2001: Quality of Life Survey Says "We Want More Inclusion!"
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities conducted a survey in 2000 to determine how people with developmental disabilities in Minnesota perceive their own levels of Independence, Productivity, Integration, and Inclusion (IPII), and to evaluate the quality of services they receive from the array of service providers. The January 2001 results indicate that all levels of government, county, state and federal, received low ratings on their performance as it relates to people with developmental disabilities.
In terms of education, schools also were also given low marks. Almost all respondents currently in school attend public schools, and one of four parents/advocates feel their child spends too little time in regular classes. Almost one-third of parents feel their concerns are neither addressed promptly nor professionally by their school.
Independence is more tangible for people than the other IPII dimensions, and therefore, could be more objectively measured. People with a developmental disability were significantly more satisfied with their current level of Independence than their level of Inclusion. There are nearly as many people dissatisfied with their current level of Inclusion as satisfied.
Graduation from On Eagles Wings program in North Minneapolis. This program focuses on increased independence, integration and inclusion in the community.
Independence is more tangible for people than the other IPII dimensions, and therefore, could be more objectively measured. People with a developmental disability were significantly more satisfied with their current level of Independence than their level of Inclusion. There are nearly as many people dissatisfied with their current level of Inclusion as satisfied.
As for Productivity, adults had higher ratings on productivity than minors, as probably could be expected. As people develop skills and are given responsibility both at home and where they work or volunteer, their ratings on Productivity improve. There appears to be opportunities for enhancing the productivity of the population with developmental disabilities.
Some who currently work would prefer to work more hours; and some who are currently unemployed would like to have a job.
Overall, the survey indicated that people with developmental disabilities are least likely to be satisfied with their level of Inclusion.
Inclusion is the most subjective area for people; it is a measure of their feelings about Relationships, Equality and Respect. As people feel better about these aspects their ratings on inclusion become higher.
https://mn.gov/mnddc/extra/customer-research/Quality_of_Life_Report.pdf