Exploring the effects of a communication partner training programme for adapted transport drivers

Background Public transportation plays an essential role in the social participation of people living with a communication disability. However, the attitudes and communication skills of public transport drivers may influence access to the service. A communication partner training programme offered to public transportation staff may help drivers better interact with people living with a communication disability.Aims To explore the effects of communication partner training on adapted transport drivers: 1) knowledge about communication and strategies to use with persons living with a communication disability, 2) relational communication, and 3) communication behaviours with passengers living with a communication disability in authentic communication contexts.Methods & Procedures An exploratory single group naturalistic design was used. Thirteen drivers were provided with a novel communication partner training programme. Participants’ knowledge about communication with individuals living with a communication disability was assessed with written situational scenarios presenting passengers with either an expressive, receptive, or pragmatic communication profile. Videos of the participants interacting with passengers living with a communication disability during real-life trips were captured and analysed using the Relational Communication Scale. The videos were further analysed to determine if the participants’ use of gestures had changed after training. Paired-sample t-tests were undertaken for each measure to identify any post-training changes.Outcomes & Results Drivers’ knowledge about communication with people living with a communication disability significantly increased after training. Also, significant behavioural changes occurred in drivers post-training videos as indicated by the better evaluation of all dimensions of the Relational Communication Scale and the increased use of gestures. Emblematic gestures were the most frequently employed.Conclusions This study suggests that the communication partner training programme for adapted transport drivers could improve their communication with people living with a communication disability. Future studies are needed to replicate these findings and further determine their external validity.