Self-determination of women with disabilities

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of self-determination among women with disabilities in Jordan. Participants of the study were 141 women with disabilities such as intellectual, hearing, visual, and physical impairments. They were purposefully selected from seven major vocational rehabilitation centres in Jordan. A scale was developed depending on Wehmeyer previous work; it consisted of 60 items divided among four domains; psychological empowerment, autonomy, self-regulation and self-realisation. Validity and reliability of the scale was achieved using many methods. Frequencies and one-way analysis of variance was used to investigate the level of self-determination in addition to any differences according to the type of disability. Results showed average levels of self-determination across the four domains; furthermore, significant differences were found between the three sensory disabilities (hearing, visual and physical) and women with intellectual disabilities. Findings are discussed and further recommendations are provided for future investigation.