Low levels of engagement may be found for various reasons

•   Activities may not be tailored to individuals specific interest                          

(ex: I like COUNTRY music but not classical.  I display low levels of engagement during music programs because they do not play the TYPE of music I prefer)

•               Activities may not be tailored to individual’s functional level and personal abilities

(ex: I like playing cards but have poor vision and short term memory.  I display low levels of engagement during games because I have difficulty seeing the cards and cannot remember all of the rules of the game)

•               Occasionally low levels of engagement are a result of improper facilitation by the                                                                                                program leader

(ex: I like horticulture however I display low engagement during gardening club because the program leader is disorganized and I do not think they know what they are doing)

If Low engagement is a result of poor facilitation from the program leader consider the following:

•               Are they competent in the particular modality?
•               Are they comfortable adapting this activity to various functional levels?
•               Do they know how to tailor activities for low functioning individuals?
•               Do they have confidence in themselves as a leader?

If the answer to any of these scenarios is NO, conduct a facilitation audit, and consider providing further training:

Take a class, Read literature, Shadow another facilitator, Watch a how-to video, Provide activity protocols

Provide motivation to staff and make sure they understand the value of engagement in activities.  Use the EPASS reports to track progress.  Scores that begin to trend upward may indicate increased competency and confidence in program facilitation.