Preference, choice, and persons with disabilities: A synopsis of assessments, interventions, and future directions

A recent revolution in service delivery for persons with developmental disabilities encompasses increased client independence and improved quality of life. Specifically, care providers have focused on client expressions of preference, choice-making, and choice availability as key elements of study in this new revolution. We review and critique the primary methods of assessing preference and choice for persons with disabilities, including interviews and questionnaires, pictorial presentations, technological apparati, and direct observation. We also provide an overview of the burgeoning literature on intervention programs designed to enhance choice for this population, such as giving more choice to clients, teaching choice-making skills, and improving staff member skills regarding choice availability. Finally, we provide a synopsis of the future directions in this area that should receive the most attention from researchers and caregivers.