Date
11-13-2025
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Educational Studies (PhD)
Chair
Susan Stanley
Keywords
self-determination, self-advocacy, self-efficacy, individuals with disabilities, disability rights
Disciplines
Education
Recommended Citation
Galbraith, Kelli, "Transcendental Phenomenology Study Exploring Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy for Adults With Disabilities" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7609.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7609
Abstract
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore self-determination for adults with disabilities in a northwestern state community. The theories guiding this study were disability theory developed by Barnes and Oliver and the self-determination theory developed by Deci and Ryan. What are the lived experiences of adults with disabilities when using self-determination in a northwestern state? My research on exploring self-advocacy and self-determination for adults with disabilities was a transcendental phenomenological study. Eleven participants in this study were adults with physical, mental, autistic, or multiple disabilities between the ages of 18-70 years from a northwestern state. Sites varied depending on the residents, community activities, work area, or service programs they are involved in when observing them self-advocate. Data were collected from eleven individuals through interviews, observation, and surveys. Coding of transcripts was completed from the collected interviews, observations, and surveys. The results showed self-determination, application of self-advocacy, challenges, and support systems and resources as the main themes. The findings showed that many participants did not know what self-determination was and that participants relied heavily on their support systems and resources.
