Positive Identity Development through Community Engagement among Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Positive Identity Development through Community Engagement among Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Language: English
Authors: Rodriquez, Jason, Gupta, Anmol, Ballard, Staci C., Siperstein, Gary N.
Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. Jul 2023 36(4):758-767.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2023
Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education (ED)
Contract Number: H380W160001
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Youth, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disabilities, Self Concept, Self Esteem, Individual Development, Community Involvement, Social Attitudes, Attitudes, Leadership Role, Research Needs
DOI: 10.1111/jar.13091
ISSN: 1360-2322
1468-3148
Abstract: Background: Identity development in individuals with disabilities is often negatively impacted by exclusion, marginalisation, and stigma. However, meaningful opportunities for community engagement can serve as one pathway towards establishing positive identity. This pathway is further examined in the present study. Methods: Researchers used a tiered, multi-method, qualitative methodology consisting of audio diaries, group interviews, and individual interviews with seven youth (ages 16-20) with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recruited through the Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassador Program. Results: Participants' identities incorporated disability while simultaneously transcending the social limits of disability. Participants viewed disability as one aspect of their broader identity, shaped by leadership and engagement experiences such as those offered by the Youth Ambassador Program. Conclusions: Findings have implications for understanding identity development in youth with disabilities, the importance of community engagement and structured leadership opportunities, and the value of tailoring qualitative methodologies to the subject of the research.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1379834
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Background: Identity development in individuals with disabilities is often negatively impacted by exclusion, marginalisation, and stigma. However, meaningful opportunities for community engagement can serve as one pathway towards establishing positive identity. This pathway is further examined in the present study. Methods: Researchers used a tiered, multi-method, qualitative methodology consisting of audio diaries, group interviews, and individual interviews with seven youth (ages 16-20) with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recruited through the Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassador Program. Results: Participants' identities incorporated disability while simultaneously transcending the social limits of disability. Participants viewed disability as one aspect of their broader identity, shaped by leadership and engagement experiences such as those offered by the Youth Ambassador Program. Conclusions: Findings have implications for understanding identity development in youth with disabilities, the importance of community engagement and structured leadership opportunities, and the value of tailoring qualitative methodologies to the subject of the research.
ISSN:1360-2322
1468-3148
DOI:10.1111/jar.13091