Independent Living Needs of Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the independent living needs of young adults with intellectual
disability (YAID) in preparing for adulthood and work life. This study was conducted using the
phenomenological design, which is one of the qualitative research methods. 10 YAIDs were observed,
their skills were evaluated, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 30 individuals
consisting of 10 individuals from each group, with their parents, employers, and teachers regarding the
employment education course. The results of the study indicated that YAIDs had difficulties in
independent living skills and adaptation to work rather than employment skills while preparing for
adulthood and work life and that those difficulties were mostly due to the lack of knowledge and skills.
It was revealed that the needs of YAIDs in preparing for work life were primarily personal care and
hygiene, interpersonal skills and self-determination, employability skills, sexual education, and safety
skills.