Professor Iona Novak Answers More Questions

Fri 28 May 2021

Question: What outcome measures can be used to analyze activity limitation, participation restrictions and contextual factors in developing countries? 

Iona's Answer: There are multiple outcome measures available to measure activity limitation and participation, but only some have been translated into languages other than English and cross-culturally validated.

“The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a client-centred outcome measure for individuals to identify and prioritize everyday issues that restrict their participation in everyday living. This measure focuses on occupational performance in all areas of life, including self-care, leisure and productivity. This outcome measure is used with persons of all ages…..The COPM is used in more than 40 countries around the world. It is available in 36 languages (COPM 2021).”

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure is a good choice of measure in most contexts, because: (i) it is a semi-structured interview, so you can use the client’s first language and tailor the conversation to the family’s unique context and understanding; (ii) the client sets the goals for intervention and therefore by virtue the measurement will be meaningful and relevant to the client and their context; and (iii) the tool is low-cost with no training requirements. You can find more information here: https://www.thecopm.ca/

Wed 15 Apr 2026

Press release graphic: "CPARF Receives $100,000 Grant from Ability Central to Expand Access to Affordable Assistive Technology — For Immediate Release." Logos for Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation and Ability Central appear at the bottom.

CPARF Receives $100,000 Grant from Ability Central to Expand Access to Affordable Assistive Technology

Fri 10 Apr 2026

A smiling woman stands outdoors by a pond, holding a book titled “Trent’s Triumph Activity Book,” while standing behind her brother, who is seated in a wheelchair and laughing joyfully. They are on a sunlit path with trees and water in the background. Overlaid text reads: “The Unbreakable Bond: Celebrating National Siblings Day with Trent and Kalli” from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.

National Siblings Day is about more than childhood memories — it’s about the people who show up, advocate, and push us to be our best.