This study explores front-line staff knowledge and perceptions of how people with intellectual disability residing in residential services are supported to communicate effectively. Participants ("n" = 138) completed a self-report questionnaire adapted from an instrument developed by DeSimone & Cascella (2005) "Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities," 17(1): 1. Support staff recognise that facilitating people with an intellectual disability to communicate is an important part of their role. Support staff indicate that when the importance of supporting communication is recognised and prioritised, it has a marked impact on the quality of life of people availing of residential services. However, front-line staff indicate that they do not always have the knowledge or resources to provide such supports. Lack of specialist support services such as speech and language therapists is identi?ed as a constraint. It is suggested that an organization-wide commitment is required across front-line services to ensure that the right of people with an intellectual disability to communicate is upheld. (Contains 6 tables.)