Factors affecting service provision to parents with intellectual disability: An exploratory study

Abstract

Legislation in Australia mandates that people with disabilities have access to mainstream services wherever possible. This paper examines the factors affecting the provision of mainstream family support services to parents with intellectual disability, expanding on an earlier study with these services (Llewellyn, 1994a). Use of qualitative procedures resulted in the identification of common issues for service coordinators. From these common issues, a conceptual matrix was developed to represent the primary and key factors affecting service provision. The three key factors were: client characteristics, resources available and the involvement of other agencies. The use of the matrix in further research on services and support for parents with intellectual disability is discussed.