Learning to Partner, Disabling Conflict: Early indications of an improving relationship between parents and professionals with regard to service provision for children with learning disabilities

Abstract

A questionnaire was constructed to analyse whether the high degree of parental dissatisfaction with disability professionals found in previous studies is indicative of the modern parent-professional relationship with regards to service provision for learning disabled children. The subsequent data suggests that professionals are beginning to address the need for clear and appropriate information and intervention, an acknowledgement of parental needs and expertise, and the effective role of parental involvement, whilst parents function within the role of service 'consumers'. Consequently, previous levels of dissatisfaction are slowly being undermined, although professional service remains reactive, particularly in terms of counselling and advice, despite the need and desire for more pro-active provision.