Social inclusion of adults with intellectual disabilities in local environment

Social inclusion is extremely important for people with intellectual disabilities (PID). Their opportunities to be able to fully participate in different activities and to socialise affect their quality of life. Social inclusion is nowadays often talked about and modern society strives to create the most inclusive environment possible. In the theoretical part of this master's thesis, we define PID and their characteristics. We present the period of adulthood, focusing on adulthood in PID. We cite important legislation from the field of social inclusion of PID. We present in more detail the concept of social inclusion and link it to PID. Furthermore, we talk about different definitions and factors that have an influence on social inclusion and focus on the specific areas by which authors define social inclusion. We present the areas of relationships and interaction, inclusion in activities, acceptance and affiliation, systems of support and assistance, obstacles and difficulties, and employment. We also present options for further promoting social inclusion. The research includes individuals with intellectual disabilities and professionals from the Barka community, which we also present. In the empirical part we investigate the social inclusion of adults with intellectual disabilities in a smaller local environment. Based on the examined literature we prepared questions for three individuals with intellectual disabilities, three professionals and three individuals from the local environment. We conducted semi-structured interviews and processed the results and data with open coding. Everyone participating in the interview estimated that PID were integrated well into the local environment. Both professional workers and people from the local environment consider the assistance of professional workers to have an important role in this. The responses show that the people from local environment and professional workers more often base their answers on the community as a whole and not so much on the individuals with intellectual disabilities. Some differences were noted among the latter, both in interaction and in inclusion in the activities. Two individuals with intellectual disabilities that are more independent and have better verbal skills, also have a wider social circle and participate in more activities. In one individual with intellectual disabilities inclusion and interaction are encouraged more by professional workers. The social circle of PID most often includes other PID, friends, professional workers and family. People's reaction to PID also varies. The study included individuals from local environment, that know the Barka community and accept PID. They are more often in contact with them through different activities and events, although less in contact with specific individuals. Everyone included in this research rated acceptance as good. Professional workers and individuals from local environment also noted differences according to the levels of intellectual disabilities and their characteristics. Among the most frequently mentioned obstacles were the lack of professional staff, which affects the inclusion of PID in activities, as PID require somebody to accompany them in this. They also mentioned ageing, behavioral and communication traits and lack of information in their social environment. The research also showed that two individuals with intellectual disabilities are more independent and require less assistance. Everyone included in the research referred to professional workers or friends as assistance providers. Individuals from local environment and professional workers believe that social inclusion should be encouraged through the participation in different activities and projects and a better recognition of this community in the environment. One person from the local environment also stated that a better inclusion could be achieved through employment