1. Community Involvement of Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Inclusion in Work, Recreation, and Leisure Activities Sarah A. Hall, Ph.D. Ashland University sahall@ashland.edu

2. Research Problem People with ID experience limited community involvement Face discrimination Limited activities Segregated Lack of research Limited to local contexts Perspectives of people with ID

3. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the community involvement of young adults with intellectual disabilities and to identify factors that limit or enhance their involvement in work, recreation, and leisure activities.

4. Data Collection Phenomenology to understand lived experiences & give voice Purposeful sampling Service provider & legal guardian permission Informed consent- initial & ongoing Interview procedures

5. Data Analysis Coding Select relevant statements Collapse into meaning units Reduce to themes Validation Assessing the accuracy of the findings Member checking & clarifying researcher bias

6. Findings Themes – Describe various contexts & perspectives of common experiences 1) Work & Day Programs 2) Volunteer & Leadership Positions 3) Recreation 4) Leisure Activities 5) Assistance & Accommodations 6) Acceptance & Social Interactions

7. Work & Day Programs Usually Im there for so little a time that I dont get a break. Ive never really hung out with them outside of work. I kind of wanted not to be a dishwasher all my life. I wanted to help little kids. I just dont like being here, all that screaming and yelling.

8. Volunteer & Leadership Positions Ex: animal shelter, nursing homes, church, DD council, safety committee I am a good leader and a good speaker. They have a right to get out there and sit on a board and have their voice heard.

9. Recreation They say its too dangerous for people with disabilities. Im a long distance runner, one of the few. I like to stay pretty physically active…It helps me stay more confident about myself.

10. Church & Leisure Activities I would never miss church. My staff took me to the State Fair. I have to go on the big rides. Its just that adrenalin rush. Weve already went out on one date before. My activities are somewhat limited.

11. Assistance & Accommodations [Job coaches] help me with job skills and help me find the right employment for me so I can be successful. We have a van that we take, but we have to schedule it in advance. Mom drives because I dont have a license.

12. Acceptance A lot of people treat me as if Im a normal person. You dont have that fear of someone trying to judge you. People call me names. Theyll act like they dont know us or they dont want to know us.

13. Social Interactions I consider him staff and a friend at the same time. I just only talk to them and they talk to me and thats it. The little piece of Autism I have gives me an advantage to the point that I can relate to people [with and without disabilities].

14. Implications Enhance social competencies Increase work hours & positive interactions Increase involvement in generic activities Range of supports / natural supports Facilitate unstructured activities Additional transportation options Proximity of housing to community amenities Facilitate interactions with coworkers & other community members

15. Limitations & Future Research Qualitative Limitations Number of participants Context of the study Future Research Community involvement of people with significant disabilities Community involvement in rural or urban settings Focus on one element of community involvement

16. Community Involvement of Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Inclusion in Work, Recreation, and Leisure Activities Sarah A. Hall, Ph.D. Ashland University sahall@ashland.edu