A qualitative exploration of stigma experience and inclusion among adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability in an Indonesian context.

BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disability are among the most stigmatised groups in society. There is a paucity of studies reporting on how stigma is experienced in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to explore the experience of stigma among adults with mild/moderate intellectual disability and the extent of their inclusion in Indonesian society. METHOD: Fifteen adults with mild/moderate intellectual disability were purposively recruited from three service providers and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The findings suggest that adults with intellectual disability experience stigma in multiple settings (family, school, community), have limited access to social activities, and internalised the experienced stigma. CONCLUSION: This study adds to the international understanding of stigma experienced by adults with mild/moderate intellectual disability in daily life and their inclusion in society in a middle-income country.

Attitudes of key professionals towards people with intellectual disabilities and their inclusion in society: A qualitative study in an Indonesian context.

This study aimed to explore key professionals' attitudes towards people with intellectual disability (ID) and inclusion of said people in the community. Eighteen participants from three professional groups, comprising health practitioners (medical doctors, psychologists), mainstream/special education teachers, and religious leaders (Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, and Buddhism) were recruited. Semistructured interviews, aided by two vignettes depicting mild and severe ID, were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Seven themes were identified exploring: perceived causes; use of terminology; attitudes towards people with ID; attitudes towards inclusion, religion and ID; family-centric support; and challenges faced by people with ID in a wider context. Perceived capabilities of persons with ID were found to influence attitudes towards people with ID and their inclusion. Availability and accessibility of good quality services were also found to influence attitudes towards the inclusion of people with ID. Cultural factors related to attitudes towards ID are discussed.