The consumer-directed theory of empowerment

The Consumer-Directed Theory of Empowerment (CDTE) is presented as a model for guiding the development and evaluation of disability policy and rehabil itation services. Consumer direction (CD) is a philosophy and orientation w hereby informed consumers have control over the policies and practices dire ctly affecting their lives. The major tenet of the CDTE is that increased C D in disability policy formulation and rehabilitation service delivery will lead to increased community integration, empowerment, and quality of life among people with disabilities. Applications of the CDTE include disability policymaking, service delivery and program evaluation, and rehabilitation research.