Consumers with Intellectual Disabilities as Service Evaluators

In: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities: JARID, Volume 11, Issue 2, p. 116-128

Abstract

Consumer views of public services are now recognised as an integral part of auditing. While previously consumers with an intellectual disability have been seen as passive recipients of services, a research literature is emerging which has modified this view. This paper aims to review the relevant literature and focuses on the methods used to gather consumer views of public services. Areas of application have included residential, day and therapeutic services. Most studies have found that given adequate opportunities and effective interview methods, people with intellectual disabilities can be informative, critical and reliable service evaluators. Some recommendations for optimising valid and reliable consumer views are given.