Self-related quality of life scales for people with an intellectual disability : a reply to Ager & Hutton

An earlier publication by the present author concerning quality of life (QoL) measurement has been critiqued by A. Ager and C. Hatton. The present paper addresses the issues raised. It commences with a reappraisal of the Life Experiences Checklist and confirms the present author's view that this instrument is not adequate to measure QoL in accordance with contemporary understanding of the construct. It is argued that QoL scales should include both objective and subjective measurements across a minimum set of domains adequate to embrace the whole life experience. Finally, the usefulness of QoL measurement for people with intellectual disability is debated.