The importance of dignity and choice for people assessed as having intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Individuals assessed as having an intellectual disability often spend a significant amount of time in day treatment/day habilitation programs after they graduate from school. The quality of these programs varies widely and is not federally legislated. The purpose of the current study is both to explore factors that lead to higher satisfaction for participants in these programs and to better understand what participants want in a program. Using a grounded theory approach, researchers interviewed 25 participants, staff, and family members in focus group settings to collect qualitative data. Interviews focused on what worked and what could be improved at a program located in Western New York. Using the constant comparative method, themes emerged from the data that pointed to the importance of dignity and choice in a day program to facilitate empowerment, higher levels of satisfaction and self-confidence.