Identifying the Problems of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Developing Recommendations

Purpose of the studyThe purpose of this study is to identify the challenges faced by adults with intellectual disabilities and develop recommendations to address these issues. In line with this main objective, the study aims to achieve the following sub-goals:1) What challenges do adults with intellectual disabilities face after graduating from school?2) What difficulties do adults with intellectual disabilities encounter in relation to employment?3) What problems do adults with intellectual disabilities experience in utilizing their free time?4) What are the challenges faced by adults with intellectual disabilities regarding social support and friendships?5) What are the expectations of families of adults with intellectual disabilities from the government?MethodologyThis study is designed using the phenomenology approach, one of the qualitative research methods. The phenomenological design focuses on phenomena that we are aware of but do not have detailed and in-depth knowledge about. These phenomena may appear in our daily lives as events, experiences, tendencies, attitudes, judgments, perceptions, and concepts. In phenomenological research, data sources consist of individuals who have experienced the relevant event/phenomenon and can convey or describe their experiences (Yıldırım & Şimşek, 2021).In the study, the semi-structured interview technique, one of the qualitative data collection methods, was used. Through this technique, semi-structured interview sessions were conducted with the families of adults with intellectual disabilities. These interviews were carried out as one-on-one sessions between the researcher and the parents. Since the use of a voice recorder was not approved by the institution, the data obtained during the interviews were recorded directly in written form by the researcher.Validity and reliabilityIn this study, certain measures were taken to ensure the validity and reliability of the data. In qualitative research, reliability is linked to the consistency of the research process. To ensure reliability, various precautions can be applied, such as formulating research questions clearly and comprehensibly, defining the researcher’s role explicitly, and ensuring consistency in coding (Miles & Huberman, 1994, p. 278). In this study, detailed explanations regarding the conceptual framework and research process were provided to enhance the external reliability (verifiability) of the data. To improve internal reliability (consistency), data analysis was conducted based on a predefined and well-defined conceptual framework. The research questions were clearly formulated. Additionally, the data obtained from the interviews were independently coded by two different coders, and the inter-coder agreement rate was calculated. According to Miles and Huberman (1994), an agreement rate of 70% between coders is considered sufficient for reliability. As a result of the calculations, the inter-coder agreement rate was found to be 86%, indicating that the coding process was sufficiently reliable. In qualitative research, internal validity concerns the meaningfulness and credibility of the findings, while external validity refers to the extent to which the findings are consistent with other situations and can be generalized (Miles & Huberman, 1994). To enhance the internal validity (credibility) of the data in this study, the researcher continuously reviewed the consistency and coherence of the findings.ParticipantsA total of 51 parents participated in this study, representing 35 male and 16 female adult individuals with intellectual disabilities, ranging in age from 18 to 54 years. The participants consisted of 35 mothers, 6 fathers, and 6 siblings.Data collection toolsIn this study, a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher was used as the data collection method. Through this form, 16 questions were directed to the parents.Data analysisThe collected data were analyzed using the deductive analysis method. According to this method, the obtained data were organized within the framework of themes determined based on the research question and sub-questions. The main objective is to present the collected data as structured and interpreted findings for the reader. In this analysis, direct quotations are frequently included to effectively convey the participants' perspectives. Deductive analysis consists of four fundamental stages:The four fundamental stages of deductive analysis are as follows (Yıldırım & Şimşek, 2021):l Establishing a framework for analysisl Coding the datal Describing the findingsl Interpreting the findingsIn this study, the analysis process followed these steps: Developing a thematic framework based on the conceptual framework and interview questions. Organizing the collected data in a meaningful structure according to this framework. Conducting content analysis, where: Main themes were identified. Data was reviewed in detail, and codes were determined. Sub-themes were created based on these codes. The data was systematically reorganized and described based on the identified themes, sub-themes, and codes. Additionally, the frequency and percentage of each code within sub-themes were calculated and presented in tables. To ensure an accurate and comprehensive representation of participants' perspectives, the findings were supported with direct quotations from the interviews.Ethical MeasuresThis research was conducted with the parents of adults with intellectual disabilities who were enrolled at the Düzce Barrier-Free Living Center. To ensure ethical compliance, written official permission was obtained from the Düzce Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services to carry out the study at the center. Additionally, ethical approval was granted by the Düzce University Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee.Additionally, participation in the research was based on voluntary consent, and participants were informed that they had the right to withdraw at any stage of the study if they wished. The collected data has been reviewed and stored solely by the researcher and will not be shared with third parties.