New QoLAB Toolkit and Videos: a practical guide to implementing the Quality of Life Supports Model
The end of February marked an exciting time for the QoLAB project, as key resources aimed at improving service provision for persons with disabilities based on the Quality of Life Supports Model (QoLSM) have been launched. These include the QoLSM Implementation Toolkit and a series of awareness raising videos targeting four different audiences.
QoLSM Implementation Toolkit
The QoLSM Implementation Toolkit is a comprehensive resource designed to support service providers and professionals, policy makers, circles of support and persons with disabilitiesin implementing the QoLSM effectively.
It serves as a practical guide for applying the QoLSM framework, which emphasises person-centred approaches, rights-based practices, and quality-of-life outcomes in disability support services. It is structured around key phases of implementation, including:
- Planning and diagnosis: assessing current practices and defining quality-of-life indicators.
- Design and initial implementation: developing individualised support plans and integrating inclusive methodologies.
- Evaluation and adjustments: monitoring progress, gathering feedback, and refining strategies.
- Scalability and sustainability: expanding best practices and embedding quality-of-life principles into organizational policies.
The Toolkit includes:
- Checklists and self-assessment tools for service providers and managers.
- Case studies and best practices to demonstrate successful implementations.
- Reflective exercises to guide professionals in adapting services to the individual needs of persons with disabilities.
To make it easier for everyone to use, the Toolkit contains additional materials tailored to different groups of people. Managers will find tools to help with strategic planning, policy alignment, and leadership in their organisations. Professionals working in support services can access practical exercises designed to improve service delivery and make their approach more person-centered. For families and caregivers, the Toolkit includes useful guidelines to strengthen advocacy and promote inclusion. Persons with disabilities will find here useful resources, helping them take an active role in planning and shaping the support they receive.
To ensure accessibility for a wider audience, translations of the Toolkit and videos into Portuguese, Spanish, Finnish, Hungarian, and German languages will be available by the end of March 2025. Stay tuned!
Access the QoLSM Implementation Toolkit in English here.
New awareness raising videos: bringing the QoLSM to life
To complement the Toolkit and ensure further promotion of the QoLSM, QoLAB has developed four awareness raising videos illustrating key concepts and practical applications of the QoLSM model. The videos highlight the importance of quality of life, empower service providers with tools to deliver person-centered care, and encourage stakeholders to adopt and integrate QoLSM in their practices.
To access and share the videos, follow the links:
- For service providers: Improve services for persons with disabilities via the Quality of Life Support Model
- For persons with disabilities and their circle of support: How the Quality of Life Support Model can improve lives
- For Local Authorities & Inspection Bodies: Integrate the Quality of Life Support Model principles in your inspection processes - YouTube
- For the General Public: Better support to people with disabilities with the Quality of Life Support Model: join the change!
For more information about QoLAB, visit the project website.