Using Participatory Action Research to Evaluate Programs Serving People with Severe Disabilities: Reflections from the Field

Participatory action research (PAR) is gaining increasing attention as an appropriate evaluation methodology for programs serving people with disabilities. PAR's emphasis on empowering the “subjects” of the research to design and implement the process and analyze the findings is consistent with the field's stance on self-determination, human rights, and self-advocacy. Furthermore, PAR is considered by many professional researchers to be a positive response to the problem of evaluation reports that do not result in substantive change. Because the PAR co-researchers are so integrally involved in the process, it is assumed that they will also be invested in ensuring that recommended changes occur. The Western Massachusetts Training Consortium has conducted four evaluations using the PAR model over the past three years. These experiences have raised questions regarding some of the potential difficulties a researcher might face in conducting PAR evaluations, particularly with people with disabilities. These questions are discussed and suggestions for addressing them are offered.