Over the last century, the importance of providing quality services, using evidence-based strategies and demonstrating program results have become increasingly significant components of social work practice. This research project explores the role of assessing social service programs through the evaluation of Able Sail - an accessible sailing program managed by the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC) of Winnipeg. Through a review of previous research surrounding the importance of recreation and leisure engagement as a human right, the need for accessible programming is quickly established. Similarly, the need for evaluating social service programs is also explored in detail, along with evaluation models and challenges to implementation. Utilizing a Context, Input, Process and Product (CIPP) evaluation method, this project began by analyzing administrative documents provided by Able Sail. It then sought feedback from program participants, its staff members, and agency board members to better understand Able Sail’s impact and determine whether improvements could be made to better meet the needs of consumers.
What was discovered is that many participants believe Able Sail to be a valuable program which provides many individuals the opportunity to engage in an inclusive leisure activity and enjoy the great outdoors. Not only did most respondents believe that the program helped sailors to build confidence and self-esteem, and enhance their independence, nearly all also agreed that the program helped them to feel better about themselves, build positive relationships with others and get involved with their community.
That said, due to the limited data available, conclusive results are difficult to establish. Despite this, this project serves to shed light on some of the challenges faced in evaluating social service programs. It concludes by detailing the limitations of this evaluation and provides recommendations for future research.