«I have lived with him for a long time. I know what he needs!»: this statement that is so frequent when speaking with
professionals who interact with adult persons suffering from an intellectual disability, photographs a situation
that is extremely frequent in services and probably reflects a series of prejudices which are not always adequately
considered. This article presents the self-determination construct and endeavours to define some organisational
and methodological guidelines designed to promote this vital aspect for the quality of life of persons with a disability
in old age.
