Exploring Faith and Religion in the Narratives of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

There is a lack of research on how individuals with intellectual disabilities perceive faith and religion, and the role these play in their own lives and in the lives of others with disabilities. This study aimed to explore how Polish adults with intellectual disabilities understand faith and religious practices. To achieve this, interviews were carried out with 34 adults who have intellectual disabilities. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. The study was inclusive, with co-researchers who also have intellectual disabilities actively involved in the research design, conducting interviews, and analyzing the data. We found that Polish adults with intellectual disabilities ascribe various meanings to faith and believe that faith plays a pivotal role in the lives of people with disabilities. Implications for further research and practice are discussed by both academic co-researchers and co-researchers with disabilities.