PICTURE IT: an evaluation of a training program for carers of adults with severe and multiple disabilities

Abstract

PICTURE IT is a communication training package designed for carers of adults with severe and multiple disabilities. A trial of PICTURE IT was conducted with 16 carers of eight individuals with severe and multiple disabilities. The carers worked in pairs comprising a carer from the individual’s day setting and the other from the individual’s home. They participated in a 6‐month training course that involved attendance at six 1‐day training sessions, homework assignments and regular meetings with course leaders. Results from the administration of a series of assessments indicated limited changes in carers’ knowledge and attitudes about communication of people with significant communication impairment. Improved interactions were demonstrated by increased initiations and more appropriate responses to the individuals’ communication attempts by the carers. The individuals responded more frequently to the increased communication opportunities. The ability to formulate appropriate communication goals and to make some changes to the individual’s social environment were also noted. Changes to the individual’s physical environment were more anecdotal. Implications for the training of people working with individuals with severe intellectual disabilities and the usefulness of measurement tools used to evaluate project outcomes are discussed.