The development and evaluation of a deaf awareness training course for support staff

Hearing impairments are common in people with intellectual disabilities and contribute to their communication difficulties. Those who care for and communicate with them need to be aware of this problem and of any strategies which may compensate for a hearing loss. The present study assessed the effectiveness of a Deaf Awareness Training Course for support workers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Questionnaires assessed knowledge of hearing impairment, hearing aid management and the use of strategies to facilitate communication. Knowledge prior to the course was poor despite previous experience of caring for people with intellectual disabilities. Those attending the course significantly improved their knowledge and use of strategies compared to a control group. Further research is needed to assess whether gains made in training of this kind are transferred to the support of people with intellectual disabilities.