Effectiveness of independent life education program in preparing young adults with intellectual disability for employment

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an independent life education program designed for young adults with intellectual disability (YAID) to inform, support them and be prepared adult and employment life according to their needs. In this direction, the needs of the YAIDs' were determined at the first phase, Pre-Employment Independent Life Education Program (PILEP) was designed according to needs at the second phase, and the PILEP's effectiveness and social validty were examined at the third phase. In the study, the advance mixed method were used. Needs determied at the qualitative and effectiveness of the PILEP examined at the quantitative stage. The PILEP was designed according to Taba-Tyler program design model at the second phase. Ten YAIDs, 10 parents, 10 teachers, and 10 employers participated at the qualitative stage of the study. Thirty YAIDs (15 of them were assigned in experimental group, 15 of them were assigned in control group) whose age ranged from 20-38 participated at the quantitative stage of the study. Findings of the study indicated that during the stage of preparing adult and employment life, the YAIDs need to be supported on the following topics as; personal care and hygiene, self determination, interpersonal relationships, rules of community life, employability skills, health, safety, and sexuality education. The PILEP consisted of three modules as: (1) Personal Care and Hygiene, (2) Preparation to Community Life, and (3) Health and Safety. Significant difference (p<.05; ηp2=0.94) was found between experimental group and control group with high effect size. Social validity data showed that the YAIDs', their parents, teachers, employers, and staff had positive views about implementation and its results.