These are notes taken at a seminar in Sydney in May 1991 at which Michael Kendrick spoke on the topic of Empowerment, i.e. the process by which people assume control over the decisions about, and direction of, their lives. Kendrick provides information on some of the ways that people with disabilities are disempowered, as well as outlining factors which influence service user control and direction of projects. He also gives ideas on how organisations can empower their clients/consumers. (Michael Kendrick is Director of the Institute for Leadership & Community Development, Massachusetts, USA.) Keywords: Attitudes, Theory