Interviews about Retirement for People with IDD

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Older man with a disability, smiling. The banner reads, "Do you know someone with IDD who is retired? Here is an opportunity to tell their story." Below that is the logo for the RTC on Community Living, which includes the name of the Institute on Community Integration, and the University of Minnesota wordmark.

WHAT

The Institute on Community Integration’s Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC-CL) at the University of Minnesota is conducting a study about retirement. The purpose of the study is to learn about social inclusion and retirement for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This is a voluntary opportunity for individuals with IDD to talk about their retirement. Retired adults with IDD and an ally of their choice will participate in a Zoom interview about their thoughts about retirement, the steps they took to retire, and what they are doing in retirement now. The ally can be a family member, significant other, friend, support staff, or another person who has known them for a year or more.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

We are interviewing adults with IDD who are 45 or older and have left paid employment or decreased the number of hours they work in paid employment, and an ally. Interviews will take around 60 minutes. Interviews will take place on Zoom.

WHY IT MATTERS

We don’t know a lot about how, why, or when individuals with IDD retire, or the things that are important to them in retirement. Inclusion and the opportunity to lead a meaningful life at any age is important. This study uses the experiences of individuals with IDD and their ally to help us and others better understand what matters in retirement, and how the field can support individuals across the lifespan.

OTHER INFORMATION

  • Individuals and their ally who complete an interview will each receive a $50 gift card.
  • This study has been approved by the University of Minnesota’s Institutional Review Board (IRB).
  • You can share this information with others who might be interested in participating in this study.

WHERE CAN YOU LEARN MORE

If you are interested in participating in this study or want to learn more, please contact Julie Kramme or Lynda Lahti Anderson. They will work with you to make sure you meet the study requirements and talk about the study process.