies;Karagianni;Int. J. Incl. Educ.,2006
2. Scior, K., and Werner, S. (2016). How Stigma Affects the Lives of People with Intellectual Disabilities: An Overview. Intellectual Disability and Stigma: Stepping Out from the Margins, Palgrave Macmillan UK.
3. Participation of Children with and without Disabilities in Social, Recreational and Leisure Activities;Solish;J. Appl. Res. Intellect. Disabil.,2010
4. Patterns of Leisure Participation among Adolescents with a Mild Intellectual Disability;Buttimer;J. Intellect. Disabil.,2005
5. Friendship Activities of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Supported Accommodation in Northern England;Emerson;J. Appl. Res. Int. Dis.,2004