Episode Summary:
Disability Spot introduce a series of podcasts focused on goal-setting tools for the disability sector. Developed by students from Western Sydney University, these podcasts aim to provide valuable insights and professional development opportunities for those working in the field.
Jennifer Livas and Karen Fahmy provide an in-depth exploration of the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). The GAS is a structured method for setting and documenting quantifiable individual goals, enabling measurement of progress or regression in therapy. The scale consists of a five-point system, ranging from -2 to +2, where zero represents the expected outcome, and the other points reflect degrees of underachievement or overachievement,
An interview with Trish, a physiotherapist, reveals the practical benefits and challenges of using GAS. Trish emphasises GAS’s value in breaking down goals into achievable steps, making progress quantifiable even in complex situations. She discusses the importance of specificity in GAS goals and the skill required to write effective goals, along with potential challenges of overestimating or underestimating a child’s progress.
