A Proposed Framework for an Integrated Process of Improving Quality of Life

Abstract

The need for quality of life, both as a concept and as a measure, to be applied to policy and practice has been noted in the disability literature for several years. In 2012, Schalock and Verdugo introduced a conceptual model to help service organizations evaluate if congruence exists among their systems, policies, and practices and, if misalignments exist, to make changes through policy and systems change. Their model focuses on two levels, system-level processes and organization-level practices, at three consecutive stages of use: inputs, throughputs, and outputs. In this article, the authors extend the work of Schalock and Verdugo by adding a third level of application, individual-and family-level living, and propose the inclusion of outcomes as a fourth stage of use representing a consequence of outputs. We recognize the dynamic interaction among all components of the conceptual framework and, like Schalock and Verdugo, argue for alignment both vertically (system, organization, and individual and family living levels) and horizontally (inputs, throughputs, outputs, and outcomes) within our revised conceptual framework. Based on this, the authors propose that quality of life outcomes (the ongoing effects of outputs) should be an ultimate focus of service organizations and policy development if quality of life is to be enhanced for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

State of the Art of Family Quality of Life in Early Care and Disability: A Systematic Review

“…Most researchers who published their studies after these two SRs followed the functional conceptualization approach. For instance, in a theoretical study which integrated the perspectives of three authors from three different research teams—Schippers, Zuna and Brown—it was argued that “from the QoL conceptual development and research to date, we have a strong sense that it is usually a number of variables across a variety of life areas working in an interrelated fashion that are essential to improving QoL for individuals and families” [ 89 ] (pp. 151).…”

Operationalisation of quality of life for adults with severe disabilities

“…Since the publication of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (United Nations ), although not specifically mentioned, the quality of life construct has been put forward as a useful link between the social rights and the personal lives of people with disabilities (Verdugo et al . ; Shippers, Zuna, & Brown, in press), as well as being a useful construct to drive progress towards equity, empowerment and self‐determination (Navas et al . ).…”

A Systematic Approach to Enhancing the Personal Well-Being of Children and Adolescents

“…The rationale for using a QOL framework as an underlying principle and framework in implementing the systematic approach described in this article is that a QOL framework: (a) integrates the five trends summarized in Table 1 through its emphasis on fundamental principles related to equity, inclusion, empowerment, and self-determination; (b) incorporates a holistic, positive approach to individuals based on positive psychology and strengths-based models of growth and development; (c) provides a framework for person-centered planning; (d) allows one to evaluate the impact of various individual and environmental variables on personal outcomes: (e) reflects the individualized nature of personal well-being; (f) aligns thought and action through a "quality of life language of thought and action" whose basic concepts include human and legal rights, equity, inclusion, empowerment, and self-determination; whose relationships involve interactions, social networks, community participation, valued roles, and positive experiences; and whose spatial concepts reflect inclusion, active participation, and being in and of the community; and (g) has an extensive literature base regarding its conceptualization, measurement, and application (Bigby & Beadle-Brown, 2014;Bigby, Knox, Beadle-Brown, & Bould, 2014;Brown, Hatton, & Emerson, 2015;Claes, Van Hove, van Loon, Vandevelde, & Schalock, 2009;Pazey et al, 2016;Reinders & Schalock, 2014;Schalock & Keith, 2016;Wehmeyer, 2013). Because of its strengths and applicability, the QOL concept is increasingly being used as a universal indicator of success whenever we intend to advance the well-being of children and adolescents through interventions, programs, and policy (Schippers, Zuna, & Brown, 2015;Wallender & Koot, 2015).…”