Perceived Shortcomings in Rights Implementation in Services for People With Intellectual Disabilities: Professionals' Perspectives and Ethical Implications

Abstract

Despite international efforts to implement a rights-based approach in services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), concerns about rights violations—both overt and subtle—remain present in everyday practice. This study examines the perceptions of 1134 professionals working in IDD services across 10 Spanish regions regarding the extent to which service users' rights are respected, their needs and preferences are addressed, and the emotional and attitudinal responses of staff. Findings indicate that while most professionals perceived general respect for rights, important concerns were reported regarding specific areas, particularly privacy, social inclusion, and legal recognition. Longer professional tenure was associated with a greater likelihood of reporting perceived shortcomings in rights implementation. Emotional responses such as pity, overprotection, and ambivalence were more frequently reported when professionals worked with individuals with higher support needs. Notably, 27.7% of respondents believed that the right to privacy was not adequately respected, and 38.7% identified lack of attention as a form of inappropriate treatment. These findings highlight the ethical relevance of professional perceptions and organizational practices and underscore the need for ongoing ethical reflection and service-level improvement. Interpreted within the framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Quality of Life Supports Model, the results point to the importance of aligning everyday support practices with person-centered and rights-based principles.