A Case Study on the Implications of Family-Based Micro Enterprise with Adult-Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in South Korea

Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic posed unforeseen challenges for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), exacerbating their pre-existing hardship. Although micro enterprises for families with individuals with IDD　have received attention in more developed countries as a means to enhance autonomy and independence, little is known about the personal implications for people with IDD and their family members in less developed societies. This study explored the experiences of families with adult children who have IDD and have initiated micro enterprises in South Korea. A series of semi-structured interviews with three co-founders who started a dried-rice workshop near Seoul were conducted during late November 2019 to January 2020. This study illustrates how family-based startups can offer meaningful employment opportunities for adult children with IDD and reduce burden of constant caregiving from their aging family members. The study demonstrated the initial objectives, business selection, success factors, and challenges faced by these families in the Korean context. It is crucial for scholars and practitioners to acknowledge the importance of both seeking job opportunities for adult children with IDD and maintaining strong family connections. Furthermore, gaining firsthand knowledge on these individuals’ unique competencies is vital to effectively tailor employment conditions to suit their specific needs.