Quality of life for people with learning difficulties: The challenge for behavioural and emotional disturbance

The concept of quality of life is examined in terms of its relevance to the field of learning difficulties with particular reference to those who also show symptoms of behavioural and emotional disturbance. It is argued that quality of life encourages a re-examination of our understanding of the field of learning difficulties and underlines the need to recognize the role of choice in the development of normalizing services. The implications of this for assessment, programming and service delivery are explored. It is argued that the use of natural environments and the development of support of family members is critical within a quality of life model. Such views have relevance to the way professional practitioners are trained, enabling them to perform effectively away from traditional centres, and in the more natural environments associated with their clients. Finally, it is argued that the notion of quality of life underscores the importance of moving away from traditional, and linear models of labelling to a recognition that society often imposes on individuals the nature of disability.