Spirituality, disability, and quality of life

Abstract

Promoting the flourishing of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) requires consideration of the same breadth of life domains that might matter to any other person. Like anyone else, many people with IDD (as well as their families) consider spirituality and religious participation to be central to their personal thriving. Yet, this dimension of their lives is often overlooked or ignored in the areas of assessment, planning, practice, and support. This article addresses the salience of spirituality and religion; their impact on QOL; the complexities of addressing these areas among people with IDD; the ways in which they can be conceptualized and assessed; and implications for policy and practice.