This study explores front-line staff knowledge and perceptions of how people with

intellectual disability residing in residential services are supported to communicate

effectively. Participants (n = 138) completed a self-report questionnaire adapted from

an instrument developed by DeSimone & Cascella (2005) Journal of Developmental and

Physical Disabilities, 17(1): 1. Support staff recognise that facilitating people with an

intellectual disability to communicate is an important part of their role. Support staff

indicate that when the importance of supporting communication is recognised and

prioritised, it has a marked impact on the quality of life of people availing of

residential services. However, front-line staff indicate that they do not always have

the knowledge or resources to provide such supports. Lack of specialist support

services such as speech and language therapists is identified as a constraint. It is

suggested that an organization-wide commitment is required across front-line

services to ensure that the right of people with an intellectual disability to

communicate is upheld.