Affiliations: Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross
University, Tweed Heads, NSW, Australia | Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney,
Lidcombe, NSW, Australia | Social Work and Human Services, Faculty of Health,
Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia | Sydney School of Medicine, The University of Sydney,
Camperdown, NSW, Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Michelle Donelly, School of Health
and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Locked Mail Bag 4, Coolangatta,
QLD 4225, Australia. Tel.: +61 7 5589 3000; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: Being in paid employment is socially valued, and is linked to
health, financial security and time use. Issues arising from a lack of
occupational choice and control, and from diminished role partnerships are
particularly problematic in the lives of people with an intellectual
disability. Informal support networks are shown to influence work opportunities
for people without disabilities, but their impact on the work experiences of
people with disability has not been thoroughly explored. The experience of
'work' and preparation for work was explored with a group of four people with
an intellectual disability (the participants) and the key members of their
informal support networks (network members) in New South Wales, Australia.
Network members and participants were interviewed and participant observations
of work and other activities were undertaken. Data analysis included open,
conceptual and thematic coding. Data analysis software assisted in managing the
large datasets across multiple team members. The insight and actions of network
members created and sustained the employment and support opportunities that
effectively matched the needs and interests of the participants.
Recommendations for future research are outlined.
Keywords: Intellectual disability, work, social networks, family support
