Article Details

Article Details

Citation:  Carey, G.C., Miller, B.J., & Finnegan, L.A. (2021). Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on college students with intellectual disability. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 55 (3), 271-281.
Title:  Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on college students with intellectual disability
Authors:  Carey, G.C., Miller, B.J., & Finnegan, L.A.
Year:  2021
Journal/Publication:  Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:  IOS Press
DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-211162
Full text:  https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...   
Peer-reviewed?  Yes
NIDILRR-funded?  Yes

Structured abstract:

Background:  The lived experiences of adults with intellectual disability (ID) during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) need to be considered when developing and implementing support for maintaining the quality of life outcomes for this population.
Purpose:  This study was conducted to capture and analyze adults’ lived experiences with ID during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data collection and analysis:  A qualitative study with focus groups was conducted that included two groups of adults with ID; graduated (N?=?4) and enrolled (N?=?5) students from a postsecondary education (PSE) program. Questions were formulated based on societal feature areas that may be affected during unplanned historical events. Data were analyzed utilizing Vivo coding.
Findings:  Four themes (employment, daily living, social, well-being) and eleven subthemes emerged during the interviews. Participants described the impact of COVID-19, such as learning, and implementing new procedures in the workplace, taking on increased responsibilities at home, and the uncertainty of their future.
Conclusions:  Findings indicated the need for support for adults with ID to be established before unplanned events to maintain their outcomes as productive members of society. Implications include the need for increased support from immediate support systems.

Disabilities served:  Cognitive / intellectual impairment
Developmental disabilities
Populations served:  Post-secondary
Transition-age youth (14 - 24)
Adults
Transition-age students (14 - 22)
Interventions:  Vocational rehabilitation