Título
Transition to adulthood of young people in condition of Intellectual Disability (ICID): a comparative study of the professional's perspective in Norway and Colombia
Autor
Castillo, Ursula Hinostroza
Resumo
en
This study aims to compare the perspective of professionals in Norway and Colombia regarding
transition to adulthood in young people with Intellectual Disability (ID). A comparative study was
carried out to explore how social, political and economic aspects affect the process of transition to
adulthood of young people with ID in a developed country (Norway) and in a developing country
(Colombia).
Data was collected by semi-structured interviews. Transition from school to work was identified as a
key aspect in transition to adulthood. Therefore, professionals were selected from education institutions
(two participants from each country) and labor insertion institutions (two participants from each
country), a total of eight participants. Data was analyzed in NVivo 11 using a thematic analysis
approach. As humans are multidimensional beings, this study proposes an innovative analysis approach
which combines tools from psychology and social work to be able to analyze this issue in a micro and
macro level.
The study found that professional's perspective regarding transition to adulthood was similar and
converged with main theoretical concepts, in both countries. Further, it was found that practices of
strengths perspectives, empowerment and promoting the right of participation in youth, create a
positive impact on overall outcome. However, the study found major heterogeneity in the service
provision in both countries, probably caused by the fact that Norway has a social democratic welfare
state and Colombia has an emerging welfare regime. Nonetheless, it was identified that a major
challenge for both countries is the lack of information and awareness about ID.
This study is relevant as it is focused on a population who is vulnerable in two conditions: a condition
of intellectual disability and the transition to adulthood, which is characterized as a complex, unstable
and uncertain period of life. Moreover, it aims to identify supports and challenges youth may face
during this transition. This study also shows the importance of interdisciplinary approaches as well as
it is a reminder to increase inclusive practices in micro and macro settings.