Background: The aim of this research was to increase the influence and participation in the society for young people with intellectual disabilities.

Method: Participatory action research together with young adults with ID as co-researchers. An action was added to try to find a method to let young people with ID affect and develop municipal leisure, culture and democratic activities.  The co-researchers took part in two single interviews, three focus group interviews and three actions. Staff from the municipality took part in a focus group. A survey was answered by the municipal management. 

Results: The research team found adjustments for better adaptation of municipal activities. The co-researchers instructed staff from the municipality to become better in listen to young people with ID, and thereby has staff in the municipality gained increased knowledge about treatment and inclusion of young people with ID. Young people with ID received a higher level of influence and participation in the municipality.

Conclusion: If staff in the municipality get opportunity to learn to meet and listen to young people with ID, young people with ID can contribute to the development of society in a more inclusive way. When young people with ID teach staff, better working methods and municipal activities for young people with ID materializes.