Visions for the Future: Exploring the Perspectives of Upper-Secondary Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Families

Background: Transition from upper-secondary school is a significant milestone for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and represents a time of possibilities—including opportunities to pursue career interests in the job market or further education, deciding where and with whom to live, and identifying further education. The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand student career and life goals and the support they receive to achieve those goals. Method: Data was collected in spring of 2022 through face-to-face focus group interviews with 11 youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities attending a secondary education program in Iceland and seven family members. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyze focus group transcripts. Results: Our findings indicate that students have goals for their post-school life; however, they do not feel they have the support or opportunities to achieve their goals. Conclusion: We discuss strategies that schools and communities can use to enhance support and preparation for post-secondary life.