Occupational Therapy for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

My goal in conceptualizing this book is to inspire and encourage professionals who value and support occupation to expand their personal and professional focus to include adults with intellectual disability. There are few books available which address the unique needs of this population, and only one text, published by the American Occupational Therapy Association, is written by and for occupational therapy practitioners. Books from the fields of Developmental Disabilities, Psychology, Education, and even Philosophy exist to present issues related to these persons from an historical, developmental, behavioral, or neurological perspective. However, there exists a need for a book that is dedicated to an occupational perspective, strengthening our consideration of and belief in the worth of adults with intellectual disability and their need for living meaningful lives that are enriched by engagement in occupationally relevant pursuits. Adults with intellectual disability deserve both the compassion and critical reflexivity that comes from an educated and inclusive approach to understanding and believing in the possibilities for this population. This book will foster the development of an occupational perspective for their enhanced quality of life, social well-being, role competence, occupational identity, self-advocacy, and occupational justice. Occupational therapy practitioners and students alike will be challenged to serve and empower individuals with intellectual disability, their families and caregivers toward a more self-determined, authentic life in our society--