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Participatory Evaluation of DeafBlind Support Services
Participatory Evaluation of DeafBlind Support Services
A partnership was formed between ACCERT members and Connect Society to evaluate the DeafBlind Support Services pilot program in 2019. The program was designed to provide individualized support services to DeafBlind Albertans living in the Edmonton area who experience challenges related to physical and mental health, isolation, and dependence on others. The evaluation process used a participatory approach, fostering transformative partnerships through collaboration and co-learning.
The evaluation identified key outcomes for the DeafBlind community, including enhanced autonomy and independence, increased inclusion opportunities, improved physical and mental health, and meaningful employment opportunities. As a result of the program's success, funding was renewed for the organization. The project has been completed, and a paper is in the process of being published.
Researchers:
Researchers:
Colleen McClure
Navida Bachan
Roni McCarthy
Cheryl Redhead
In partnership with:
Level Up Gaming League
Level Up Gaming League
This project is being completed in partnership with Level Up Gaming League, a community-identified need to examine tabletop roleplaying games as an approach to social skill development in structurally marginalized youth. Level Up Gaming League provides customized game sessions tailored to the needs of participants and community partners. An improved understanding of this approach to intervention may help facilitate increased development and implementation with careful consideration for ways to optimize outcomes.
Level Up Gaming Leagues missions is to partner with existing organizations that support at-risk or marginalized populations in order to provide positive, intentional tabletop gaming experiences.
This project is being completed in partnership with Level Up Gaming League.
Client and Staff Perspectives on the Impacts of Services at Lakeland Centre for FASD
Client and Staff Perspectives on the Impacts of Services at Lakeland Centre for FASD
The the Lakeland Centre for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (LCFASD) in Cold Lake, Alberta, has been implementing an innovative model of FASD service delivery since 1994. The model integrates client-centered, responsive, wrap-around supports for people with complex needs, including those with FASD (possible or diagnosed), and their families. The continuum of services the LCFASD provides spans across FASD prevention, diagnosis, intervention, and education through numerous programs, which clients and their family members can access at any point, in any order. LCFASD programming is continually evolving which has enabled the Centre to respond to the changing needs of people with FASD in the community and fill important gaps in service delivery.
Although the LCFASD delivers some of the most robust and responsive FASD programs in Canada, no research has been conducted to date to examine the impacts of these services. We want to talk to people who use the LCFASD programs and the staff who work there to understand how they help people with FASD and their families.
In partnership with:
Documenting the history of the New Canadian Health Centre
Documenting the history of the New Canadian Health Centre
The New Canadian Health Centre (NCHC) is a community-driven refugee health center in Edmonton, Alberta, and the first of its kind in the province. It was established in August 2021 to address the health and social needs of thousands of resettled families in a culturally appropriate manner. The aim of the study is to document the history and implementation of the NCHC, understand the objectives and decisions that led to its establishment and current location, and collect information on its current state and future perspectives. This project is crucial in contributing to the knowledge base on refugee health centers and their impact on the resettlement process, as well as identifying areas for improvement and future development.
Current Researchers
Current Researchers
Anja Dzunic
In partnership with:
Motivation for Catholic Social Services Staff
Motivation for Catholic Social Services Staff
Motivation is an important factor in helping individuals achieve their goals, but its role in supporting people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is not well understood. As the narrative around FASD shifts to balanced approaches that incorporate strengths, goals, and positive outcomes, the importance of psychosocial constructs like motivation becomes increasingly apparent. Thus, our research focuses on describing frontline mentors’ experiences of motivation when working with clients with FASD. Our analysis identified four overarching themes that represented frontline mentors’ experiences of motivation when working with FASD populations: working to motivate clients, the role of systems in motivation, barriers to motivation, and the client’s own motivation.
In addition to studying motivation, we also explored how frontline care staff with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) program describe their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontline care staff shared their experiences of how the public health restrictions led to changing procedures, adapting interactions, and declining motivation from both staff and clients. This research can help inform best practices for working with FASD populations and offer insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted frontline care staff and clients. Ultimately, our research aims to contribute to a better understanding of how to support individuals with FASD and promote positive outcomes for their overall health and well-being.
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