Trading autonomy for services: Perceptions of users and providers of services for disabled people in Iceland

Abstract

This paper adopts a critical theory perspective, aligning itself with a growing body of critical disability research in Iceland. It draws attention to the importance of ensuring that the rights of disabled people to autonomy and independence enshrined in the CRPD are respected and upheld in the implementation of all service models, including “traditional” services. The paper draws on 22 interviews with disabled people and service providers in Iceland. Both groups reveal that they perceive there to be a limit to the autonomy of the user embedded in the concept of services provided by public authorities. The findings are examined in a theoretical context, concluding that the concept of services must be redefined to fully include the perspectives of disabled people if the autonomy and independence envisioned in the CRPD is to be achieved, particularly until such time that personalized services are realized for all.