Resident-directed communication patterns in community homes for persons with disabilities

A descriptive assessment of environmental variables influencing patterns of staff communication with people living in three community-based residentia l facilities supporting persons with disabilities was presented. Each of th e 16 participating staff persons was observed for 2 hours, and all resident -directed communication behaviors were coded according to staff person, act ivity context, and resident. Statistical analyses were performed examining frequencies of interaction across these variables. Frequencies of communica tion were found to differ across activities and residents (communicative pa rtners), but not staff persons or homes. Directions for future research and clinical implications are given, including the development of a model of s taff performance and the creation of self-reinforcing social communities in residential settings for persons with disabilities.