Limited decision-making opportunities
Since The Children Act there has been increased opportunity for children and young people to express their views, wishes and feelings in both decisions about their own lives and also in decisions about the development of services (Franklin and Sloper 2005). Disabled children and young people often lack the opportunity to participate in everyday activities on a daily basis. This reduces the chance to be involved in decision-making. Research suggests disabled children and young people are frequently excluded from meaningful involvement in decision-making (Morris 1998b; Morris 1999).
The participation of disabled children and young people in decision-making requires a cultural shift. Sinclair (2000) concluded that children will only be able to participate in formal decision-making processes when they participate in small as well as big decisions.