Public space and social interaction: Perspectives of parents of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

Abstract

This study analysed the outlook of the parents of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities regarding the public space as a domain of interaction with other members of society. Few previous studies provide insights into this area. Adopting a biopsychosocial approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 parents of adult people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities Data were analysed based on the principles of grounded theory. The findings indicated that interactions with other people in public spaces are taxing for the parents and caregivers of people with disabilities and can give rise to various problems, including social and interpersonal tensions. This suggests that, to improve our understanding of the interplay between the parents of people with disabilities and the general public, research needs to account for both individual and contextual factors, as well as individual physical, psychological, and social dimensions.