Why Consumer Participation Matters to People with Cognitive Disabilities

For people with cognitive disabilities, civic participation and being involved in decision-making matters because it:

• is a democratic right;
• reinforces the right to self-determination;
• supports active involvement and problem solving in all levels of decision making;
• recognises and values lived experience, expertise and knowledge;
• leads to the provision of services which are responsive to needs;
• leads to improved services and better outcomes;
• supports networking and relationship building with service providers and potential allies;
• increases individual and group engagement with service providers, governments and community organisations;
• can lead to new knowledge and skills development;
• supports collaboration, communication and negotiation;
• can lead to increased confidence.

Next Page: Consumer Participation in Action

Chapter 1. Understand Consumer Participation

1.1: Why Consumer Participation Matters to services, Governments and community organisations
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1.2: Why Consumer Participation Matters to People with Cognitive Disabilities
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1.3: Consumer Participation in Action
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1.4: Levels of Participation: Which Level Are You On?
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1.5: Consumer Reps: Our Voice Our Rights
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