The experiences of people with intellectual disabilities living in Ukraine during the first months of the Russian invasion: A lack of fulfilment of basic necessities and support and uncertainty towards reforms

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the situation of people with intellectual disabilities and their families during the first three months of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Utilising a snowball sampling procedure, five participants were recruited to participate in this descriptive qualitative study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Five overarching themes emerged from the data: 1) The physical and mental well-being of people with intellectual disabilities was threatened due to a lack of fulfilment of basic needs; 2) People with intellectual disabilities experienced difficulties in finding safety within air-raid shelters; 3) People with intellectual disabilities and their families could only flee the country with help and support; 4) Creative solutions were developed to help keep in touch with and support people with intellectual disabilities and their families; and 5) Fear regarding the quality of life of and support for people with intellectual disabilities in the near future.