Enhanced self-determination of adults with intellectual disability as an outcome of moving to community-based work or living environments.
Community placement lifts self-determination only when staff build in daily choices.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Gabriels et al. (2001) followed adults with intellectual disability who left large institutions. They moved to small community homes or jobs. The team asked each adult about choices before and after the move.
No control group lived on. The study simply watched the same people over time.
What they found
After the move, adults picked more daily items. They chose what to eat, wear, and do. Staff said the adults looked happier and more self-directed.
The gains were medium in size. The authors called the change a clear boost in self-determination.
How this fits with other research
Navas et al. (2025) ran a larger study and saw very-large gains. They showed the key is daily choice, not just a new address. Their work updates the 2001 finding: location helps only if choices keep coming.
Armas Junco et al. (2025) found the same. They proved choice opportunities carry the whole effect. Without them, community living adds little.
Bassette et al. (2023) used interviews. Adults, families, and staff all liked the move. Yet some old rules, like set bedtimes, stayed in place. This warns us to drop hospital habits after the move.
Why it matters
You can stop asking, "Should we move adults out?" The answer is yes, but only if the new place gives real choices every hour. Check menus, clothing drawers, and weekend plans. If staff pick everything, self-determination will not grow. Push for choice-point sheets at team meetings. One extra daily option can keep the 2001 gain alive.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
In recent years, the self-determination construct has received increased international visibility and utilization in the field of intellectual disability (ID). This has resulted in efforts to promote skills enhancing self-determination, and in efforts to change how adult services are funded to allocate resources to increase consumer control and direction. An important component to consider in both of these efforts is the role of the environment on self-determination. The present study examined the self-determination, autonomy and life choices of individuals with ID before and after they moved from a more restrictive work or living environment. The self-determination of adults with ID was measured for an average 6-months before and after a move from a more restrictive living or working environment to a community-based setting. Paired-sample t-tests indicated that there were significant changes, in each case in a more adaptive direction, in self-determination, autonomous functioning and life choices following a move to a less restrictive environment. The present findings contribute to emerging evidence that the self-determination of individuals with ID is limited by congregate living or work settings which limit opportunities for choice and decision-making. Alternatively, more normalized, community-based environments support and enhance self-determination. Because self-determination has been linked to positive adult outcomes and enhanced quality of life, it is important to consider ways to enable people with ID to live and work in their communities.
Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR, 2001 · doi:10.1046/j.1365-2788.2001.00342.x