The Quality of Life Supports Model as a major component in applying the quality of life paradigm

Abstract

Social change is built on paradigms and models. A paradigm needs an operational action model to successfully implement the paradigm, and an operational model needs a paradigm to give it credibility and content. This article describes the Quality of Life Supports Model (QOLSM) as a major pathway for applying the quality of life (QOL) paradigm. The QOLSM integrates the concepts of QOL and individualized supports. The article describes and illustrates: (a) the four elements of the QOLSM (core values, individual and family QOL domains, systems of supports, and facilitating conditions); and (b) the use of the QOLSM in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) as a framework for supports provision. The article also discusses how the QOLSM represents a value-based and actionable model that should be effective for solving problems regarding services and supports to people with IDD, developing new knowledge, making meaningful change, being evaluated, and contributing both theoretically and operationally to the field.