Leaders of nonprofits that offer support services to adults with I/DD must work within the framework of federal and state mandates when making ethical decisions regarding autonomy and risk for recipients of their services. This paper presents findings from a qualitative descriptive case study that examined the contemporary phenomenon of risks of autonomy for adults with I/DD within the real-world context of leaders' ethical decision-making under state and federal mandates. Six leaders of nonprofits that offer support services to adults with I/DD in South Central Louisiana coastal parishes participated in this study. Data was collected through a participant demographic questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and document review. A researcher reflective journal, member-checking, and triangulation of data demonstrated rigor and trustworthiness throughout through all steps of the study. Document analysis and thematic analysis of interview data produced findings that resulted in a case summarized as “The dignity of risk.” Recommendations for practice and future research include specialized ethics training and a longitudinal study to assesses strategies for leaders of nonprofit support service providers who promote autonomy for individuals with I/DD and enable service recipients the dignity of risk when making decisions about their lives.

Authors:
Kristal Hebert, Arc of St. Mary, United States
C. Amelia Davis, Louisiana State University Shreveport, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Kristal Hebert serves as the executive director for the Arc of St. Mary, a nonprofit organization that provides support services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities in St. Mary Parish.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristal-hebert-ed-d-1b7b14137/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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