Training staff to promote self‐management in people with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Background People with intellectual disabilities have increasing difficulties managing their daily affairs. This study examined the effectiveness of a staff training, which teaches staff to promote self‐management in people with intellectual disabilities. Method Effectiveness was assessed with questionnaires addressing clients’ (n = 26) independence and self‐reliance, support needs and challenging behaviour, using a pre–posttest control group design. Additionally, focus groups were conducted with trained staff members 6 months after the training. Results In the long term, the intervention group showed a significant increase in independence and self‐reliance, in contrast to the comparison group. No effect was found on support needs and challenging behaviour. Trained staff members reported limited benefits of the training, but had noticed changes in their attitude and method of working afterwards. Conclusions Further self‐management research is required to investigate how independence and self‐reliance can be promoted more effectively in this population. Future trainings should carefully consider their content, format, and implementation.

Improving the participation of adults with visual and severe or profound intellectual disabilities: a process evaluation of a new intervention

“…Interventions to increase engagement in social networks are described by Kruijswijk and colleagues [28]; these interventions are primarily aimed at people with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities. Another component of participation, self-management, is the aim of an intervention called 'On Your Own Two Feet' [29]. This intervention teaches support staff to encourage persons with intellectual disabilities to think about and solve problems by themselves, which could improve their selfmanagement: due to the limitations in intellectual capacity, this intervention is not applicable for individuals with VSPID.…”

Improving the participation of adults with visual and severe or profound intellectual disabilities: A process evaluation of a new intervention

“…A number of interventions have been developed that appear to address only specific components of participation for adults with VSPID, as operationalized by Hanzen et al [15]; for example, those aimed at improving community inclusion [24], engagement in social networks [25], and self-management [26]. In addition, an intervention termed "active support" has been developed for adults with intellectual disabilities aimed at strengthening their engagement in daily activities with appropriate staff support [27,28].…”

Promoting Independence of People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Focus Group Study Perspectives from People with Intellectual Disabilities, Legal Representatives, and Support Staff

“…Providing accessible information was previously reported as a good practice method for inclusive research with people with ID (Frankena, Naaldenberg, Cardol, Linehan, & Lantman‐de Valk, ). For the focus groups with legal representatives and support staff, we contacted all people who were representing or supporting a person with ID who participated in an earlier study (Sandjojo et al, in press). Legal representatives were approached by phone and support‐staff were informed during team meetings.…”

“…Independence, just as self‐reliance, is a term that involves the abilities to take actions to manage one's affairs and to provide for oneself. This entails relying on one's own efforts, resources, judgment, and abilities, without requiring support from others (Sandjojo et al, in press). Both independence and self‐reliance can be regarded as a part of self‐management, which refers to a variety of activities related to deliberately changing or maintaining behaviors to achieve self‐selected outcomes (Browder & Shapiro, ).…”