ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of life for handicapped students, and to identify the correlation between quality of life and the ability to perform daily routines.Methods : The study examined 102 handicapped students attending special schools in the Kyounggi-do, Incheon, Daejeon, and Cholla-do areas, who are in the ages between 15 and 22, with a disability level between 1 to 3. For the survey, a tool that measures the quality of life of handicapped people and a Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were used.Results : In regard to quality of life, the students showed the highest scores in emotional well-being and satisfaction. For the sub-items, age and settlement type resulted in a significant difference in quality of life; sex and disability level did not. The FIM showed a positive correlation with quality of life.Conclusion : The study revealed that age and settlement type results in a significant difference in quality of life for handicapped students, and that quality of life is positively related to the ability to perform daily routines. Thus, to improve the quality of life, it is critical to enhance the ability to perform daily routines.