Intellectual disability and independent living: Professionals’ views via a Delphi study

Abstract

Background: The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) states that people have the right to decide where to live and with whom. Professionals play a key role in supporting processes for independent living (IL). This research aimed to identify which ideas generated more or less consensus among professionals regarding the role of different agents involved in the processes of IL in Spain. Method: The Delphi method was applied to an expert panel of 25 professionals. Results: A high consensus was reached regarding the role that people with intellectual disabilities, their families and their natural support networks play in supporting IL processes, but there was less consensus on the role played by organizations and professionals. Conclusions: The study highlights the need to promote practices that favour the decision-making capacity of individuals to move towards models of support based on community and the human rights model.