The principles of ‘social role valorization’ ( Wolfensberger 1983) advocate access to general primary health and social care facilities for individuals with learning disabilities alongside the rest of the population. Throughout the UK, there has been a variety of responses to employing specialist staff for people with a learning disability. Specialist learning disability occupational therapists with specific experience and skills in learning disabilities are employed by some National Health Service (NHS) trusts, whereas generalist occupational therapists with skills in assessing and providing intervention for issues concerning physical disability are employed by other trusts and social services departments. This article presents the findings of a small-scale study of the use of specialist occupational therapists in residential homes within one NHS trust. It presents the views of community staff regarding their clients' needs in relation to specialist and generalist occupational therapy input. Recommendations are provided for the possible use of specialist and generalist occupational therapists for the clients and staff within community learning disability residential health and social care homes.