Evaluation


Reseach & Evaluation Center Philosophy

The Research & Evaluation Center is philosophically committed to assisting Abilities! in measuring progress toward the achievement of the organizational Vision and Mission. The Research & Evaluation Center believes that the primary purpose of assessment should be to improve Abilities! programs and services to people with disabilities through a process of self-examination.

The Evaluation Office addresses its goal through the following operating parameters and strategies:

  • Fostering healthy debate over evaluation findings.
  • Ensuring that all relevant viewpoints and stakeholders are heard.
  • Increasing the use of evaluation information in organizational decision-making.
  • Maximizing information symmetry between the Vision and Mission and current activities and practices.
  • Creating positive change in the organization.
  • Conveying accurate information on program performance to senior management and the Boards of Directors.
  • Contributing to ongoing organizational improvement through systematically gathering and sharing information.
  • Helping to integrate evaluation activities into the organizational culture.

The Abilities! Evaluation

In growing numbers, service providers, governments, other funders, and the public are calling for clearer evidence that the resources they expend actually produce benefits for people. Consumers of services, and volunteers who provide services, want to know that programs to which they devote their time really make a difference. That is, they want better accountability for the use of resources. A compelling answer to the question of “why measure outcomes?” is: To see if programs really make a difference in the lives of people. (Outcome Measurement Resource Network, 1999)

Assessment that is conducted for improvement purposes involves using the knowledge gained through self-examination to promote those Abilities! activities and services that are found to meet or exceed expectations, and/or to fix what may fall short of expectations. The Research & Evaluation Center will demonstrate the commitment to this philosophy by implementing thorough and creative assessment strategies that target specific programmatic assessment, outcomes assessment and impact assessment. This approach allows the Research & Evaluation Center to take a holistic approach to assessing all Abilities! programs. The goal of these evaluation procedures is to improve the capability of Abilities!, Abilities, Inc., and the Henry Viscardi School to “create a world in which people with disabilities live simply as people” through:

  • Maintaining evaluation as a useful analytical technique for supplying unbiased information to the organization.
  • Encouraging discussion and debate within the organization over the findings and recommendations of the evaluation.
  • Implementing recommendations and promoting positive organizational change.

The Evaluation strategies that have been conducted by the Research & Evaluation Center during the past year include:

  • Abilities, Inc.
    Consumer Outcome Survey-Implemented annually to consumers 9 mo. and 2 yrs after completion of training program
  • Henry Viscardi School
    Graduate Outcome Survey- Implemented annually to HVS graduates 1-year, 2-years and 5-years after graduation

    Inclusive Technology Teacher Survey- Implemented once at the conclusion of the 3-year inclusive technology program. Aim was to collect information on teacher’s perception of the utility of technology in the classroom.

    Parent Satisfaction Survey- Implemented once to collect information from parent’s of HVS students during the 2005-2006 school year. Survey questions developed by the NYS 4201 school board committee and were geared to collect information on parent’s perception of their student’s educational programming.
  • National Business & Disability Council
    Needs Assessment/Satisfaction Survey- Survey implemented to collect information on NBDC member’s current disability-related needs, as well as members’ satisfaction with NBDC services

    Emerging Leaders Evaluation- Survey implemented annually at the conclusion of the EL summer internship program. Two surveys collect information from both the corporate sponsor and the intern regarding their perception of their own internship experience
  • Kornreich Technology Center
    Outcome Survey- Implemented bi-annually to KTC consumers from 6-18 months following their KTC evaluation. Survey collects information regarding their progress in learning to use the device/strategy that was recommended as well as their comfort and the functionality of the recommendation in their day to day life.

    Satisfaction Survey- Implemented to KTC consumers at the outset of their evaluation. Collects information on their satisfaction with the evaluation process
  • Smeal Learning Center
    Structural Evaluation- Implemented to SLC conference/seminar attendees immediately following the program. Collects information on attendee's perception of SLC accommodations/atmosphere

    Instructor Evaluation- Implemented to individuals who lead a SLC conference/seminar. Survey collects information regarding their perception of SLC facilities.

Programs Supported by External Grants

Learn & Earn (L&E), a program of Abilities, Inc. supported by the Lumina Foundation Orientation Survey- implemented immediately following L&E orientation. Collects information regarding student’s perception of the usefulness of the orientation program

Satisfaction Survey- implemented after the completion of the academic year. Survey collects information regarding student’s satisfaction with the L&E program, as well as the student’s intentions for either continuing their education or pursuing professional goals.

Evaluation Links

For more information, contact .

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