Client Perceptions of Quality of Life in Accredited and Nonaccredited Community Residential Facilities

Consumer satisfaction as an indicator of quality of life relative to the certification/accreditation level of community residential facilities was examined using three separate measures. One hundred forty six subjects residing in 47 separate Centers for the Developmentally Disabled (CDD's) were surveyed. Results indicated that residents of nationally accredited CDD's rated their quality of life as superior to those clients living in nonaccredited facilities. Suggestions for changes in program evaluation methods utilizing consumer satisfaction as a major variable are offered.