Longitudinal Interview Study
Posted by: CQL on 12/15/2006
Filed under: Florida
Florida Agency for People with Disabilities – APD
The Situation
During the mid-1990s, Florida’s developmental disability agency initiated a change in service patterns for individuals residing in facilities across the state. This change was a result of policy and budget actions by the Florida State Legislature. A longitudinal study project was designed to track the status and outcomes for those affected by the changes. APD wanted a reliable and valid measurement tool to be used for baseline and ongoing data collection – they chose CQL’s Personal Outcome Measures SM as that tool.
What CQL Did
Beginning 1996, CQL conducted at least 375 interviews annually with individuals in Florida. The purpose of the first round of interviews was to establish baseline data on people who would be experiencing a change in service delivery and funding. Over the next five years, we continued to interview people with the Personal Outcome Measures SM to identify their definition of quality of life, determine the level of quality in the services they receive, and monitor the changes over time as services changed.
Data and findings resulting from the interviews was reported to the Florida State Legislature.
“[CQL] has been instrumental in moving us toward achieving our goal of a person focused, outcome oriented system through its guidance and assistance with on-going modifications of system direction, skills and support. They have always been responsive to Agency needs and requests. The expertise of [CQL] in the areas of training, facilitating and capacity development has been, and continues to be, a major asset to assist us toward our success.”
Shelly Brantley, Director, Agency for Persons with Disabilities