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Older women with intellectual disabilities: overcoming barriers to autonomy
- Authors:
- STRNADOVA Iva, EVANS David
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 12(1), 2015, pp.12-19.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study aimed to identify factors both limiting and contributing to a perception of autonomy held by older-aged women with intellectual disabilities. A total of 55 older women with intellectual disabilities resident in New South Wales (Australia) and Czech Republic (Europe) took part in the study. The women were recruited via support groups, employment agencies for persons with disabilities, day centres, sheltered workshops, self-advocacy groups, and nongovernmental organizations. The women were interviewed and the data from the interviews were analysed following a grounded theory approach. The study identified two factors with potential to limit autonomy of women with intellectual disabilities: (1) intra-individual factors (e.g., health issues); and (2) environmental factors (e.g., living arrangements, finances). Drawing on responses from the women, the authors propose factors that may have a potential to strengthen autonomy among these women. The implications of the findings were reviewed and it is suggested that families and service providers should be made aware of ways to support autonomy of older women with intellectual disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Subjective quality of life of women with intellectual disabilities: the role of perceived control over their own life in self-determined behaviour
- Authors:
- STRNADOVA Iva, EVANS David
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 25(1), January 2012, pp.71-79.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Using participants recruited in Australia and the Czech Republic, this study examined the subjective perception of quality of life in adult women with intellectual disabilities, the level of self determination shown, and the barriers to self-determination. Women aged 40 years or older with intellectual disabilities were recruited through agencies for people with intellectual disabilities in Sydney (28 women) and Prague (27 women). Semi-structured interviews were carried out, transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach. The strongest theme identified in the interviews was the lack of control participants perceived they had over their lives. The article discusses the findings, with examples from the interviews, including causes of women experiencing reduced or lack of control over their own lives and strategies to gain control over their lives.