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.