Positive Approaches to Challenging Behavior

The information gathered from the wraparound and/or person-centered plan can help a team decide on what measures of quality of life will be helpful for the FBA. Quality of life is a complex concept and can address a number of domains, or areas, in our lives. Each of the domains listed below can be assessed using different kinds of measures. The importance of each different domain changes over the lifespan as we age. The list below is often used when supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Emotional Wellbeing – Feelings of happiness or contentment, feeling comfortable and safe at home and in the community
• Interpersonal Relationships –Receiving affection and love at home and in the community, connecting with others
• Material Wellbeing –Being able to purchase items that one wants or needs, owning items or property that is important for each person
• Personal Development – Learning and evolving as a person in education and in one's personal life
• Physical Wellbeing – Maintaining optimal health and mobility
• Self-Determination –Making important life decisions and personal goals
• Social Inclusion –Feeling included as part of a community and building meaningful connections with others
• Rights – Being able to have one’s right to privacy and freedom as well as access to legal support, being able to vote and engage in civic responsibilities in the community

Quality of Life Indicators of Quality of Life

Emotional Well-Being

• Assessing Enjoyment of Life
• Evaluating Self-Esteem
• Documenting Stress Levels

Interpersonal Relations

• Quality/Number of Interactions with Others
• Quality/Number of Relationships with Others
• Number of Informal and Formal Supports in Relationships

Material Well-Being

• Improving Financial Status
• Expressing Type and Preference for Employment
• Increased Quality of Housing Opportunities

Personal Development

• Documenting Educational Opportunities
• Evaluating Personal Competence at Home/School/Work/Community
• Number and Quality Related to Involvement in Important Activities

Physical Well-Being

• Documentation of Health Status and Changes
• Activities Recorded That Encourage Exercise, Stimulation, and Relaxation
• Number of Leisure Activities Including Quality and Quantity

Self-Determination

• Assessing the Extent to Which Person Has Control Over Important Life Experiences
• Documenting the Opportunities for Choice Making Every Day
• Sense That Goals and Personal Values are Acknowledged, Followed and Respected by Others

Social Inclusion

• Quality of Community Integration and Participation
• Number of Community Roles That Bring Respect and Social Equity
• Documentation of Social Supports Necessary for Community Involvement

Rights

• Extent to Which Someone Experiences Fair and Equitable Treatment in the Home and Community
• Extent to Which Legal Supports are Available to a Person