Where will we live? Residential preferences for adults with intellectual disability

The longevity of adults with intellectual disability is increasing and a number of these adults are outliving their parents. As a consequence new approaches are required to understand residential and locational preferences that may deliver independent living opportunities for these adults. The limited literature regarding housing for the disabled in Queensland and the Sunshine Coast highlights the need for empirical research in this area. The proposed research agenda seeks to consult adults with intellectually disabilities on the Sunshine Coast. This will assist in determining their locational and living needs and allow for comparison against local and state government policy documents and world-wide trends in housing. This paper discusses the review of the current literature to determine the gaps in research regarding residential preferences for adults with intellectual disability, with a focus on the Sunshine Coast. The review has assisted in exploring the requirements for adults with intellectual disability to achieve independent living. It has also captured a range of data across tenure type, flexible ownership, affordability, neighbourhood design, and opportunities relating to transport, social inclusion and employment. In conclusion this paper outlines an ongoing research agenda to explore the opportunities for independent living for adults with an intellectual disability on the Sunshine Coast