Facilitating self-determination in adolescents with intellectual disabilities: a curriculum.

Marie-Claire Haelewyck, Mélanie Bara, Yves Lachapelle
Author Information
  1. Marie-Claire Haelewyck: Department of Special Education, University of Mons-Hainaut, Belgium.

Abstract

Taking an active part and responsibilities in one's own life is not always easy, particularly at adolescence, which is a very important period in which people progressively find their identity and life project. This article describes the social validation analyses of a Belgian self-determination curriculum that was adapted from a French-Canadian curriculum. It was done with the participation of adolescents with intellectual disabilities, teachers, and experts from the field. Overall, results indicate a satisfying to very satisfying appreciation of the social utility of the training manual. The findings also highlighted that the curriculum actually supports the conceptual framework of self-determination.

MeSH Term

Adolescent
Belgium
Curriculum
Female
Humans
Intelligence
Mainstreaming, Education
Male
Personal Autonomy
Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Program Evaluation
Teaching