The evaluation of functional, school-based therapy services for children with special needs: a feasibility study

In this article we report the results of a feasibility study examining the effects of speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy services provided to children with physical or communication needs in the regular school setting. This feasibility study was conducted in preparation for a full program evaluation study. We examined: (a) the utility of goal attainment scaling for evaluating therapy services in the school setting, (b) the utility of several standardized measures in capturing change (the Arizona Articulation Proficiency Scale, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Classroom Edition, and the School Function Assessment), (c) the utility of two satisfaction questionnaires in assessing parent and teacher satisfaction with the services, and (d) issues related to teachers', parents', and therapists' participation. The study involved collaborative goal setting between therapists, parents, and teachers of 16 children with three types of special needs: articulation difficulties, developmental coor...