PhotoVoice is a feasible method of program evaluation at a center serving adults with autism

The purpose of this small-scale pilot study, was to assess the feasibility of PhotoVoice as a participatory method of program evaluation for the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism (HCAA), a community-based center in greater Baltimore, MD. PhotoVoice is a data collection method that uses photography to give informants, in this case three adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the opportunity to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas for programs they participate in. This participatory approach serves to empower individuals and communities, and increases the likelihood that the generated information will be used and recommendations will be implemented. Although some challenges to implementation have been described in the literature, PhotoVoice has also been shown to improve the quality and validity of findings. This benefit is especially relevant when targeting feedback from individuals such as those with ASD, whose voices have to date been underrepresented in the literature. In conducting a PhotoVoice pilot study, the researchers sought to determine its effectiveness as a data collection method and to identify potential roadblocks that may affect applicability to a larger study. Collected photographs and feedback allowed for rich analysis and interpretation. Researchers determined that PhotoVoice was a feasible participatory method of program evaluation that highlighted the strengths and capabilities of the community, and could enable informants to have a collaborative role in shaping a program designed to address their needs. Based on the outcomes of this pilot study, it is recommended that PhotoVoice be used in a larger population of adults with ASD.