Understanding quality of life in people with complex and multiple communication disabilities: Views and opinions of parents and support staff

Understanding quality of life of people with an intellectual disability and additional communication disabilities (developmental language disorder or hearing impairment), who experience complex and multiple communication disabilities (CMCD), is a complex issue. In this study, the expertise and knowledge of parents and support staff about the QoL of people with CMCD were explored through two focus group sessions. Eleven domains of QoL were identified: eight core domains of the QoL model by Schalock and Verdugo and three new domains, (1) communication, (2) professional environment, and (3) parental well-being. The new domains underline the dependency of people with CMCD on their social network, as well as their complex communication needs. This study contributes to the broader understanding that it is necessary to involve multiple perspectives to enhance QoL for people with CMCD, especially due to the complexity revolving around their communication needs.