Supporting Engagement in Everyday Life at Home and in the Community: Active Support

Many people with intellectual disabilities live in poor-quality supported accommodation services where they spend a significant part of their day disengaged—doing nothing. It is clear that it is the quality of staff support rather than the number of staff that makes the difference and that all people with intellectual disabilities can be engaged for much of their day. Engagement in meaningful activities and social interactions is a fundamental prerequisite to a good quality of life. When staff consistently use a practice known as Active Support, people with intellectual disabilities have higher levels of engagement and a better quality of life. This chapter lays out the essential elements of Active Support and the frontline managerial practices and organisational features necessary to embed it in services. Finally, it considers the connections between Active Support and other person-centred practices, such as support planning, positive behaviour support, and supported decision making.