Evaluation of a model of intervention to create a visually enriched environment

Within a day resource for people with learning disabilities 'stand-alone' s igning training proved ineffectual to sustain lasting change in the formali sed gestural behaviours of carers. Consideration was given to setting condi tions pre- and post-training and a new model of delivery evolved, designed in partnership with day resource staff. Aims of intervention were to promot e the adoption and active use of signing as an aid to communication and mov e towards a partnership framework which values the role of carers as co-fac ilitators and lessens dependency on the therapist. This paper describes and evaluates a training model which was found to be successful in translating knowledge into changes in practice and discusses the critical factors whic h should be built into future interventions.