Australians with intellectual disability share their experiences of retirement from mainstream employment

As part of a larger study exploring the transition to retirement for people with intellectual disability from a working life in mainstream employment, this paper reports on retirement from the perspective of those who have already retired.

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with five Australian retirees with intellectual disability. Data were analysed using grounded theory methodology. Employment service records provided background information on participants' employment and supports.

Retirement occurred as the solution to ongoing problems primarily related to health. Retirement decisions were made in conjunction with family and support staff, with participants reporting varying levels of self-determination in the process, and mixed feelings about their retirement. None of the participants were participating in mainstream community groups in retirement.

There is a need for retirement preparation for this emerging population to support self-determination in retirement-related decisions including individualized training to facilitate independent participation in mainstream social activities in retirement.