Quality of Life and its role for guiding practices in the social and educational services from a systems perspective

Abstract

The Quality of Life model has been established as a critical framework in the field of intel¬lectual disability on different levels. From a system-perspective, this model has had a huge impact on the ways that the supports are planned and provided and on the way that the organizations have changed. This concept also offers a comprehensive framework for the public policy development and evaluation. In this article we present an updated overview of the Quality of Life model, the evidence on its structure and its role for guiding practices in the social and educational services from a systems perspective, as well as its impact on the development of evidence-based practices in the field of intellectual disability. The main challenges towards the implementation of this model within schools are discussed and directions for further research and practice are presented.