Date Approved
12-30-2023
Embargo Period
3-12-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Special Education
College
College of Education
Advisor
Amy Accardo, Ed.D.
Committee Member 1
Brent C. Elder, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
Sarah Ferguson, Ph.D.
Keywords
Choice-Making, Direct Support Professionals, Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Preference Utilization, Social Inclusion, Supervised Apartments
Subject(s)
Social work for people with mental disabilities
Disciplines
Special Education and Teaching
Abstract
This dissertation investigates the efficacy of choice and preference as drivers for social and community inclusion among individuals with intellectual disabilities living in supervised apartments. The study unfolds through three distinct stages: Phase 1 - Quantitative, Phase 2 - Qualitative, and Phase 3 - Focus Group Discussions. In the Quantitative Phase, data collection is conducted to lay the foundation for the subsequent Qualitative interviews in Phase 2, which further inform the Focus Group Discussions in Phase 3. The research findings underscore the significance of environmental opportunities and support in facilitating increased social and community inclusion activities among individuals with intellectual disabilities in supervised apartments. These findings hold promise for the development of training strategies for direct support professionals and provide valuable insights for policymakers to allocate resources effectively for the management of supervised apartments. Ultimately, this study contributes to advancing the quality of life and autonomy of individuals with intellectual disabilities by emphasizing the pivotal role of choice and preference in fostering social and community inclusion.
Recommended Citation
Payne, Mbuh Godwill, "AN INQUIRY ON THE EFFICACY OF CHOICE AND PREFERENCE AS CATALYSTS FOR THE SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY INCLUSION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES: A TRANSFORMATIVE MIXED-METHODS STUDY" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 3199.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3199
