Perspectives of Young Adults with Mild Intellectual Disability toward Acceptance in the Society: A Qualitative Study

Background: Perspectives of young adults with mild intellectual disability toward their acceptance in society have not been taken into account. However, in the recent years due to policy enactments, there have been a positive change, but still, it is miles to go. Objective: To find out the perspectives of individuals with mild intellectual disability about their acceptance in the society using qualitative methods. Materials and Methods: Ten persons with mild intellectual disability (five male and five female) with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Fifth Edition diagnosis (intelligence quotient [IQ] between 50 and 69) aged 18–35 were selected using a convenient sampling method. Results: Persons with mild intellectual disability expressed that they must be accepted as such and not as victims of charity, pity, sympathy, etc. These participants also shared that their acceptance in the society must be accepted with existing potentials. Conclusion: Findings suggest that persons with intellectual disabilities have a good understanding of their acceptance. It also highlights that people with intellectual disabilities find themselves more comfortable, safe, and secure when they are with their peers with intellectual disabilities and not with peers without disability (having average IQ).