Meaningful Learning in Adapted Physical Activity (APA) to Improve Self-Determination, Empowerment and Autonomy for Four Women with Intellectual Disabilities: A Pilot Study

Meaningful learning in APA implies the active involvement of students in whatever is learned. Meaningful learning occurs when students apply the knowledge they acquire, by going through distinct cognitive processes needed for successful problem solving. There is growing awareness in the fields of disability services, rehabilitation, and education, of the need to promote self-determination for individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (ID), based at least partially on the importance of this outcome for people to experience an enhanced quality of life.

Self-determination is essential for people with ID to enable them to make their own decisions in their lives. Self-determination is based on autonomy and psychological empowerment.

Aim: The aim of the research was to conduct a pilot study regarding the impact of a special physical activity program based on personal choice to increase the sense of self-determination of four young women with ID living in a group home in the community.

Method: An intervention program based on making choices was proposed. A modified questionnaire based on the Self-Determination Questionnaire (Wehmeyer, 1995) was administered to each subject before commencement of the program (pre-test), at the end (post-test) and three months after the end of the program. A second questionnaire on psychological empowerment was administered at three periods of time.

Results: A physical activity program based on personal choice had a positive effect on the participants in terms of self-determination and psychological empowerment.

Discussion and Conclusion: The findings of the pilot study demonstrated that self-determination can be enhanced in young adults with ID. It is recommended that more research be conducted in this important area with a much larger sample using mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology.