Building collaboration between professionals in health and education through interdisciplinary training

Abstract

This study examined the impact of a training programme which aimed to support language-, literacy- and social-communication-promoting strategies for professionals working with children with language delay. Sixteen teachers, special needs assistants and therapists based in services for children with mild to severe learning difficulties attended workshops and took part in six video-feedback sessions from the Hanen `Learning Language and Loving It' Programme (Weitzman, 1992). Video analysis found that participants' language and social interaction skills significantly improved on most of the targeted skills. However, the majority of skills needed further development as indicated by a rating scale. There was also a significant improvement in how participants rated their skills in working with children with speech and language difficulties and in their attitudes towards their role in remediating speech and language difficulties. There was no significant change in their opinions towards collaborative working practices. The findings suggest that with appropriate training, allied education and health professionals can produce measurable changes in behaviour and attitudes towards implementing speech- and language-promoting strategies.