Ageing and lifelong intellectual disability: Implications for policy

This paper reviews gaps between services and needs and describes the parameters of public policy changes required if community agencies and families are to meet the needs of older adults with lifelong intellectual disabilities. A national research project undertaken between 1989 and 1991 provided data on both national and regional demographic, health status and service statistics and was innovative in disseminating this information widely and to a variety of audiences, including through a professional photographic installation. In spite of this effort and the stated intention to provide evidence for action, neither policy nor practice have grown to meet the needs identified. Public policy must value the voices of people with intellectual disabilities and their carers or advocates and actively support partnerships between government sector and community organisations if the needs of communities and families are to be met.