Australians with intellectual disability share their experiences of retirement from mainstream employment

Michelle Brotherton, Roger J. Stancliffe, Nathan J. Wilson, Kate O'Loughlin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: As part of a larger study exploring the transition to retirement for people with intellectual disability from a working life in mainstream employment, this paper reports on retirement from the perspective of those who have already retired. Method: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with five Australian retirees with intellectual disability. Data were analysed using grounded theory methodology. Employment service records provided background information on participants' employment and supports. Results: Retirement occurred as the solution to ongoing problems primarily related to health. Retirement decisions were made in conjunction with family and support staff, with participants reporting varying levels of self-determination in the process, and mixed feelings about their retirement. None of the participants were participating in mainstream community groups in retirement. Conclusions: There is a need for retirement preparation for this emerging population to support self-determination in retirement-related decisions including individualized training to facilitate independent participation in mainstream social activities in retirement.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)905-916
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Volume33
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • employment
  • intellectual disability
  • people with mental disabilities
  • retirement
  • social integration

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