A range of free software means that informal training opportunities are now available for staff in learning disabilities services. Karen McKenzie explains how the research base was used to develop an online course in challenging behaviour

It has long been recognised that the quality of learning disability services relies to a large extent on the abilities of the staff who provide them (Social Services Inspectorate 1990); and staff working in learning disability services are increasingly being called on to teach colleagues in social work, education and social care organisations. This training has traditionally taken the form of short time-limited courses (Taylor et al 1996, McKenzie et al 2000, 2002).