engleski

The Life Stories of Families with Children with Intellectual Disability: What issues do they face in Croatia?

Aims: The aim of this study was to get insight into the everyday life experience of families with children with intellectual disability in the context of Croatian society. Research was based on collecting the life stories of these families to find out the significant events and the factors that contributed to them. The purpose was to ensure the better quality of life and implementation of granted rights through the recommendations for the community development. Methods: A Life Course Event History Approach (Kasnitz, 2000) was used to collect life stories with 3 mothers of children with intellectual disability. The time period covered in these life stories was from birth till the transition period from education to independent living in the community. The children were 3, 12 and 21 years of age. Results: Common key findings across the life stories were: lack of early intervention service, non supportive relations from the educational and health system, support from relatives and friends, role of the association in service support development, the role of religion, parental advocacy, awareness of rights and fear for the future. Conclusions: This study highlighted common issues between families of children of different ages. Implications for future research and service provision will be discussed.

life course; families with children with intellectual disabilities; biography approach; life stories; family quality of life;

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