Date

3-10-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Adrian Rus

Keywords

Intellectual and developmental disabilities, caregivers, competitive integrated employment, work success, North Carolina, Self-Determination Theory, Social Model Disability Theory

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) continue to experience substantially lower employment rates than individuals without disabilities. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of individuals with IDD with regard to their work success within organizations in North Carolina. This study is guided by the Self-Determination Theory (SDT and the Social Model of Disability Theory (SMDT). This study also explores the perspectives and roles of the caregivers in supporting inclusion and work success for this population. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from nine individuals with IDD and seven caregivers. The thematic analysis revealed that individuals with IDD explained work success as having self-confidence, the ability to support others, inclusion and acknowledgement, and independence through earning income. Findings from the caregivers highlighted their roles as primary support advocates and the continual challenges of systematic barriers they face while helping their family member with IDD gain more work responsibilities and move away from social inclusion only in the workplace. The results recommend that competitive integrated employment (CIE) encourages a level of belonging in society for this marginalized population. This study provides a bridge for policymakers in North Carolina, employers, and communities to mitigate barriers that hinder this population and progress toward an environment where the goal is inclusivity and work success. This should be the norm and not the exception.

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