The majority of people with a learning disability have a communication impairment;
however, difficulties with communication are not limited to children with disabilities. In
spite of this the importance of communication is often overlooked. This article explores
the implementation of the total communication approach in a residential short breaks
unit, as a way towards improving communication. In doing so it aims to provide a clearer
understanding of the total communication approach, as a model that values all modes of
communication. Through this, the impact of communication on efficacy, participation,
meaning making, behaviour, containment, attachment, and relationships will be
considered.