Authors:
Scott M, Foley KR, Bourke J, Leonard H, Girdler S
Authors notes:
Disability and Rehabilitation.online:1-9
Keywords:
Employment, ICF, intellectual disability, school, transition
Abstract:
The purposes of this study were to explore what makes for a "good life" from the perspective of young adults with Down syndrome and to identify the barriers and facilitators to participation.
Analysis of the transcripts revealed four main themes: "Relationships", "Community participation", "Independence" and "Hopes for the future".
These findings highlighted the participants' desire for autonomy, particularly in the domains of living independently and employment.
Family relationships and community services were described as both facilitators and barriers to their participation.
Overall, the findings from this study revealed that the participants' life perspective was positive, with a general consensus of, "I have a good life".
This study yielded many recommendations that could be integrated into transition models of service delivery for young adults with Down syndrome as they develop from adolescence into adulthood.