This study explores the experiences, perceptions, and barriers faced by older adults with intellectual disabilities in using technology. Using a qualitative approach with semi- structured interviews (n = 108), the research identified five central themes: barriers to access and usability, impact on autonomy and well-being, need for support and training, preferences and desired adaptations in technology, and the influence of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Participants highlighted the challenges posed by complex interfaces, cognitive limitations, and physical accessibility issues, while also emphasizing the empowering role of technology in fostering independence, emotional well- being, and social connections. The role of caregivers emerged as critical, not only as facilitators of technological adoption but also as emotional anchors, reinforcing confidence in using these tools. Participants expressed a strong preference for user-centered designs that include visual guides, automatic reminders, and customizable features to improve accessibility and autonomy. Advanced technologies offered innovative opportunities but were hindered by cost, usability challenges, and the need for ergonomic adaptations. The findings underscore the need for inclusive policies, targeted training for caregivers, and the development of adaptive, accessible devices tailored to the needs of this population. This study provides actionable insights for improving technological accessibility and fostering greater inclusion, autonomy, and quality of life for older adults with intellectual disabilities.

Introduction: Currently, the concept of quality of life (QoL) is key to defining health policies aimed at the population with intellectual disability (ID). Most QoL studies in this field have been limited to people with ID with higher levels of functioning. This has resulted in little interest in evaluating QoL interventions in people with ID and high support needs, affecting their general well-being and conditioning the care received. This study seeks to explore the QoL levels of people with severe and profound ID, and to examine their differences according to some variables. Material and methods: From a quantitative-descriptive approach, the San Martín scale, based on the eight-dimensional QoL Model of Schalock and Verdugo, has been applied to 201 Chilean people with severe or profound ID between 60 and 86 years of age. Results: The data show how most of the participants have low levels of QoL, with self-determination and social inclusion being the most affected dimensions. When comparing the QoL score with the sociodemographic variables, there are differences according to the level of support needs and the type of center of which they are users. Conclusion: It is necessary to pay attention to the low levels of QoL because there is a notable risk that they lead to greater situations of vulnerability for this group. Likewise, it is convenient to advocate for a higher frequency in the support offered and to bring the spaces in which these people operate as close as possible to the community.

The support paradigm and the quality of life paradigm have become fundamental guides for progress in the field of Intellectual Disability (ID). Based on a sample of 93 adults with ID, the relationship between Quality of Life and Support Needs is analyzed from a non-experimental quantitative approach, applying the INICO-FEAPS scale and the SIS Support Intensity scale for each construct. The main results show that there is a strong and indirect relationship between quality of life and support needs, and the relevance of analyzing these results from variables such as the degree of disability, sex or socioeconomic level. The discussion allows us to infer the need to discuss new strategies around categories such as the degree of disability, self-determination and social inclusion, as facilitating elements of quality of life and supporting a comprehensive approach that contributes to the development of social program strategies for the population with ID. El paradigma de apoyos y el de calidad de vida se han transformado en guías fundamentales para los avances en el ámbito de la discapacidad intelectual (DI). Con base en una muestra de 93 personas adultas con DI, se analiza, desde un enfoque cuantitativo no experimental, la relación entre la calidad de vida y las necesidades de apoyo, aplicando la escala INICO-FEAPS y la escala de Intensidad de Apoyos (SIS) para cada constructo. Los principales resultados evidencian que existe una relación fuerte e indirecta entre calidad de vida y necesidades de apoyos, y también la relevancia de analizar dichos resultados desde variables como grado de discapacidad, sexo o nivel socioeconómico. La discusión permite inferir la necesidad de discutir nuevas estrategias en torno a categorías como el grado de discapacidad, la autodeterminación e inclusión social, como elementos facilitadores de la calidad de vida y apoyos desde un enfoque integral que contribuya al desarrollo de estrategias de programas sociales para la población con DI.

La autodeterminación es un constructo clave para garantizar el desarrollo de habilidades que permitan a las personas con discapacidad intelectual adquirir el control sobre sus vidas. Este estudio busca conocer los niveles de autodeterminación de 516 adultos con discapacidad intelectual en proceso de envejecimiento y algunas variables que inciden en su desarrollo. Desde un enfoque cuantitativo, los datos se han recopilado con una escala ad hoc elaborada desde el modelo funcional de autodeterminación. Las evidencias se han analizado mediante estadísticos descriptivos e inferenciales. Los niveles de autodeterminación de la mayoría de los participantes se sitúan en un rango bajo. Los principales resultados muestran cómo el desarrollo de competencias relacionadas con la autodefensa o el autoconocimiento está muy descendido a diferencia de otras habilidades como la realización de elecciones o la resolución de problemas. Además, la severidad de la discapacidad, la edad, el lugar de residencia o el tipo de apoyo se identifican como factores incidentes en el logro de la autodeterminación. La discusión revela, entre otras, la necesidad de priorizar el aprendizaje de competencias relacionadas con la autorrealización como fundamento de las propuestas de intervención en autodeterminación. Este estudio contribuye a enriquecer el grueso de investigaciones sobre autodeterminación en la adultez tardía, siendo este un aspecto apenas abordado en la literatura. Además, complementa los resultados de otras investigaciones con respecto a los factores que pueden condicionar el desarrollo de estas habilidades. Esto permite ir diseñando intervenciones que propicien oportunidades para trabajar la autodeterminación desde las necesidades sentidas de estas personas.

The aging of people with intellectual disabilities constitutes a growing demographic phenomenon, yet it remains underexplored from a rights-based perspective. Understanding how self-determination is experienced in residential settings is fundamental for promoting dignified aging. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 86 older adults with intellectual disabilities living in nine long-term care facilities in Chile. Five central themes were identified: margins for daily decision-making, validation of personal voice, structural barriers to autonomy, enabling supports, and the relationship between self-determination and emotional wellbeing. Findings showed that self-determination was heavily influenced by institutional cultures, communication accessibility, and relational environments rather than by individual characteristics alone. Promoting self-determination in long-term care requires institutional reforms focused on cognitive accessibility, flexible routines, and formal participatory spaces. Ensuring the right to decide is essential for improving emotional wellbeing and guaranteeing dignified aging for people with intellectual disabilities.