This is an empirical study which describes and evaluates the role of day centres with regards to young people with physical impairments aged between 16 and 30. Barnes describes and evaluates the interaction between users and staff within the day centre environment and outlines and assesses the level of user participation in the centres with reference to activities, the decision-making process and control. Policy recommendations which are applicable to both the service studied and day services generally are suggested for this user group.