A Survey of Self-Advocacy Groups for People with Learning Disabilities in an English Region

Abstract

This is the second article on the development, implementation and analysis of a survey of self-advocacy groups for people with learning disabilities in the midlands region of England. One hundred questionnaires were posted to groups and 53 were completed — a good response for remote work with groups whose members may not read. In postal surveys non-response can be overestimated because ineligible or unreachable respondents may be regarded as refusals. Three respondents identified themselves as ineligible; therefore the response rate was no less than 54 percent. Groups provided information about their origins, structure and functioning. Among the key findings were the consistency of the issues identified as important, and the willingness to engage in research. The overwhelming majority of groups indicated that they would participate further in the project. Participatory research paradigms from the social model of disability can enhance our understanding of self-advocates' experience.