Guidelines from the consumer: improving consumer involvement in research and training for persons with mental retardation.

Consumer involvement of individuals with mental retardation in research and training was assessed. Twenty-two subjects with experience in research and/or training were interviewed to determine how professionals can encourage meaningful participation of persons with mental retardation in research and training activities. Results suggest that persons with mental retardation have participated in various roles in research and training but that there are many barriers to meaningful consumer involvement that have not been adequately addressed. Guidelines for professionals to foster meaningful consumer involvement in research and training activities were provided.