Advancing in self-determination: study on the self-perceptions of adults with intellectual disabilities from an inclusive research perspective

Self-determination has become the key construct to ensure the development of skills that allow people with disabilities to gain control over their lives. This study, from an inclusive research paradigm, seeks to assess the self-perceptions about self-determination of 122 adults with intellectual disabilities in Chile. The data of this research have been collected through an ad hoc questionnaire in online software format and a semi-structured interview. The main results show how the participants have low levels of self-determination. The development of competencies related to self-defense or self-instruction are greatly diminished unlike other skills such as decision making or problem solving. From these evidences it is discussed how the challenges that these people face during their adulthood (relocation of the place of residence, aging, etc.) demand new strategies that guide the work on self-determination. In addition, the development of inclusive research involving the real participation of people with intellectual disabilities is recognized as an important element for the promotion of self-determination.