Independent living of individuals with an intellectual disability: The parents' perspective

Independence and independent living (IL) in reference to individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) has only recently been taken up as a research domain in Greece. As a consequence, there is a lack of research data and educational approaches in the Greek special education system on this issue. Since individuals with an ID and their parents are the main stakeholders of any educational approach concerning independence and independent living, the aim of this exploratory research was to explore their views towards the above mentioned issues. A survey questionnaire was designed and disseminated to 65 parents of individuals with an ID from postsecondary special educational support settings in the region of Thessaloniki, Greece. The results agree with other international literature. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the design and implementation of respective programs in the Greek and other similar educational settings and support services.