The Focus Group: A Strategic Tool for Guiding Service Delivery and Enhancing Partnerships Disability Services 2012 AHEAD Conference

Disability Services 2012 AHEAD Conference The Focus Group: A Strategic Tool for Guiding Service Delivery and Enhancing Partnerships Susan A. Aase, J.D., M.S.Ed. Barbara Blacklock, M.A., L.I.S.W. July 12, 2012

Learner Outcomes  Participants will learn about how to prepare and conduct focus groups.  Participants will learn how to use and evaluate the information obtained from the focus group process to guide effective service delivery and partnerships.  Participants will be better able to identify the benefits and challenges of using focus groups.

Focus Groups Provide: Feedback and comment Means to evaluate and test ideas

Focus Group Uses: Planning Marketing Evaluation

Your Experience with Focus Groups

U of MN Experience with Focus Groups Needs Assessment Project Marcus Foundation Faculty Education Grant

Focus Group Process Action Steps Planning and Preparation Conducting and Facilitating Evaluating and Reporting Action Steps

Planning and Preparation Purpose – Objectives – Timeline Participants Script/Questions/Agenda Facilitators Additional Considerations

Conducting and Facilitating Welcoming and confidential environment Pace and timing Participation Materials

Evaluating and Reporting Debriefing Session Summary Analysis Written Report

Action Steps Identify Prioritize Disseminate

Benefits of Using Focus Groups Direct Indirect

Evaluation Thank you for your participation! Please complete the evaluation.

Thank You! Susan A. Aase, J.D., M.S.Ed. Associate to the Director and Outreach Coordinator University of Minnesota Disability Services Web: Barbara Blacklock, M.A., LISW Program Coordinator University of Minnesota Disability Services Web: