This study examined independent engagement in leisure activities of six institutionalised persons with profound multiple handicaps. Independent engagement was defined as manipulating leisure materials in the absence of concurrent resident-staff interactions. A 10-month intervention comprised leisure materials enrichment, assignment of staff duties including leisure activities manager, staff training and supervision. A time-series reversal design with momentary time sampled observations was used. Results showed increases and maintenance of not only engagement accompanied by staff interaction, but also of independent engagement. Resident-staff interaction was also increased and maintained. Problems and directions for future research are discussed.