Self-determination of adults with intellectual disabilities

Samoodređenje čini skup veština, znanja i uverenja koja omogućavaju pojedincu da samostalno usmeri svoje ponašanje ka željenom cilju. Poslednjih nekoliko decenija u literaturi je primetno povećano interesovanje za samoodređenje osoba sa intelektualnom ometenošću, koje se smatra značajnim aspektom kvaliteta života. Uprkos tome, u našoj sredini gotovo da ne postoje istraživanja u čijem su fokusu nivo, profil ili činioci samoodređenja osoba sa intelektualnom ometenošću.Iz navedenih razloga, ciljevi ovog istraživanja odnosili su se na utvrđivanje nivoa samoodređenja kod odraslih osoba sa intelektualnom ometenošću i povezanosti između dostignutog nivoa samoodređenja, sa jedne strane, i odabranih socio-demografskih činilaca, ličnih karakteristika ispitanika i faktora okruženja, sa druge strane.Uzorkom istraživanja obuhvaćeno je ukupno 128 odraslih osoba sa lakom intelektualnom ometenošću i umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću, oba pola, starosti od 21,23 do 57,89 godina (AS=33,77; SD=9,27). Prema tipu stanovanja, uzorak je podeljen u tri grupe: ispitanike koji stanuju u svojim primarnim porodicama (N=46), ispitanike koji stanuju u institucijama stacionarnog tipa (N=40) i ispitanike obuhvaćene programom stanovanja uz podršku (N=42).Podaci o kontrolnim varijablama prikupljeni su putem demografskog upitnika, konstruisanog za potrebe ovog istraživanja. Za dobijanje podataka koji se odnose na nezavisne varijable upotrebljeni su: zadaci za procenu bazičnih mehanizama egzekutivnih funkcija (radne memorije, inhibitorne kontrole i kognitivne fleksibilnosti), tri supskale Vinelandove skale za procenu socijalnih veština (Sparrow, Cicchetti & Balla, 2006), Upitnik o vršenju izbora (The Choice Questionnaire; Stancliff & Parmenter, 1999) i set kriterijuma za utvrđivanje težine deficita u adaptivnom funkcionisanju (APA, 2013). Informacije koje su se odnosile na zavisnu varijablu prikupljene su primenom Skale samoodređenja (The Arc’s Self-determination Scale; Wehmeyer & Kelchner, 1995).Dobijeni rezultati pokazuju prisustvo određenih specifičnosti u profilu samoodređenja osoba sa lakom intelektualnom ometenošću i umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću, koje su ispoljene kroz razlike u nivou razvijenosti pojedinih komponenti samoodređenja (autonomije, samoregulacije, psihološke osnaženosti i samorealizacije).Ispitanici sa lakom intelektualnom ometenošću imaju značajno viši ukupan nivo samoodređenja (r=0,000), kao i nivo autonomije (r=0,002) i samoregulacije (r=0,000), u odnosu na ispitanike sa umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću, nezavisno od tipa stanovanja. Razlike u odnosu na pol utvrđene su samo u domenu autonomije (r=0,014), u korist ispitanica, dok su razlike u odnosu na starosnu dob utvrđene na nivou autonomije (r=0,031) i ukupnog samoodređenja (r=0,039), u korist starijih ispitanika. Stanovanje uz podršku je najpodsticajnije okruženje za razvoj samoodređenja, budući da ispitanici uključeni u ovaj program stanovanja imaju viši nivo samoodređenja, u odnosu na one koji stanuju u svojim primarnim porodicama (r=0,000) ili u institucijama stacionarnog tipa (r=0,000).Rezultati našeg istraživanja ukazuju na to da je nivo samoodređenja osoba sa intelektualnom ometenošću značajno pozitivno povezan sa sledećim faktorima: nivoom socijalnih veština (r=0,000), kvalitetom slobodnog vremena (r=0,000), nivoom adaptivnog funkcionisanja (r=0,000) i bolje razvijenim egzekutivnim funkcijama – radnom memorijom (r=0,000), inhibitornom kontrolom (r=0,000) i kognitivnom fleksibilnošću (r=0,000). U grupi od 11 personalnih i sredinskih faktora, uključenih u analizu, identifikovana su četiri faktora koji imaju značajan pojedinačni prediktivni doprinos nivou razvijenosti samoodređenja osoba sa intelektualnom ometenošću: dostupnost izbora (r=0,000), tip stanovanja (r=0,000), nivo adaptivnog funkcionisanja (r=0,017) i kvalitet radne memorije ispitanika (r=0,026). Prediktivna vrednost dostupnosti prilika za vršenje izbora upadljivo je viša u odnosu na ostale identifikovane prediktore.Na osnovu rezultata našeg istraživanja, može se zaključiti da je za unapređenje samoodređenja neophodno podsticati razvoj određenih sposobnosti i kompetencija same osobe sa intelektualnom ometenošću, ali i obezbediti optimalne sredinske uslove. Imajući u vidu da smo utvrdili da veći uticaj na nivo samoodređenja imaju spoljašnji faktori, naši rezultati su ohrabrujući u pogledu mogućnosti za razvijanje samoodređenja osoba sa intelektualnom ometenošću u odraslom dobu.Self-determination represents a set of skills, knowledge and beliefs that enable individuals to self-direct their behaviour towards the desired goal. Over the last several decades, in scientific literature, there has been a markedly increased interest in the self-determination of persons with intellectual disabilities, which is considered to be a significant aspect of the quality of life. Regardless of that fact, there had been hardly any studies focusing on the level, profile or factors of self-determination of persons with intellectual disabilities in our surroundings.For the above reasons, the goals of this research were to establish the level of self-determination in adults with intellectual disabilities and the relationship between the achieved level of self-determination, on the one hand, and the selected socio-demographic factors, personal characteristics of respondents and environmental factors, on the other.The research sample included a total of 128 adults with mild intellectual disability and moderate intellectual disability, of both sexes, aged 21.23 to 57.89 years (M=33.77; SD=9.27). When it comes to the types of housing, the sample was divided into three groups: respondents residing in their primary families (N=46); respondents residing in residential institutions (N=40) and respondents included in the assisted housing program (N=42).Data on the control variables were collected by using a demographic questionnaire, constructed for the purposes of this research. Data related to the independent variables were collected by using the following instruments: tasks for the assessment of the basic mechanisms of executive functions (working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility), three subscales of the Vineland scale for the assessment of social skills (Sparrow, Cicchetti & Balla, 2006), the Choice Questionnaire (Stancliff & Parmenter, 1999), and a set of criteria for determining the severity of deficits in adaptive functioning (APA, 2013). Information related to the dependent variable was collected by using the Arc’s Self-Determination Scale (Wehmeyer & Kelchner, 1995).The obtained results have shown the presence of certain specificities in the profile of self-determination of persons with mild intellectual disability and moderate intellectual disability, expressed through the differences in the level of development of individual components of self-determination (autonomy, self-regulation, psychological empowerment and self-realization). Respondents with mild intellectual disability have shown a significantly higher overall level of self-determination (p=0.000), as well as autonomy (p=0.002) and self-regulation (p=0.000), compared to respondents with moderate intellectual disability, regardless of the type of housing. Genderdifferences were found only in the domain of autonomy (p=0.014), in favour of the female respondents, while differences in relation to age were determined in the level of autonomy (p=0.031) and overall self-determination (p=0.039), in favour of older respondents. Assisted housing was proven to be the most conducive environment for the development of self-determination, given that respondents included in this housing program had a higher level of self-determination, compared to those residing in their primary families (p=0.000) or residential institutions (p=0.000).The results of this research indicate that the level of self-determination of persons with intellectual disabilities is significantly positively related to the following factors: level of social skills (p=0.000), quality of leisure time (p=0.000), level of adaptive functioning (p=0.000) and better developed executive functions – working memory (p=0.000), inhibitory control (p=0.000) and cognitive flexibility (p=0.000). In a group of 11 personal and environmental factors included in the analysis, four factors were identified as having a significant individual predictive contribution to the level of development of self-determination of people with intellectual disabilities: availability of choice (p=0.000), type of housing (p=0.000), level of adaptive functioning (p=0.017), and quality of working memory (p=0.026) of the respondents. The predictive value of the availability of choice was strikingly higher compared to the other identified predictors.Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that, to improve self-determination, it is necessary to encourage the development of certain abilities and competencies of the very person with intellectual disability, but also to provide optimal environmental conditions. Considering that it has been shown that external factors have a greater impact on the level of self-determination, these results are encouraging when it comes to the potential for the development of self-determination of persons with intellectual disabilities in adulthood

Relationship between motor abilities and severity autism spectrum disorder

Prema nalazima u literaturi, motoričke sposobnosti dece sa poremećajem autističkog spektra uglavnom odstupaju od uzrasnih očekivanja i sve češće se dovode u vezu sa govorno-jezičkim i socijalnim razvojem i adaptivnim ponašanjem. Cilj istraživanja bio je da se utvrdi odnos nivoa razvoja finih i grubih motoričkih sposobnosti i težine autizma kod dece sa poremećajem autističkog spektra. Uzorkom je obuhvaćeno tridesetoro dece sa poremećajem autističkog spektra i pridruženom intelektualnom ometenošću, uzrasta od sedam do devetnaest godina (AS=11,97; SD=3,70). Procena je realizovana primenom Pibodi skale motoričkog razvoja, Vineland skale adaptivnog ponašanja i kriterijuma za opis nivoa težine poremećaja autističkog spektra (APA, 2013). Rezultati su pokazali da motoričke sposobnosti naših ispitanika značajno koreliraju sa socijalnom komunikacijom (Pibodi fina motorika r=-0,452; p=0,012; Vineland fina motorika r=-0,511; p=0,004; Vineland ukupno r=-0,391; p=0,032) i ograničenim, repetitivnim ponašanjima (Pibodi fina motorika r=-0,383; p=0,037; Vineland fina motorika r=-0,433; p=0,017; Vineland ukupno r=-0,371; p=0,044). Niži stepen autističke simptomatologije povezan je sa boljim motoričkim postignućima. Potrebno je posvetiti više pažnje proceni i tretmanu motoričkih sposobnosti dece sa poremećajem autističkog spektra, s obzirom na utvrđeno zaostajanje u razvoju ovih sposobnosti, a imajući u vidu njihovu povezanost sa težinom simptoma autističkog poremećaja. Blagovremeno prepoznavanje motoričkih poremećaja omogućilo bi primenu ranog tretmana i potencijalno vodilo boljim rezultatima, u odnosu na kasnije uključivanje u interventne programe.According to the findings in literature, motor skills of children with autism spectrum disorders generally differ from age expectations and are increasingly being associated with speech and language and social development, and adaptive behavior. The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between the development level of fine and gross motor skills and autism severity of children with autism spectrum disorder. The sample included 30 children with autism spectrum disorder and associated intellectual disability, seven to 19 years of age (M=11.97; SD=3.70). The assessment was conducted using the Peabody Motor Development Scale, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, and the criteria for describing the level of severity of autism spectrum disorder (APA, 2013). The results have shown that participants` motor skills significantly correlate with social communication (Peabody fine motor skills r=- 0.452; p=0.012; Vineland fine motor skills r=-0.511; p=0.004; Vineland total r=-0.391; p=0.032) and restricted, repetitive behaviors (Peabody fine motor skills r=-0.383; p=0.037; Vineland fine motor skills r=- 0.433; p=0.017; Vineland total r=-0.371; p=0.044). Lower level of autistic symptomatology is associated with higher motor achievements. It is necessary to pay more attention to the assessment and treatment of motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder, given the established delay in the development of these skills, and bearing in mind their relationship with the severity of the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Timely identification of motor disorders would allow the use of early treatment and potentially lead to better results, compared to later inclusion in intervention programs

Theory of mind and problem behavior in people with intellectual disability

Introduction. Behavioral problems are more common in people with intellectual disability than in typical population and present an obstacle to their adaptive functioning and social inclusion. Since adjusted social behavior requires, among other things, an adequate understanding and interpretation of thoughts and behavior of others, theory of mind could be one of the factors of adjusted behavior and behavioral problems in people with intellectual disability. Objective. The aim of this paper is to single out the research in which the issue of the relationship between the ability of theory of mind and behavioral problems of people with intellectual disabilities has been addressed, through a literature review. Methods. Insight into the available literature was performed by searching the electronic databases that are available through the services of the Serbian Library Consortium for Coordinated Acquisition - KOBSON, as well as through Google Scholar and Research Gate. Results. Based on the analyzed research results, it can be concluded that there is a negative correlation between theory of mind and behavioral problems, both in children and in adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities. While some studies have found a direct link between theory of mind and behavioral problems, others have found that this link is indirect, whereby the role of intermediaries tend to have executive functions, social acceptance, quality of parental interaction and resilience. Conclusion. Since the results of several studies suggest that more advanced theory of mind enables more successful social interactions and more adjusted behavior, it is necessary to enrich the education of people with intellectual disability with contents related to understanding thoughts, emotions, desires and intentions, as one of the elements of approach to treatment, in order to prevent problematic behaviors.Problemi u ponašanju kod osoba s intelektualnom ometenošću prisutni su češće nego kod osoba tipične populacije i predstavljaju prepreku njihovom adaptivnom funkcionisanju i društvenoj uključenosti. Budući da je za prilagođeno socijalno ponašanje potrebno, između ostalog, adekvatno razumevanje i tumačenje misli i ponašanja drugih osoba, teorija uma mogla bi biti jedan od faktora prilagođenog ponašanja i problema u ponašanju osoba s intelektualnom ometenošću. Cilj: Cilj ovog rada je da se pregledom literature izdvoje istraživanja u kojima je obrađivana problematika odnosa između sposobnosti teorije uma i problema u ponašanju osoba s intelektualnom ometenošću. Metode: Uvid u dostupnu literaturu izvršen je pretraživanjem elektronskih baza podataka koje su dostupne preko servisa Konzorcijuma biblioteka Srbije za objedinjenu nabavku - KOBSON, kao i pretragama preko pretraživača Google Scholar i Research Gate. Rezultati: Na osnovu analiziranih rezultata istraživanja može se zaključiti da postoji negativna korelacija između sposobnosti teorije uma i problema u ponašanju, kako kod dece, tako i kod adolescenata i odraslih osoba s intelektualnom ometenošću. Dok je u nekim istraživanjima utvrđena direktna povezanost između sposobnosti teorije uma i problema u ponašanju, u drugim istraživanjima je utvrđeno da je ta povezanost posredna, pri čemu ulogu posrednika uglavnom imaju egzekutivne funkcije, socijalna prihvaćenost, kvalitet interakcije s roditeljima i rezilijentnost. Zaključak: Budući da rezultati više studija sugerišu da naprednija teorija uma omogućava uspešnije socijalne interakcije i prilagođenije ponašanje, potrebno je edukaciju osoba s intelektualnom ometenošću obogatiti sadržajima koji se odnose na razumevanje misli, emocija, želja i namera, kao jedan od elemenata pristupa tretmanu, u cilju preveniranja problematičnih oblika ponašanja

Hronična oboljenja kod osoba sa težim oblicima intelektualne ometenosti

Health is one of the most important determinants of quality of life in the general population and for people with intellectual disabilities. Results of numerous studies have cofirmed that there are differences in quality of health between the two groups of people. The aim of this paper is to review the prevalence and profile of chronic diseases in adults with severe intellectual disabilities (moderate, severe and profound intellectual disability), as well as individual risk factors for the development of these diseases. By analysing available studies, it can be concluded that the prevalence of chronic diseases is higher in adults with moderate, severe and profound intellectual disability, compared to people with mild intellectual disability and typical members of the population. Usually cited risk factors for the development of chronic diseases in these individuals are: the existence of a genetic predisposition, obesity or underweight, lack of exercise and inadequate access to health care services. Identificating characteristics of health status of people with severe intellectual disabilities and description of their health needs are necessary steps for improving the health care of these people. As in people with severe intellectual disabilities with growing up comes to the development of various chronic diseases, it is necessary to include these people to preventive health activities in order to improve or maintain existing health conditions, prevent or slow the deterioration of functional abilities of these individuals and prolong their lifespan, as much as possible. Taking into account the influence of many factors on the onset and development of chronic diseases in people with severe intellectual disabilities, interventions aimed at improving the health status of these individuals should be conducted at several levels -from personal level, to broader changes in the health system.Zdravlje predstavlja jednu od najvažnijih determinanti kvaliteta života, kako osoba opšte populacije, tako i osoba sa intelektualnom ometenošću. Postojanje razlike u kvalitetu zdravlja između ove dve grupe osoba potvrđeno je rezultatima brojnih studija. Cilj ovog rada je prikaz učestalosti i profla hroničnih oboljenja kod odraslih osoba sa težim oblicima intelektualne ometenosti (umerenom, teškom i dubokom intelektualnom ometenošću), kao i pojedinih riziko faktora za razvoj ovih oboljenja. Analizom dostupnih studija, može se zaključiti da je učestalost hroničnih oboljenja viša kod odraslih osoba sa umerenom, teškom i dubokom intelektualnom ometenošću, u odnosu na osobe sa lakom intelektualnom ometenošću i pripadnike tipične populacije. Među riziko faktorima za razvoj hroničnih oboljenja kod ovih osoba najčešće se navode: postojanje genetske predispozicije, gojaznost ili pothranjenost, nedostatak fzičke aktivnosti i neadekvatan pristup uslugama zdravtsvene zaštite. Identifkovanje karakteristika zdravstvenog stanja osoba sa težim oblicima intelektualne ometenosti i opisivanje njihovih zdravstvenih potreba predstavljaju neophodan korak u cilju unapređenja brige o zdravlju ovih osoba. Kako kod osoba sa težim oblicima intelektualne ometenosti sa odrastanjem dolazi do razvoja različitih hroničnih oboljenja, potrebno je ove osobe u što većoj meri obuhvatiti preventivnim zdravstvenim aktivnostima kako bi se unapredilo ili održalo postojeće zdravstveno stanje, sprečilo ili usporilo propadanje funkcionalnih sposobnosti ovih osoba i u što većoj meri produžio njihov životni vek. Imajući u vidu uticaj brojnih činilaca na nastanak i razvoj hroničnih oboljenja osoba sa težim oblicima intelektualne ometenosti, intervencije usmerene na unapređenje zdravstvenog stanja ovih osoba trebalo bi da se odvijaju na više nivoa - od nivoa same osobe, do širih promena u zdravstvenom sistemu

Hronična oboljenja kod osoba sa težim oblicima intelektualne ometenosti

Health is one of the most important determinants of quality of life in the general population and for people with intellectual disabilities. Results of numerous studies have cofirmed that there are differences in quality of health between the two groups of people. The aim of this paper is to review the prevalence and profile of chronic diseases in adults with severe intellectual disabilities (moderate, severe and profound intellectual disability), as well as individual risk factors for the development of these diseases. By analysing available studies, it can be concluded that the prevalence of chronic diseases is higher in adults with moderate, severe and profound intellectual disability, compared to people with mild intellectual disability and typical members of the population. Usually cited risk factors for the development of chronic diseases in these individuals are: the existence of a genetic predisposition, obesity or underweight, lack of exercise and inadequate access to health care services. Identificating characteristics of health status of people with severe intellectual disabilities and description of their health needs are necessary steps for improving the health care of these people. As in people with severe intellectual disabilities with growing up comes to the development of various chronic diseases, it is necessary to include these people to preventive health activities in order to improve or maintain existing health conditions, prevent or slow the deterioration of functional abilities of these individuals and prolong their lifespan, as much as possible. Taking into account the influence of many factors on the onset and development of chronic diseases in people with severe intellectual disabilities, interventions aimed at improving the health status of these individuals should be conducted at several levels -from personal level, to broader changes in the health system.Zdravlje predstavlja jednu od najvažnijih determinanti kvaliteta života, kako osoba opšte populacije, tako i osoba sa intelektualnom ometenošću. Postojanje razlike u kvalitetu zdravlja između ove dve grupe osoba potvrđeno je rezultatima brojnih studija. Cilj ovog rada je prikaz učestalosti i profla hroničnih oboljenja kod odraslih osoba sa težim oblicima intelektualne ometenosti (umerenom, teškom i dubokom intelektualnom ometenošću), kao i pojedinih riziko faktora za razvoj ovih oboljenja. Analizom dostupnih studija, može se zaključiti da je učestalost hroničnih oboljenja viša kod odraslih osoba sa umerenom, teškom i dubokom intelektualnom ometenošću, u odnosu na osobe sa lakom intelektualnom ometenošću i pripadnike tipične populacije. Među riziko faktorima za razvoj hroničnih oboljenja kod ovih osoba najčešće se navode: postojanje genetske predispozicije, gojaznost ili pothranjenost, nedostatak fzičke aktivnosti i neadekvatan pristup uslugama zdravtsvene zaštite. Identifkovanje karakteristika zdravstvenog stanja osoba sa težim oblicima intelektualne ometenosti i opisivanje njihovih zdravstvenih potreba predstavljaju neophodan korak u cilju unapređenja brige o zdravlju ovih osoba. Kako kod osoba sa težim oblicima intelektualne ometenosti sa odrastanjem dolazi do razvoja različitih hroničnih oboljenja, potrebno je ove osobe u što većoj meri obuhvatiti preventivnim zdravstvenim aktivnostima kako bi se unapredilo ili održalo postojeće zdravstveno stanje, sprečilo ili usporilo propadanje funkcionalnih sposobnosti ovih osoba i u što većoj meri produžio njihov životni vek. Imajući u vidu uticaj brojnih činilaca na nastanak i razvoj hroničnih oboljenja osoba sa težim oblicima intelektualne ometenosti, intervencije usmerene na unapređenje zdravstvenog stanja ovih osoba trebalo bi da se odvijaju na više nivoa - od nivoa same osobe, do širih promena u zdravstvenom sistemu

Type of housing as a factor of self-determination in persons with moderate intellectual disability

Uvod: Prethodna istraživanja su pokazala da je nivo samoodređenja osoba sa intelektualnom ometenošću determinisan različitim činiocima. Tip stanovanja je jedan od značajnih činilaca razvoja i praktikovanja te veštine. Cilj: Cilj rada je utvrđivanje razlika u nivou samoodređenja između osoba sa umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću koje žive u različitim tipovima stanovanja. Metode: Uzorkom je obuhvaćeno 87 odraslih osoba sa umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću, oba pola, koji žive u različitim tipovima stanovanja: u primarnim porodicama, institucijama ili programu stanovanja uz podršku. Za prikupljanje podataka o nivou samoodređenja korišćena je ARC skala samoodređenja. Rezultati: Utvrđene su statistički značajne razlike između ispitanika koji žive u različitim tipovima stanovanja na nivou ukupnog samoodređenja (F = 14,500; p < .001) i komponenti samoodređenja: autonomije (F = 17,995; p < .001), samoregulacije (F = 8,011; p = .001), psihološke osnaženosti (F = 15,634; p = .005) i samorealizacije (F = 5,837; p = .004). Nivo samoodređenja osoba sa umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću koje stanuju u zajednici uz podršku statistički je značajno viši od nivoa samoodređenja osoba koje stanuju u primarnim porodicama (p < .001) i institucijama (p = .004). Osobe koje stanuju u institucijama imaju viši nivo samoodređenja od onih koje žive sa svojim porodicama (p = .038). Zaključak: Stanovanje u zajednici uz podršku predstavlja optimalan ambijent za razvoj veština samoodređenja odraslih osoba sa umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću. Potrebno je intenzivirati praksu stanovanja u zajednici uz podršku za osobe sa umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću, s obzirom na to da je utvrđen stimulativan uticaj ovog tipa stanovanja na razvoj i praktikovanje ve- ština samoodređenog ponašanja.Introduction: Previous research has shown that the level of self- determination in people with intellectual disability is determined by various factors. The type of housing is one of the important factors in the development and practice of that skill. Aim: The objective of the paper was to determine the difference in the level of selfdetermination between persons with moderate intellectual disability who live in different types of housing. Methods: The sample included 87 adults with moderate intellectual disability, of both genders, living in different types of housing: in primary families, institutions, or a supported housing program. The ARC self-determination scale was used to collect data on the level of self- determination. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between respondents living in different types of housing at the level of total self-determination (F = 14.500; p < .001) and components of self- determination: autonomy (F = 17.995; p<.001), self-regulation (F = 8.011; p = .001), psychological empowerment (F = 15.634; p = .005) and self- realization (F = 5.837; p = .004). The level of self-determination in persons with moderate intellectual disabilities within the supported community living program was statistically significantly higher than the level of self-determination in persons living in primary families (p < .001) and institutions (p = .004). People who lived in institutions had a higher level of self-determination than those who lived with their families (p = .038). Conclusion: The supported community living program is an optimal environment for the development of self-determination in adults with moderate intellectual disabilities. It is necessary to intensify the practice of supported housing in a community for people with moderate intellectual disability, considering the determined stimulating effect on the development and practice of self-determined behavior skills

Obstacles to independent mobility – experience of visually impaired adults

Samostalno kretanje je jedan od preduslova realizacije brojnih životnih aktivnosti i učešća osobe u životu zajednice. Osobe sa oštećenjem vida, usled odsustva vizuelne kontrole, imaju više teškoća u orijentaciji i kretanju u prostoru u odnosu na pripadnike tipične populacije. Uzroci njihovih teškoća mogu se tražiti u ograničenjima koja proizilaze iz oštećenja čula vida (medicinski model ometenosti) ili fizičkim i socijalnim barijerama u okruženju (socijalni model ometenosti). Cilj ovog istraživanja je identifikovanje prisustva i prirode poteškoća sa kojima se osobe sa oštećenjem vida susreću prilikom kretanja u neposrednom i širem okruženju. Uzorak čini 15 odraslih ispitanika sa oštećenjem vida. Podaci dobijeni primenom intervjua ilustruju percepciju samih ispitanika o njihovim iskustvima i preprekama u domenu mobilnosti. Analiza odgovora ispitanika pokazuje da oni uglavnom nemaju veće poteškoće u kretanju i snalaženju u najbližem okruženju, dok se prilikom kretanja u širem okruženju i korišćenju prevoza susreću sa brojnim spoljašnjim barijerama. Generalno posmatrano, po pitanju prepreka u domenu mobilnosti, ispitanici iz ovog uzorka veći značaj pridaju spoljašnjim barijerama (arhitektonskim, finansijskim i međuljudskim) nego oštećenju vida. Nalazi ove studije takođe sugerišu i da način formulisanja pitanja može imati uticaja na odgovore ispitanika, tj. da priroda odgovora donekle može biti povezana sa početnim očekivanjima istraživača koji kreira upitnik ili intervju. Identifikovanje barijera za nezavisnije kretanje iz perspektive samih osoba sa oštećenjem vida daje nam smernice za konkretne akcije usmerene ka unapređenju njihove samostalnosti i socijalne participacije.Independent mobility is one of the preconditions for the realization of many life activities and participation of people in community life. People with visual impairment, due to the absence of visual control, have more difficulties in orientation and motion in space in relation to members of the typical population. Causes of their difficulties can be traced to the limitations arising from damage of sense of sight (the medical model of disability), or physical and social barriers in the environment (the social model of disability). The aim of this study is to identify the presence and nature of difficulties that persons with visual impairment face when moving in the immediate and wider environment. The sample consistes of 15 adult subjects with visual impairment. Information obtained by interviews illustrate the perception of the respondents about their experiences and obstacles related to mobility. Analysis of the responses shows that those examinees generally do not have greater difficulties in mobility and orientation in the immediate environment, while face numerous external barriers as they move into the wider environment and use of transport. Generally speaking, in terms of obstacles in the area of mobility, the respondents in this sample attach greater significance to external barriers (architectural, financial and interpersonal) than to visual impairment. The findings of this study also suggest that the formulation of questions can influence the respondents’ answers, ie. that the nature of the response may be somewhat associated with the initial expectations of the researchers who created a questionnaire or interview. Identifying barriers to more independent moving from the perspective of the very people with visual impairment gives us guidelines for concrete action aimed at improving their independence and social participation

Relation between self-determination and social skills in people with mild and moderate intellectual disability

Introduction. Self-determination of people with intellectual disability has been the subject of a large number of foreign studies in recent decades, while in our country this topic is insufficiently researched. Studies indicate that the manifestation of self-determined behavior can be influenced by various personal factors, including social skills. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of the relation between the level of self-determination in people with mild and moderate intellectual disability and their social skills. The sample included 128 subjects with mild and moderate intellectual disability, of both sexes, aged 21 to 58 years (M = 33.77, SD = 9.27). Methods. Self-determination was assessed using the Self-Determination Scale, while social skills data were collected using three subscales (the Socialization domain) of Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. Results. The results showed that persons with mild intellectual disability had a statistically significant higher overall level of self-determination and social skills, compared to persons with moderate intellectual disability. Statistically significant correlation between the level of self-determination and the level of social skills, observed through total scores on the used instruments, was found for the sub-sample of persons with moderate intellectual disability, but not for the sub-sample of persons with mild intellectual disability. Identified patterns of correlation between individual components of self-determination and domains of social skills indicated the specifics of the relation between these two concepts for each sub-sample. Conclusion. The obtained results indicate the need for detailed study of the levels and profiles of self-determination and social skills in persons with different levels of intellectual disability, as well as for careful interpretation of the correlation of the examined variables.Samoodređenje osoba sa intelektualnom ometenošću poslednjih decenija predstavlja predmet velikog broja inostranih studija, dok je u našoj sredini TA tema nedovoljno istražena. Studije ukazuju da na ispoljavanje samoodređenog ponašanja mogu uticati različiti personalni činioci, među kojima su i socijalne veštine. Cilj: Cilj ovog istraživanja bilo je utvrđivanje značajnosti povezanosti izmedu nivoa razvijenosti samoodređenja kod osoba s lakom i umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću i njihovih socijalnih veština. Metode: Uzorak je činilo 128 ispitanika s lakom i umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću, oba pola, starosti od 21 do 58 godina (AS = 33.77, SD = 9.27). Samoodređenje je ispitano primenom Skale samoodređenja, dok su podaci o socijalnim veštinama prikupljeni primenom tri podskale (domen Socijalizacija) Vinelandove skale adaptivnog ponašanja. Rezultati: Rezultati su pokazali da osobe s lakom intelektualnom ometenošću imaju statistički značajno viši ukupan nivo samoodređenja i socijalnih veština, u poređenju sa osobama s umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću. Statistički značajna povezanost između nivoa samoodređenja i nivoa socijalnih veština, posmatrana kroz ukupne skorove na primenjenim instrumentima, utvrđena je za poduzorak osoba s umerenom intelektualnom ometenošću, ali ne i za poduzorak osoba s lakom intelektualnom ometenošću. Utvrđeni obrasci povezanosti između pojedinih komponenata samoodređenja i domena socijalnih veština ukazali su na specifičnosti veze između ova dva koncepta za svaki od poduzoraka. Zaključak: Dobijeni rezultati upućuju na potrebu za detaljnim istraživanjem nivoa i profila samoodređenja i socijalnih veština kod osoba s različitim nivoom težine intelektualne ometenosti, kao i za pažljivim tumačenjem povezanosti ispitivanih varijabli

Support needs in domain of sexual violence prevention programs against persons with intellectual disability

Iako se poslednjih godina o seksualnom zlostavljanju i visokoj prevalenciji ove vrste nasilja nad osobama s intelektualnom ometenošcu sve više govori, ipak postoji mali broj konkretnih programa intervencije koji bi doprineli pre- venciji u ovoj oblasti. Cilj ovog rada bio je da se pregledom dostupne literature prikažu razliciti aspekti i speci.ficnosti prevencije seksualnog nasilja nad osobama s intelektu- alnom ometenošcu, kao i predložene intervencije u cilju smanjenja inciden- cije ove pojave. Rezultatima se pokazuje da postoji mali broj istraživanja u ovoj oblasti, kao i da su programi prevencije uglavnom orijentisani na odrasle osobe ženskog pola s lakom i umerenom intelektualnom ometenošcu. Istraživanja ukazuju na to da je neophodno razmotriti licne karakteristike osoba s intelektualnom ometenošcu, kao i sredinske i kulturološke cinioce pri planiranju, primeni i vrednovanju programa intervencije. Izazov buducim istraživacima trebalo bi da budu razvoj i intenzivnija pri- mena programa koji bi obuhvatali širi spektar podrške u domenu prevencije seksualnog nasilja nad osobama s intelektualnom ometenošcu.Although there are increased discussions about sexual abuse and high prevalence of this type of abuse against persons with intellectual disability lately, there are only few intervention programs which can contribute to prevention in this area. ’e goal of this review was to show di-erent aspects and specifics of sexual violence prevention programs against persons with intellectual disability and suggested interventions for incidence reduction of this phenomenon. Results have shown that there are few studies in this area, as that the prevention programs are mostly oriented on adult women with mild and moderate intellectual disability. Many studies suggest that is necessary to consider personal characteristics of persons with intellectual disability, as well as environmental and cultural impacts in planning, implementation and evaluation of intervention programs. ’e challenge for future researchers should be to develop and intensify the implementation of programs that would include a wider range of support in the field of prevention of sexual violence against people with intellectual disabilities

Obstacles to independent mobility – experience of visually impaired adults

Samostalno kretanje je jedan od preduslova realizacije brojnih životnih aktivnosti i učešća osobe u životu zajednice. Osobe sa oštećenjem vida, usled odsustva vizuelne kontrole, imaju više teškoća u orijentaciji i kretanju u prostoru u odnosu na pripadnike tipične populacije. Uzroci njihovih teškoća mogu se tražiti u ograničenjima koja proizilaze iz oštećenja čula vida (medicinski model ometenosti) ili fizičkim i socijalnim barijerama u okruženju (socijalni model ometenosti). Cilj ovog istraživanja je identifikovanje prisustva i prirode poteškoća sa kojima se osobe sa oštećenjem vida susreću prilikom kretanja u neposrednom i širem okruženju. Uzorak čini 15 odraslih ispitanika sa oštećenjem vida. Podaci dobijeni primenom intervjua ilustruju percepciju samih ispitanika o njihovim iskustvima i preprekama u domenu mobilnosti. Analiza odgovora ispitanika pokazuje da oni uglavnom nemaju veće poteškoće u kretanju i snalaženju u najbližem okruženju, dok se prilikom kretanja u širem okruženju i korišćenju prevoza susreću sa brojnim spoljašnjim barijerama. Generalno posmatrano, po pitanju prepreka u domenu mobilnosti, ispitanici iz ovog uzorka veći značaj pridaju spoljašnjim barijerama (arhitektonskim, finansijskim i međuljudskim) nego oštećenju vida. Nalazi ove studije takođe sugerišu i da način formulisanja pitanja može imati uticaja na odgovore ispitanika, tj. da priroda odgovora donekle može biti povezana sa početnim očekivanjima istraživača koji kreira upitnik ili intervju. Identifikovanje barijera za nezavisnije kretanje iz perspektive samih osoba sa oštećenjem vida daje nam smernice za konkretne akcije usmerene ka unapređenju njihove samostalnosti i socijalne participacije.Independent mobility is one of the preconditions for the realization of many life activities and participation of people in community life. People with visual impairment, due to the absence of visual control, have more difficulties in orientation and motion in space in relation to members of the typical population. Causes of their difficulties can be traced to the limitations arising from damage of sense of sight (the medical model of disability), or physical and social barriers in the environment (the social model of disability). The aim of this study is to identify the presence and nature of difficulties that persons with visual impairment face when moving in the immediate and wider environment. The sample consistes of 15 adult subjects with visual impairment. Information obtained by interviews illustrate the perception of the respondents about their experiences and obstacles related to mobility. Analysis of the responses shows that those examinees generally do not have greater difficulties in mobility and orientation in the immediate environment, while face numerous external barriers as they move into the wider environment and use of transport. Generally speaking, in terms of obstacles in the area of mobility, the respondents in this sample attach greater significance to external barriers (architectural, financial and interpersonal) than to visual impairment. The findings of this study also suggest that the formulation of questions can influence the respondents’ answers, ie. that the nature of the response may be somewhat associated with the initial expectations of the researchers who created a questionnaire or interview. Identifying barriers to more independent moving from the perspective of the very people with visual impairment gives us guidelines for concrete action aimed at improving their independence and social participation