Personal Factors, Living Environments, and Specialized Supports: Their Role in the Self-Determination of People with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

The self-determination of people with disabilities, and specifically people with intellectual disabilities (ID), is a growing issue due to its relevance in the field of inclusion and human rights. Although research has shown a significant relationship between self-determination and intelligence, other factors also contribute to its development. The purpose of this study was to understand what other variables may be influencing self-determination. Using the scores from 483 adolescents and adults with ID who completed the AUTODDIS scale, we performed inferential and regression analyses to determine the relationships between levels of self-determination, personal variables (sex, age, severity of ID), and contextual variables (living environment, specialized supports). We found that self-determination is affected by the severity of ID, and when this variable is controlled for, greater self-determination is mainly related to receiving occupational support and support for autonomy and independent living. Results also showed that, together with ID severity, occupational and psychoeducational support, as well as support for autonomy and independent living, were also predictors of the level of self-determination. In conclusion, this study confirms the importance of contextual variables in the development of self-determination in people with ID, placing the focus of intervention on social opportunities.

The Mediating Role of Self-Determination in the Relationship Between Assistive Technology and Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities in Saudi Arabia

“…These interventions focus on components such as choice-making, independence, and problem-solving and include elements such as technology, training packages, and changes in policies and living arrangements (Kuld et al, 2023). Additionally, contextual variables such as living Journal of Disability Research 2024 environment and specialized supports play a significant role in the development of SD in individuals with IDs (Canlas et al, 2023;Vicente et al, 2023). Overall, the use of AT and the implementation of interventions can contribute to enhancing the SD of individuals with disabilities.…”