Providing services for parents with intellectual disability: parent needs and service constraints

This paper deals with the question of service provision for parents with intellectual disability. Although data are now available on how to plan and implement effective parent education programs, there is little information on the resources needed to provide effective programs to parents with intellectual disability. Using a qualitative approach, the views of specialist service providers were sought on parents' support and service needs and key issues influencing service provision. Three categories of concern were identified: parents' special needs, desirable service characteristics and constraints on service delivery. Four key themes were developed from these categories. These themes are presented as principles to guide service provision. It is argued that services need to be responsive to each parent's individual needs; to provide support to parents over the long term; to provide opportunities for parents to learn in their own time and in their own way; and, to advocate for parents to be included in their local community.