| Abstract [eng] |
Volunteering is considered an important means of social inclusion and empowerment; however, the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in volunteering activities remains limited. Organizations often face challenges related to adaptation of activities, preparation, and support. In this context, the perspective of adaptive leadership allows for the analysis of how inclusive volunteering practices are developed and how the participation processes of people with intellectual disabilities are supported. The topic of this study is People with Intellectual Disabilities as Volunteers: an Adaptive Leadership Perspective. The object of this study is the processes and experiences of empowering people with intellectual disabilities through volunteering. The aim of the study is to evaluate how host organizations include people with intellectual disabilities in volunteering activities from the perspective of adaptive leadership. A qualitative research method was applied in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Participants included people with intellectual disabilities, individuals accompanying them in volunteering activities, and representatives of organizations hosting volunteers. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis in order to reveal the meanings of volunteering experiences and the adaptive leadership processes taking place within them. The study also included an analysis of scientific literature on volunteering, social inclusion, adaptive leadership, and the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in community life. The results of the study revealed that volunteering can become an important space for social inclusion and personal growth for people with intellectual disabilities. Through volunteering, participants strengthen their self-confidence, expand social relationships, develop skills, and experience a meaningful role within the community. The study also highlighted the importance of relationships and a supportive environment in the volunteering process. The study identified the main organizational challenges: lack of organizational preparedness, limited resources, insufficient adaptation of activities, and stereotypes existing in society. The findings showed that inclusive volunteering requires flexibility, learning, and adaptation to the individual needs of volunteers, while accompanying persons play an important role in this process. The results of the study suggest that the principles of adaptive leadership can serve as an important foundation for developing more inclusive volunteering practices and strengthening the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in community life. |
