Social Work Practice with Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Osun State, South West Nigeria

Persons with intellectual disabilities in Nigeria frequently encounter social exclusion, lack of educational and vocational support, and inadequate welfare services, placing social work in a critical role in their care and advocacy. This study examines social work practice with persons with intellectual disabilities in Osun State, focusing on Osogbo and Ede local government areas. A descriptive survey design is adopted, with data collected from 80 caregivers, social workers, and disability organisation staff through structured questionnaires. Frequencies and percentages are used in data analysis. The study finds that persons with intellectual disabilities in Osun State are largely excluded from formal education, employment, and community participation, and that most families lack access to professional social work support for caregiving. Social workers who encounter this population do so primarily through referrals from healthcare facilities, with few services specifically designed for adults with intellectual disabilities. Stigma and cultural beliefs attributing intellectual disability to spiritual causes further reduce families' willingness to seek formal professional services. Recommendations include training social workers in intellectual disability assessment and inclusive service delivery, developing day activity and vocational training centres for adults with intellectual disabilities, and implementing community awareness programmes to reduce stigma. Keywords: intellectual disabilities, social work practice, Osun State, inclusion, caregiving