(424)INDEPENDENT LIVING AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY: THE PERSPECTIVE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY IN GREECE

摘要

Independent living and interpersonal relations, consist two major issues, which are directly associatedwith the concept of quality of life of individuals with intellectual disability, especially during thetransition to adult life. The main goal of the present study is to examine individuals' views andperspectives about independent living and interpersonal relationships in an effort to hear their voicesand identify their needs. The research method used was a questionnaire, divided in two sections: (a)interpersonal relationships (IR), and (b)independent living (IL). Participants were 44 individuals withintellectual disability, from special education units in Greece. The results have shown that individualswith intellectual disability (a)lack of independent living skills, (b)face limited chances forindependence, and that (c)social isolation and insufficient quality of life are being enhanced by poorinterpersonal relationships. The strong dependence on family, the inadequate educational programsfor IL and IR skills, the under development of friendly relations, the friendship sources and therelationships of family members are some of the issues which emerged from the study.