Self-determination experiences of adolescents with mildintellectual disability: A phenomenological study

Self-determination refers to the right of persons with disabilities to be the causal agents in their own lives and their actions based on knowledge, skills and beliefs on this direction. In Turkey, self-determination has not yet been sufficiently addressed in the fields of disability studies, special education, and social services. Based on this need, this study aims to reveal self-determination experiences and perceptions of young people with mild intellectual disabilities. The study has a qualitative method and phenomenological design. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with eight young people with mild intellectual disability who attend three different special education vocational schools in Istanbul. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA Qualitative Data Analysis Program. Four main themes emerged: Self-determination as a Concept Outside Personal Experience, Autonomy as a Non-Negotiable Issue, Awareness of Self and Life Possibilities, and Self-determination in School Experiences. Participant experiences were interpreted within the framework of individual and contextual factors. The results showed that young people do not have a developed perception and understanding of the concepts related to self-determination; they lack self-determination opportunities in personal, social, and educational domains; and they do not experience self-determination sufficiently.