Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Abstract #315
Participation of Students With Intellectual Disabilities in Their Transition From School to Active Life
Presenter: Sarah Martin-Roy Co - Presenters: Francine Julien-Gauthier, Colette Jourdan-Ionescu
Abstract:
The transition from school to active life is a critical period for students with intellectual disabilities. When schooling ends, these students experience sudden changes, a reduction of services received, and they have difficult access to an active lifestyle. In this study, the transition is addressed with the ecological systems theory focused on resilience. This model aims to accentuate risk factors and the development of individual, familial, and environmental protection factors to support the individual during critical periods with an emphasis on the role of resilience tutors (Jourdan-Ionescu, 2001). The doctoral research aims to investigate the participation of students with intellectual disabilities in their transition from school to active life (knowing their views and participation in activities). The study will consist of individual interviews with students living with mild intellectual disabilities, a parent and a school worker, and the execution of instruments (The Resilience Scale (Wagnild & Young, 1993, adapted by Julien-Gauthier & al., 2012) and a social support network evaluation). Preliminary results will be presented and supported by data from a pilot project conducted with six students with intellectual disabilities in transition who have followed the approach of the Carte routière vers la vie adulte.