Exploring the Perceptions of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities on the Sa3ee Rehabilitation and Employment Initiative in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose This study explores the perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities regarding the services of the Sa3ee initiative for the rehabilitation and employment of individuals with disabilities. It seeks to obtain an in-depth understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities as beneficiaries of vocational rehabilitation and employment and transitional services at post-secondary school age. Methodology The research employs a qualitative approach that was deemed to be the most appropriate approach for this type of study, of which the literature review shows there was previously only a small number, especially in the context of the Arab world. The research tool used was semi-structured interviews with a sample of four individuals with intellectual disabilities in Riyadh, who had benefited from the rehabilitation and employment services provided by the Sa3ee initiative.

Findings The results show that the interviewees perceived certain opportunities and positives in the initiative, the most important of which were the moral support and positive attitude of their family towards their child with intellectual disabilities. Nevertheless, the results show that challenges also exist, most notably the lack of laws that oblige the training of individuals with intellectual disabilities during the secondary school years. Implications to Research and Practice The study recommends that there should be further research on transition, rehabilitation, and training services, together with research conducted from the viewpoint of individuals with intellectual disabilities.