Publication Date
2026
College
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Department
Occupational Therapy, School of
Student Level
Graduate
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Candace Thrash
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
Our research examines the perceived quality of life of participants in a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our research took place at Friends Life Community in Nashville, Tennessee and is a mixed-methods study. Using the Council on Quality and Leadership’s (CQL) Personal Outcome Measures, we interviewed ten participants to determine whether they saw themselves as having the Outcome Measures of Goals and Personal Relationships. The current literature surrounding adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities typically includes the voices of their caregivers, teachers, and friends but excludes the voices of this population. Our research aims to give voice to some of this population by exploring what they deem uniquely important to them, whether they are satisfied with their personal relationships and personal goals, and whether these perceptions align with others’ expectations. We seek to uncover connections between the answers of the participants and the programming at Friends Life Community in light of its stated goal of “providing adults with developmental disabilities the opportunities to grow personally, develop socially, and enjoy community as they experience life together.”
Recommended Citation
Pursley, Ella, "Life at Friends Life Community: Exploring the Goals and Relationships at an Adult Day Program" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 1133.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/1133
