Empowering autonomy: exploring the transfer of lessons learned from group-based rehabilitation to everyday life for young adults with disabilities.

Abstract

To explore the rehabilitation experiences of young adults with disabilities, and identify key factors for their successful transition and integration into home and everyday life. A prospective qualitative longitudinal study with two semistructured individual interviews was conducted. The study included young adults with physical disabilities who were able to communicate verbally. The participants underwent two inpatient rehabilitation stays, including daily schedules of 3-5 h of physical, social, and life skill activities six days a week. An individualized goal-oriented plan was employed during their subsequent at-home period, with digital follow-up and collaboration with local service providers as support. All interviews were transcribed and underwent inductive content analysis. Fifteen young adults (17-29 years old, ten women) participated. Three main themes emerged: expectations, experiences and challenges during and after the inpatient rehabilitation stay, and important factors for successful transfer to home life. The results demonstrated improvements in the participants' physical, self-management and social skills, but also challenges in transferring them to everyday life. A coordinated support system involving family, volunteers, specialist health care and local service providers is essential for fostering a healthy lifestyle and participation for young adults with disabilities in various life arenas.