support systems

The objective of this study was to explore and develop effective counseling strategies to enhance self-advocacy among young adults with disabilities. This qualitative research involved semi-structured interviews with 22 young adults aged 18 to 30 with various disabilities, including physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Participants were recruited through disability support organizations, educational institutions, and social media platforms. The data collection focused on understanding participants' experiences, challenges, and strategies related to self-advocacy. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns in the data, with the goal of achieving theoretical saturation. The analysis revealed three main themes: understanding of self-advocacy, experiences with self-advocacy, and challenges and barriers to self-advocacy. Participants highlighted the importance of self-advocacy for personal empowerment and independence. Positive advocacy experiences were linked to increased self-esteem and better outcomes in education and employment. Support systems, such as family and counselors, were crucial in facilitating self-advocacy. However, significant barriers included societal attitudes, institutional policies, and personal limitations. Assistive technology and comprehensive leadership training were identified as effective strategies for enhancing self-advocacy skills. Enhancing self-advocacy among young adults with disabilities requires targeted counseling interventions that focus on building essential skills and addressing barriers. Collaborative approaches involving family and community support are critical. Policymakers should implement inclusive policies and ensure access to assistive technologies. Future research should explore the long-term impact of self-advocacy training and consider the intersectionality of disability with other factors such as race and gender.

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of students and educators during the transition from special education to higher education. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the participants' experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 participants, including 15 students who had transitioned from special education to higher education and 8 educators, comprising special education teachers, higher education faculty members, and disability support staff. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts, with themes and subthemes identified through coding and categorization. The analysis revealed three primary themes: Transition Challenges, Support Systems and Resources, and Personal Growth and Development. Transition Challenges included academic difficulties, social integration issues, navigating support services, emotional and mental health challenges, and financial barriers. Support Systems and Resources encompassed institutional support, peer support, parental involvement, community resources, and technological aids, with a notable emphasis on the importance of faculty and staff training. Personal Growth and Development highlighted the development of self-advocacy skills, independence and responsibility, academic and career aspirations, and building confidence and resilience. The findings of this study underscore the multifaceted nature of the transition from special education to higher education, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for students with disabilities. Effective support systems and comprehensive planning are crucial for facilitating successful transitions. The study's insights can inform the development of targeted interventions and support strategies to create more inclusive and supportive educational environments, ultimately empowering students with disabilities to succeed in higher education.

This study aimed to explore the parenting strategies, support systems, and coping mechanisms employed by single parents of children with developmental delays. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with 23 single parents of children aged 2 to 12 years with diagnosed developmental delays. Participants were recruited through local support groups, online forums, and pediatric clinics. The data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's framework, was used to identify key themes and subthemes within the data. The study identified three main themes: parenting strategies, support systems, and coping mechanisms. Key parenting strategies included routine establishment, positive reinforcement, adaptive techniques, communication strategies, and behavior management. Support systems encompassed family support, professional support, community resources, and financial assistance. Coping mechanisms highlighted were emotional resilience, social networks, personal time management, seeking knowledge, advocacy and empowerment, spirituality, and adaptability. Participants emphasized the importance of structured routines and positive reinforcement in managing their children's needs, while family and professional support were crucial in alleviating caregiving burdens. Effective coping mechanisms were essential for managing stress and maintaining well-being. Single parents of children with developmental delays employ a variety of effective strategies and support systems to navigate their unique challenges. Emotional resilience and social support networks play a critical role in their ability to cope with the demands of caregiving. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions and resources to support single-parent families, highlighting the importance of flexible services, community resources, and advocacy efforts. Further research should focus on larger, more diverse samples and explore the impact of technological tools in supporting these parents.

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of community integration and social participation among adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth data from 27 adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from various community centers, support groups, and social service organizations. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed interviews, identifying key themes and subthemes that captured the essence of the participants' experiences and perceptions. The study identified four main themes: experiences of community integration, types of social activities, perceived benefits and challenges, and influencing factors. Participants reported a strong sense of belonging and personal growth through community activities, despite facing barriers such as stigma, accessibility issues, and financial constraints. Support systems, including family, professionals, and peer networks, played a crucial role in facilitating participation. Recreational, cultural, and educational activities, as well as volunteering, provided significant physical, emotional, and social benefits. Technological advancements, inclusive policies, and personal resilience were identified as critical factors influencing community integration. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing accessibility, support systems, and inclusive policies to promote community integration and social participation for adults with intellectual disabilities. Addressing the identified barriers and leveraging facilitators can improve their quality of life and well-being. Future research should employ mixed-methods approaches, include longitudinal studies, and consider the perspectives of family members, caregivers, and professionals to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing community participation.