The Yardstick of Social Validity: Evaluating Quality of Life as Perceived by Adults without Disabilities

Abstract

Adults without disabilities were surveyed using the same instrument that was used to investigate the quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities. Survey results suggest that some quality of life indicators may be inhibitors to achieving satisfactory quality of life. Other indicators may enhance or serve as contributors towards a positive quality of life. Differentiating between inhibitors and contributors may help service providers to focus services for individuals on those factors that will directly contribute to change in quality of life status. Using data from a sample of the typical population ensures that our programming efforts will support community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities.