Social Inclusion of Adults with a Light Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Problem: How do adults with a light intellectual disability manifest social inclusion? Method: qualitative research conducted by means od in-depth interview. The empirical material was interpreted by using the assumptions of the hermeneutical-phenomenological perspective. The research involved 15 adults with a light intellectual disability aged 23-37 from Poland. Results: The subjects have acces to health care, use public transport when needed and are familiar with digital technology and electronic banking services. Those, who are not well acquainted with electronic media use debit card. Participation in cultural events is not always well accessed by people with intellectual disability. The respondents are not exposed to social exclusion due to their economic standing. Those, who are not professionally active are offered institutional support when it is necessary. Conlusion: Light intellectual disability, in case of the group of people subject to the tests performed, does not constitute a factor limiting social incusion. Adequate cognitive resources possessed by the respondents as well as social roles they play supports their blending into the community of people without disabilities.