Disability day programs for people with intellectual disability: Characteristics and long-term perspectives

Abstract

There is limited knowledge regarding people with intellectual disability and their occupations in Sweden. The aim of the study was to examine young adults with intellectual disability who after secondary school participate in disability day programs (daily activity), with a focus on characteristics and longitudinal analyses of movements between occupations. The study used a national register of 26,908 people with intellectual disability, of which 13,128 individuals (48.8%) participated in daily activity. The group had slightly more men than women, many had attended individual programs in school, and significant associations were found between background factors and participating in daily activity. Proportions in daily activity remained stable over time; however, some individuals transitioned to employment or no known occupation. The study presents national and longitudinal understanding, highlighting the dominance of daily activity as an occupation. Further research is needed to increase knowledge on meaningful occupations for people with intellectual disability.