Family relationships and support for self-determination : the lived experience of adults with intellectual disabilities

Aim: Australia has incorporated self-determination principles into current disability policies, focussing on individualised, person-centred support with the expectation that individuals with disability, together with their family, will experience increased choice and control. While the relationship between an individual with disability and their family is frequently referred to, there is limited research on understanding this relationship. This presentation will explore the lived experience of family relationships and support for self-determination from the perspective of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Method: Semi-structured interviews with eight adults with ID were conducted on two occasions. An interpretative phenomenological approach to analysis was used to understand the meaning individuals give to their experiences. Results: Emerging themes concerning connection to family, support received, experiences around self-determination, and challenges faced will be presented using participant quotes to illustrate and support the analysis. Conclusions: An understanding of individuals' experience of family, and the meaning this has for them, is essential to understanding the context within which increased choice and control is being attempted.