Transforming staff practice through active support.

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Healthcare Management
• Psychology

Background:

• Active support is increasingly implemented in residential settings to boost meaningful engagement for people with intellectual disability.
• Enhancing daily activities is crucial for the well-being of individuals with intellectual disability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a train-the-trainer approach for delivering active support training.
• To assess the impact of active support training on service user engagement and staff practices.

Main Methods:

• A train-the-trainer model was employed in an Australian government organization supporting individuals with intellectual disability.
• Apprentice trainers delivered active support training to staff across multiple group homes.
• Outcome data on service user engagement, depression, and staff practices were collected.

Main Results:

• The train-the-trainer model successfully trained large numbers of staff.
• Interactive training components led to improved service user engagement in domestic tasks and reduced depression.
• Staff job satisfaction and residential working practices significantly improved.

Conclusions:

• Active support training effectively empowers staff to facilitate meaningful engagement for people with intellectual disability.
• The train-the-trainer model is a viable strategy for widespread implementation and organizational improvement.