People With Disabilities: A Contextualitative Study

The data in this study was gathered to answer three questions: “To what extent have people with disabilities been included in the evaluation of programs that serve them?”, “What methodologies have been used to elicit views of people with disabilities?”, and “What has been the role of contextual variables, such as type of program, in moderating inclusion?” (Jacobson et al, 2012, p. 30). The team of researchers targeted several methods such as interviews, focus groups, observations and surveys to gather the data from peer-reviewed evaluation journals. These articles were then read by two independent raters to help complete an initial coding instrument (Jacobson et al, 2012, p. 33). This lead to the official creation of the codebook that would
The results of the study were divided into two sections that discussed the inclusion of people with disabilities. In 77% of the articles reviewed the information was gathered directly from a program recipient that have disabilities and 80% of the articles included those with developmental disabilities (Jacobson et al, 2012). There was also no specific finding that showed that the context of the type of program they were in had any influence on the inclusion of program recipients (Jacobson et al, 2012, p. 33). The results were compiled into several charts that provided information about the types of disabilities that were included in the study, the type of field, what parts of the evaluation the disabled individuals took part in and some sample descriptions of program recipient participation (Jacobson et al, 2012, p. 32-38). This article showed that there is evidence that warrants the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in program evaluations and that some programs have already started to include
The evidence collected by the authors brings several studies together which provide easier access to those looking for this information. The evidence also confirms that it is worth pursuing the inclusion of these individuals. It will be important for the next researchers of this topic to make their own determination but also to keep studies like this in mind. There is useful information to be gathered from program recipients with disabilities and about the programs that help to support them. The social work profession aligns with the idea that all people should have a voice and articles like this help to further the voice of those in populations that are often forgotten when it comes to