Participation of Disabled Children & Young People in Decision Making

This literature review set out to examine existing evidence concerning the participation of disabled children and young people in decisions about services – collective decision making.

Because of the severe lack of evidence in this area, the wider literature on the participation of children has been examined and reference made to the growing body of research being undertaking with disabled children.

This research sheds light on their views about services and illustrates the capabilities of disabled children to be commentators on their own lives. The growing academic literature and emerging practice are a major step forward in giving disabled children and young people a “voice”, but some may argue that this is not really giving disabled children and young people full empowerment and a stake in decision-making processes.

This report discusses:

• Extent of disabled children and young people's participation
• Negative attitudes towards the participation of disabled children and young people
• Methods of participation
• Outcomes of participation
• Need for further research