VALID8—Enhancing and Assuring Service User Empowerment Practices Within Not-for-Profit Disability Residential Services by Placing People with Disability at the Centre as Paid Evaluators, Leaders and Change-Makers

Abstract

Objectives

This paper outlines VALID’s experience employing people with intellectual disability in open, Award wage roles to review the quality of disability group homes. It focuses on how workers felt about being employed in these roles, and what this meant for their self-advocacy, confidence, rights, safety and inclusion.

Method

VALID created the VALID8 project, employing more than 30 people with intellectual or dual disability as Program Officers. The team codesigned Easy Read interview questions based on the Victorian Disability Service Standards and developed a Companion App using pictures, touchscreen and talk-to-text to support accessible interviews. From 2019 until the project’s end, staff received tailored training and visited 170 group homes across Victoria, interviewing 483 residents and preparing reports for houses, service providers and government.

Results

VALID8 demonstrated that people with intellectual disability can thrive in paid quality review roles when supported with accessible tools, training and peer mentoring. Workers consistently reported feeling proud, respected and valued in their jobs. Many said the role gave them a stronger voice, greater confidence and a sense of purpose. Services received practical, rights-focused recommendations, and repeat visits showed clear improvements in many homes. Employment in VALID8 strengthened workers’ skills and networks, with several progressing to other paid or volunteer roles in advocacy, government and community organisations.

Conclusion

Peer-led quality review is both achievable and empowering. The VALID8 model, now continuing through Activ8, offers a practical way to embed rights, voice and open employment in disability services.