More or less independent

The aim of this study was to describe how persons with learning disabilities conceived their opportunities to participate in decisions in different environmental settings. Further, the study focused on factors that persons with learning disabilities conceived what facilitated or hindered their participation in decisions in everyday life.

Qualitative interviews were performed with 23 persons with mild to moderate learning disabilities. The youngest was 22 years and the oldest 63. Data were categorized in three levels of decision making, described as independent, interdependent and dependent.

The participants were presented in five profiles depending on level of decision and in relation to the environmental arenas work and leisure. Most conceptions were categorized as dependent or interdependent regardless of arena. Few examples of independence were given. Factors that facilitated or hindered participation in decisions varied: national legislation, attitudes, and forms of daily routines and activities.

This study showed a gap between official ideologies of every citizen's rights and the studied participants' conceptions of how they participate in decisions in everyday life. As a consequence of this, professionals have to develop methods promoting decision-making as conceived by the clients.