Evaluation and service delivery research in the area of severe intellectual disability in Australia 1
Abstract
While research findings are not necessarily the most potent factors in determining service provisions for people with disabilities, research does play an important role in establishing whether program goals are being met as well as assisting service providers in achieving their goals. In the context of severe intellectual disability the current research leterature is often flawed by the quite imprecise definitions used to identify the people being studied, leading to difficulties in the interpretation of the results. Suggestions are made that may help to reduce these and other methodological deficiencies. A range of pressing research questions relating to service delivery programs are raised. Finally, it is suggested that cooperative research centres of excellence should be established in Australia along similar lines to the North American Research and Training Centres in Mental Retardation and the University Affiliated Programs.