Social Participation of People with Intellectual Disabilities in Rural Areas of the Philippines

The purpose of this study was to analyze the current status and challenges related to social participation faced by people with intellectual disabilities living in rural areas in the Philippines. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 professionals, including nurses of public health center, social workers of nonprofit facility for persons with disabilities, and teachers of public and private special needs schools. The study was approved by the Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University. The results indicated five categories and 21 subcategories. The five categories are: Current status of social participation of people with intellectual disabilities in rural areas; Interventions performed by rural professionals for people with intellectual disabilities; Improved activities of people with intellectual disabilities owing to study participants’ interventions; Recognition of hindrances to promote social participation; Recognition of the ideal social participation for people with intellectual disabilities. Based on the current conditions, there were challenges in leisure activities and employment, especially for adults with intellectual disabilities. Our findings suggest it is important for Philippine occupational therapists and those working in international organizations to conduct occupation analysis for understanding the backgrounds, strengths, limitations, concerns, and goals for their leisure activities and employment. In addition, occupational therapists can contribute not only to providing individual support but also to the development of community supporters.