LIFE OUTCOMES AND SATISFACTION RATINGS OF MULTIHANDICAPPED ADULTS*

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Abstract
Ten and 20 yr longitudinal data were collected on 180 multihandicapped adults. Subjects completed a 50-item questionnaire which was divided into 5 sections: living circumstances, physical status, social situation, education and vocational training and employment. Respondents provided both outcome data and their satisfaction with those outcomes. Most lived at home, were financially dependent and were not married. They reported that they were satisfied with these life outcomes and that they were satisfied with their social activities. Few significant differences separated the age groups, suggesting that societal and legal changes over the last 20 yr have had a limited impact. The variable most strongly related to life outcome and satisfaction with life outcome was functional status. Perceived (self-reported) functional skills were highly correlated with more objective clinical ratings of functional status.