The IDE project ‑ influence, participation and empowerment for young people with intellectual disabilities

In the municipality of Härnösand there is a need to develop work with participation and influence for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Young people with IF generally have poorer conditions for good health. Their opportunities to participate in society and to influence what is important in their lives are worse than for others of the same age.

The overall aim of the study is to investigate how influence and participation for young people with IF is defined, applied, can be assessed and to contribute to developing their everyday skills.

Research questions

1. How do teachers in upper secondary special schools define students' influence and participation?
2. How do parents of young people with ID view their young people's opportunity for participation and influence?
3. What does the state of knowledge look like when it comes to the possibility of assessing perceived influence and participation among people with IF?
4. How can visual, photo-based methods be used in upper secondary special schools to strengthen students' opportunities for participation, influence, and empowerment?

Methods that will be used to answer the research questions are literature study, interviews, workshops, and observations. The Intuition for Health Sciences (HOV) and the Department of Design (DES) have researchers with expertise in the field.

Expected result

By increasing the opportunities for influence, participation and empowerment of the target group, the research contributes to achieving the growth goals for the municipality of Härnösand

1) Joint power

2) Education that makes people grow

4) The safe and personal living environment

5) Sustainability permeates everything.

The result will be communicated through a popular science report, as well as a presentation seminar for the municipality's politicians and staff. The project is planned to last until June 2024.