Autonomy and People with Intellectual Disabilities Who Require More Intensive Support

Guðrún Stefánsdóttir; Kristín Björnsdóttir; Ástríður Stefánsdóttir

doi:10.16993/sjdr.21

Autonomy and People with Intellectual Disabilities Who Require More Intensive Support

Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research

Volume 20 (2018): Issue 1

By: Guðrún Stefánsdóttir, Kristín Björnsdóttir and Ástríður Stefánsdóttir

Open Access

|Mar 2018

Abstract

In this article we explore the personal autonomy of people with intellectual disabilities who require more intensive support. The authors draw on qualitative research in Iceland carried out in the homes of 24 individuals. It is demonstrated how their personal autonomy can be defined, evaluated and enhanced in their daily lives. The conclusions show that to be able to respect personal autonomy of the participants those who support them need to view them as socially embedded, where personal autonomy is formed in relation to other people. To do that we refer to the idea of relational autonomy with support, advocacy and enablement being regarded as key elements for personal autonomy to flourish. By using this approach it is possible to note a positive change regarding respect for the personal autonomy of people with intellectual disabilities who require more intensive support. Considerable advances can still be made, however, in enhancing personal autonomy in their daily lives.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.16993/sjdr.21 | Journal eISSN: 1745-3011

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Language: English

Page range: 162 - 171

Submitted on: Apr 24, 2017

Accepted on: Oct 30, 2017

Published on: Mar 13, 2018

Published by: Stockholm University Press

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

autonomy,

homes,

private life,

people with intellectual disabilities who require more intensive support

© 2018 Guðrún Stefánsdóttir, Kristín Björnsdóttir, Ástríður Stefánsdóttir, published by Stockholm University Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 20 (2018): Issue 1