This study was undertaken to identify frontline staff’s (n=138) knowledge and perceptions of communication supports available in residential services for people with an intellectual disability within one large organization in Southern Ireland.
The design of this study employed a quantitative descriptive approach, using self report questionnaires. This questionnaire was adapted from a questionnaire developed by DeSimone and Cascella (2005) to identify indicators of quality communication supports in I.D. residential settings.
Results: Frontline staff perceived that the philosophy of the organization encouraged the provision of appropriate communication supports within residential services. It is positive to note that frontline staff indicated that communication supports can positively impact on the quality of life of people with an intellectual disability, however staff do not always have the knowledge or the resources to consistently provide communication supports.
A coordinated strategy is required to make communication supports a corner stone of service provision, in light of a person centred approach to service delivery. Emphasis must be placed on staff training in augmentative and alternative communication strategies, in conjunction with speech and language therapists. The commitment to develop communication supports for people with Intellectual Disability must come from all sectors of society, at governmental level, at management level, at the level of multi-disciplinary teams and most importantly, from frontline staff who are responsible for providing communication supports on a day to day basis.