Commentary on “Evaluating service users’ experiences of using Talking Mats®”

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide some thoughts following on from reading “Evaluating service users’ experiences of using Talking Mats®”.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary outlines some considerations for the continued discussions about how to engage people who have profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Findings

The literature is not clear on the involvement of people with more profound and multiple learning disabilities, or for those who do not use much spoken language. Some papers have explored the notions of involvement and interpretation of pre-intentional communicators’ desires and interests.

Originality/value

There needs to be a robust discussion across carer, academic and service user communities to consider what the communication rights and needs are for people who have profound and multiple disabilities.

Citation

Harding, C. and Stewart, A. (2018), "Commentary on “Evaluating service users’ experiences of using Talking Mats®”", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 87-90. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-10-2017-0041