Intervention effects on professionals’ attitudes towards the participation of adults with visual and severe or profound intellectual disabilities

Background We investigated the effects of the “Care for Participation+” (CFP+) intervention on direct support professionals’ (DSPs’) attitudes regarding the participation of adults with visual and severe or profound intellectual disabilities (VSPID). Methods We implemented a pilot non‐randomized controlled trial with two control groups to compare DSPs’ attitudes towards CFP+ using the Attitudes towards Participation Questionnaire (APQ) and DSPs’ written profiles of adults with VSPID. Results CPP+ and the Participation Mind Map control group showed a positive trend for the “leisure/recreation,” “social relations,” and “ability to act” APQ domains compared to the usual care control group. The CFP+ group described significantly fewer disabilities at 6 months, reflecting a more positive attitude than controls. Conclusion CFP+ had positive effects on DSPs’ attitudes towards the participation of adults with VSPID. The small sample size, ceiling effects, measurement instruments used, and implementation difficulties may have hampered understanding the full potential of CFP+.