Aligning with the flow of control : a classic grounded theory of choice in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Aligning with the flow of control: A classic grounded theory study. Background: Since the relatively recent acknowledgement that people with intellectual disabilities are restricted in making life decisions, ensuring choice throughout their adult lives has gradually come to be seen as a legitimate area of concern for all supporters across disciplines and communities. Over the last ten years, with the growing awareness of the needs of these people and their advocacy network, the discourse around choice has significantly come to the fore. Nevertheless, there is very limited available research that specifically engages with the issue of choice in the realities of the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Aim The twofold aim of this research study was to explain how adults with intellectual disabilities make choices and exercise autonomy in their lives and to develop a substantive explanatory theory.