This study explores the experiences of people with disability, and their partners, carers and allies, who have been involved in consultation and engagement activities as users of services. The researchers found that while various kinds of consultation take place, there is room for improvement in giving service users a voice in how services are designed and delivered and in responding to their insights.

The authors broadly defined consultation as being asked what you think about something, and engagement as taking part in an activity or decision-making processes. The widespread interest in consultation and engagement activities reflects growing recognition of the value of drawing on service users’ lived experience to inform person-centred practice and develop policy and advocacy initiatives that respond to the aspirations and needs of service users.

Key insights:

• Participants reported they are regularly consulted for their views and experiences as service users and have been involved in activities ranging from providing feedback to membership of advisory boards and co-designing programs and services.
• There was wide agreement that activities across the continuum of consultation and engagement are important in giving service users a voice.
• Consultation and engagement can signal respect for people with disability and the value of lived experience perspectives.
• Consultation and engagement are important for understanding and meeting the diverse needs of people with disability.
• Participants wanted more engagement activities that involve co-design and co-production.