Individualized Outcome Measures for Evaluating Life Skill Groups for Children with Disabilities

Background. The challenge of evaluating life skill groups is the need to assess skills reflecting the priorities and abilities of the individuals as well as the program focus.Purpose. This study describes the feasibility and utility of goal menus and individualized outcome measures in two life skill groups for children with disabilities.Methods. Eleven children were evaluated at baseline and 5 weeks post-program using a modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and modified Goal Attainment Scaling (mod-GAS).Findings. COPM satisfaction median scores across all goals increased post-program by 3.0 points (P=0.001) and performance scores by 1.0 point (P=0.002). Mod-GAS scores for all participants were at least −1 (partial achievement), and 55% of participants achieved their functional goal (Mod-GAS = 0) with carryover into their community environments.Implications. This study supports the positive contribution of individualized measures to evaluate outcomes within life skill programs for children with disabilities.

Individualized Outcome Measures for Evaluating Life Skill Groups for Children with Disabilities Journal Articles