The Arc Maryland Personal Space Program Curriculum Guide | Page 13

the curriculum. Comparing the pre- and post- program surveys for the same women also
suggested that learning took place. The program changed participant attitudes more than it
changed participant knowledge, and participant knowledge changed more than participant
behavior. It is reasonable to think that an eight-week course designed for women with
developmental disabilities might have greater impact on attitudes than on cognitive
knowledge, and cognitive knowledge than on behavior. However, changes in attitudes and
knowledge are frequently assumed to cause changes in behavior or practice. If so, the
program can be one step in reducing the vulnerability of women with cognitive disabilities to
violence and if provided at regular intervals on an on-going basis, could further influence
attitudes, knowledge and behavior.
The evaluation process used to gauge the success of this program has value for guiding
others that implement the program, however it is recommended that the pre- and postprogram survey be modified to meet the needs of program participants. For the purpose of
program development, implementation, and evaluation, the survey used during the two pilots
was lengthy. The survey length did pose difficulties and it is therefore recommended that
those implementing the program determine priority subject areas to be assessed using the
survey as a model.

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