“We would like them to accompany us in our decisions”. Some issues that concern adults with intellectual disability

Abstract

This article presents the main results of a qualitative research that aims to explore the subjective experience of 16 people with intellectual disability around different vital spheres such as training, work, housing, relationships, or family. Data collection is carried out through semi-structured and in-depth interviews. The research process pays special attention to the ethical aspects that are explicitly shown as key elements in the decision-making process. Thus, we have access to the personal statements of the participants for further analysis. The results are organized around four topics that make visible the circumstances that currently surround some adults with intellectual disabilities due to this statements are recurrent in their stories. Issues such as the pressure of the economic crisis, the distance between desires and plans, always in preparation and the status of “citizen amputee” are addressed. The discussion of results reflects the social and political changes of recent years. However, all the participants identify some obstacles that make independent living or starting a family are still difficult illusions to materialize.

Keywords

• discapacidad intelectual
• ciudadanía
• control social
• investigación inclusiva
• apoyos personales y sociales.