Comparison of Self-Determination Ability and its Components in Individuals with Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment and without Impairment

The aim of the research was comparison of self-determination ability and its components in individuals with hearing or visual impairment, and without impairment. The research sample consisted of 116 people (32 people with visual impairment, 21 people with hearing impairment, and 63 people without impairment) from individuals with hearing or visual impairment, and without impairment in the city of Shiraz city. Individuals with hearing impairment and visual impairment were selected through convenience sampling and individuals without impairment were selected through multistage random sampling. To measure the Self-determination, the Self-Determination Questionnaire (Gomez-vella Verdugo, Gil, Corbella, & Wehmeyer) was used. Data were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance and Scheffe test. The results showed that the self-determination ability of individuals without impairment was significantly higher than individuals with hearing impairment and visual impairment. It is worth noting that there was no significant difference in self-determination ability between individuals with hearing impairment and visual impairment. The results of analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that the self-determination ability of individuals without impairment was significantly higher than individuals with sensory impairment in the subscales of autonomy and psychological empowerment. Also, there was no significant difference in none of the subscales of self-determination between individuals with hearing impairment and individuals with visual impairment. According to research findings, it can be said that training of self-determination abilities is necessary for individuals with hearing impairment and visual impairment.