‘It May Fit Some; It May Not Fit Others’: People with Intellectual Disability and Their Experiences of Daily Activity

In Sweden, day programs called Daily Activity are provided for people with intellectual disability with the objective of increasing meaningful activities and opportunities for employment. The aim of the study was to examine people with intellectual disability’s experiences of Daily Activity, as well as transitions between Daily Activity and other occupations (employment, education, and no occupation). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 individuals with intellectual disability and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results illustrate the importance of autonomy, relationships, taking pride in tasks, flexibility, and stability in Daily Activity. Transitions highlight barriers in employment, low interest in education, and periods of not having an occupation. The participants’ overall experiences of Daily Activity and transitions between occupations resulted in two typologies—The Content Group and The In-between Group. The findings are discussed using self-determination theory and emphasize the interaction between individuals and societal systems to support people in Daily Activity.