Changing Values & Services

The development of self-advocacy since the 1980s, and recognition that people with intellectual disabilities have a voice that must be listened to, has led to greater engagement with 'user involvement'.

User involvement has been prominent in the development of the English government strategy for people with intellectual disabilities "Valuing People", which was published in 2001. It is striking that the accessible version of this, written for and by people with intellectual disabilities, is called "Nothing About Us Without Us".

While broadly service responses are moving towards a social model, which envisages more inclusive roles for people with intellectual disabilities in our communities, it is essential that their health and health needs are not eclipsed

A number of articles are being prepared for this section. Please let us know if there are new topics that you would like us to include.

Action for Health - How Is It Going?
Assessing the Value of the Internet in Health Improvement
Government Policy in England: Inclusion in Mainstream Healthcare
Healthcare Decision-Making By Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
History of Down's Syndrome
Policy development in England
Self Advocacy
Social Care Services and the Social Perspective
Top Ten Tips for effective consultation
User involvement
The Wellness Book (incl. two commentaries)
Working with the Baked Bean Theatre Company
Commentary: Setting up the Theatre Company