REHABILITATION PROGRAM-EVALUATION - USE OF FOCUS GROUPS TO EMPOWER CLIENTS

Despite the fact that focus groups can meet many program assessment ne eds, this technique has been underused in rehabilitation program evalu ation. To underscore its potential utility, this article will highligh t a series of focus groups conducted in a vocational training and reha bilitation setting. A total of 70 clients participated in eight focus groups intended to identify clients' perceptions of program strengths and weaknesses. After a brief summary of results, particular attention will be given to discussing the advantages of using a social science model applied to focus groups and how empowerment of clients can be a central theme in such efforts. Limitations of this technique are also noted.