Parents' perspectives on current and future community services and supports

Abstract

With a combined parental effort of 49 years, the authors have unequivocally realized that they have gone in circles with efforts to put in place an appropriate community life style for their children. This article briefly traces each author's individual experiences to date which have led them to ask: ‘When will parents’ perspectives and knowledge be relevant to the delivery of services or supports?' Several consumer/family driven initiatives; A Home of Your Own; Inclusion; Families Organizing for Change; and the possibility of a class action law suit as a tool for change, are discussed.