The Relationship Between Choice and Injuries of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

People with IDD are often denied choices based on concerns for their safety, including to prevent and reduce injuries. This study examined the relationship between the service-related choices of people with IDD and their injuries. In this cross-sectional analysis, we analyzed secondary Personal Outcome Measures® interview data and injury data from 251 people with IDD. Our findings revealed, controlling for all demographics, for every one-unit increase in service-related choice outcomes present, there was a 35% decrease in injuries. Expanding people with IDD's choice-making opportunities may result in fewer injuries. We must move beyond custodial models of care and ensure people with IDD are supported to live the lives of their choosing.