Functional literacy, reading habits, and internet use among adults with intellectual disabilities: Insights for...

This study examines the functional literacy, reading habits, and internet use of young people and adults with intellectual disabilities, focusing on their role in job-seeking behaviours. Employing an online survey, 57 participants reported moderate functional literacy, driven by basic communication tasks but limited in complex competencies like financial transactions. Reading frequency was medium-low, with a preference for digital formats, while job-seeking activities were generally low and passive. Correlational analyses identified a strong relationship between higher reading frequency and active job seeking. Gender disparities revealed lower employment-seeking engagement among women. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, promoting functional and digital literacy alongside strategies for equitable labour market inclusion. Practical implications include developing adaptive reading materials, fostering digital competencies, and addressing systemic barriers to employment for people with intellectual disabilities, especially women. This work contributes to understanding key factors influencing social and occupational integration for this population.