In the AGID (Developing Training Modules for Staff on Ageing and Disability Issues) project, a series of six training modules was developed to support professional development and capacity-building among frontline staff and others working with older persons having a confirmed intellectual disability. The developed modules cover: Ageing and the Ageing Process (Module 1); Person-centred Planning with Older People with an Intellectual Disability (Module 2); the Social Networking and Communication of Older People with an Intellectual Disability (Module 3); Emotional Regulation for Frontline Staff (Module 4); Pathological Ageing in Older People with an Intellectual Disability (Module 5); and, Taking Care: a Complex Professional Service (Module 6). Modules provide information on the targeted learning area with short exercises and quizzes provided intermittently with a view to gauging the level of learning. Users can also repeat tests at a later stage with a view to improving their results. Users not having constant online access can also download text versions of the six modules (MS Word, PDF) for offline study.
Targeting an improved quality of life, among elderly people and their families, the focus is on building capacity and increasing knowledge among care sector professionals and support staff. With multiple versions of the training modules available (online flash modules, downloadable text-only versions), users can choose to operate either online or offline, albeit with the former providing access to interactive quizzes and examples, and keeping track of learner progress. In all cases, there is a need for internet access at some point, either with a view to undertaking learning and development online, or to enable materials to be downloaded for offline use. Developed modules are "off-the-shelf" with little more than internet access required to enable self-directed study. Materials are clearly relevant for existing employees wishing to improve their knowledge in this area but could also be used as part of a course of blended learning, with credit or certification also considered where modules were embedded into more formal course provision, including employer-led provision.