The Development and Evaluation of a Deaf Awareness Training Course for Support Staff

Abstract

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.

Hearing aids: expectations and satisfaction of people with an intellectual disability, a descriptive pilot study

“…We have shown that insufficient involvement of providers of ID services and unfavourable acoustics may play a negative role in this process (Meuwese-Jongejeugd et al 2005). McMillan et al (2000) have shown that a deaf awareness training for staff has a positive effect on carers' knowledge of hearing impairment and hearing aid management, and on the use of strategies to facilitate communication. In a pilot study, we explored whether in adults with a mild or moderate ID, comparable elements as in the general population may contribute to expectations of hearing aids and to satisfaction with the application, and to what extent they are dependent on carers for the use and maintenance of the devices.…”

“…2005). McMillan et al . (2000) have shown that a deaf awareness training for staff has a positive effect on carers' knowledge of hearing impairment and hearing aid management, and on the use of strategies to facilitate communication.…”

The Training Needs of Staff Supporting Individuals Ageing with Intellectual Disability

“…), contrary to the research that shows a correlation between appropriate training and desirable outcomes such as minimizing challenging behaviours (Campbell & Hogg ), improving employee's psychological well‐being and reducing personal ‘burnout’ (Chung & Harding ), enhanced communication between staff and clients (McMillan et al . ), and higher levels of individual engagement in daily activities (Mansell et al . ).…”

Hearing in Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities: The Need for Improved Ear Care

“…The provision of free local healthcare services does not automatically ensure that such services are accessed by those who need them. It may be that lack of deaf awareness and high turn over of care staff is a major challenge, where reliance is placed on care staff to both recognise the need and to advocate for access to health care services as identified by McMillan et al (2000). A further challenge, identified within the Disability Rights Commission report (2004) lies within local medical services.…”