Like the Secret Service Isn't It. People with Learning Difficulties,' Perceptions of Staff and Services: mystification and disempowerment

Seven people with learning difficulties were interviewed using unstructured, conversational interviews, about their perceptions of staff in services they use. Three major themes emerged, which were perceptions relating to the physical presence and absence of staff; the emotional impact of interactions with staff; and the political impact of interactions with staff. It was found that the participants had only superficial knowledge of staff identities and roles, and of service systems and structures, and consequently lacked the knowledge and awareness necessary to negotiate what these roles might be, or even that negotiation might be possible. It is argued that this lack of knowledge and awareness is due not to any lack of ability on the part of the participants, but the assumption by staff and service providers that this is the case. These findings are discussed in relation to Kieffer's (1984) developmental model of empowerment, and empowerment issues generally.