• Our co-produced research report is now available on supported decision making with people with intellectual disabilities and mental ill health.
• An easy read report is also available.

Key Findings

Decision making is a central aspect of people’s lives. Participants discussed the positive role which decision making can have in their life but also how it felt when they are not supported to make their own decisions.

Participants said there were three things that make decision making harder: the type of decision; the role of other people; and what the outcome might be.

Time was consistently identified as a very important factor in making decisions.

In terms of support, people said they would like: practical support including more accessible information; emotional support including someone to talk to; and sometimes the options to choose from.

The peer researcher aspect of the project strengthened the research process and was valued by participants. This is an evolving area of research practice that needs further critical exploration of the issues involved.

Davidson, G. Edge, R., Falls, D., Keenan, F., Kelly, B., McLaughlin, A., Montgomery, L., Mulvenna, C., Norris, B., Owens, A., Shea Irvine, R. and Webb. P. (2018) p. 6