F. Previous studies

There are no studies directly related to the independent living of persons with disabilities in Omani society, but there have been several studies that address the ability of these persons to adapt to different environments. Despite the difference between these two topics, such studies can be used to analyse the social status of persons with disabilities and provide a basis for the present study, as they include the same age group and social conditions.

1. The aim of one study[1] was to identify the extent to which students with disabilities were able to adapt to university life independently, considering administrative facilities, available technologies and societal awareness. The study found that students had a high ability to make life decisions and were more self-reliant following separation from their families.
2. The aim of another study[2] was to identify the level of anxiety among students with hearing impairments about the future beyond their studies. The findings revealed greater anxiety among males compared to females with the same social variables.
3. A further study[3] examined the legislative context of independent living for persons with disabilities in Ireland and the requirements for achieving it. It found that many had concerns about their ability to make life decisions, despite the many facilities available to them. The study stressed the need to develop a clear policy that would contribute to the effective involvement of persons with disabilities in everything that could improve their day-to-day quality of life.

Although earlier Arab and national studies differ in content from the present one, they can be used due to the similarities in samples and communities. Earlier studies have shed light on persons with disabilities and the extent to which legislative and institutional contexts accommodate their needs for independent living. They have focused on these individuals’ perceptions of themselves, which are important factors in their ability to work and start a family independently.

However, previous studies have not discussed the practices persons with disabilities can follow to achieve independent living, which is what the present study focuses on, by identifying challenges and attitudes for persons with disabilities to be more self-reliant and able to make life decisions.