Introduction: Community mobility is essential for promoting independence, social inclusion, and quality of life. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face significant barriers to accessing and utilizing mobility options.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify skills essential for successful community mobility and factors influencing mobility planning decisions.
Methods: Focus groups were conducted with individuals with IDD (18 years and older, n=8 groups and 35 people), caregivers (n=7 groups and 28 people) and professionals (n=10 groups and 31 people) across two sites. A modified nominal group technique was used to complete focus groups. Focus group data was coded independently by two coders to identify common categories within and across participant groups with a third coder resolving discrepancies. Frequencies were calculated of common themes.
Results: The results identified eight common themes across all three groups including public transportation skills, ADLs/IADLs, planning, safety, self-regulation, problem-solving, communication, and physical mobility. Specific public transportation skills were identified most often (n=95), followed by activities of daily living (n=90), planning (n=85), and safety awareness (n=78) as the most commonly reported skills needs for community mobility. Young adults identified ADLs/IADLs related to community mobility and specific public transportation skills most often, whereas parents identified safety and specific public transportation skills most often. Professionals identified self-regulation skills more frequently than young adults and parents.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the need to include individuals with IDD in decision-making processes, as their priorities often align with but also differ from those of parents and professionals. Tailored interventions should address multiple perspectives to effectively support community mobility goals.