Abstract
People with intellectual disabilities (ID) are not experiencing the quality care they deserve from healthcare professionals when hospitalized. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using questionnaires and Grounded Theory to examine the perceptions social workers have in regards to the quality care people with ID receive in the hospital. From the data analysis, five themes emerged: (a) a lack of understanding, (b) a need for medical professionals to have specific education for treating people with ID, (c) person- centered care, (d) advocating for people with ID, and (e) barriers to quality care. Social workers can apply these findings toward a better understanding of how to help educated healthcare professionals to be culturally sensitive when working with patients' with ID.