Transition Of Adolescents With Intellectual Disability From Schools For Learners With Special Educational Needs: Parents Views For The Preparedness

Background Studies on preparedness of parents of adolescents living with intellectual disabilities transitioning from school to adulthood are scarce in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explored views of parents on their preparedness to handle adolescents transitioning from special schools to adulthood. Methods Descriptive qualitative method was used to collect views of parents of adolescents with intellectual disability on their preparedness to handle transition of their children from school into community life. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings Twelve female and two male participants expressed concerns on lack of transition plans, adolescent's future, culture and beliefs and inadequate community support. Views of parents of younger children and those of parents of older children were similar. Conclusion Parents were unprepared for transition of their children from school to community life. Multidisciplinary approach including family involvement and community support is necessary to enhance the transition of adolescents with intellectual disability.