LivingWorks Research and Development

LivingWorks has been continually evaluating and developing its programs since it was first established in 1983. This process has been active across many countries and cultures. This page provides an overview of program development, evaluation and research.

New ASIST participant evaluation summary (pdf) available

Development framework

LivingWorks builds learning experiences through developmental research. Trainer and participant feedback on nearly 500,000 people worldwide (50,000 in Australia) has informed our approach to continuous quality inprovement.

• LivingWorks Research & Development (pdf)
• New research on the effectiveness of LivingWorks Programs (pdf)
  

Quality and standards

ASIST learning is supported by an extensive Trainer’s Manual, audiovisual learning tools and the requirement that all ASIST trainers complete a one-week LivingWorks Train the Trainers program. Standardised materials and trainer orientation also applies to LivingWorks’ other
programs.

We expect trainers to maintain program fidelity while also tailoring presentations to their particular group needs and backgrounds through interactive learning.

Some support processes and regional refresher courses provide trainers with opportunities to network and develop in their trainer role.

International development

LivingWorks has also expanded beyond its Canadian origins to become active in many countries including the United States, Norway and the UK.

Lifeliline introduced the program to Australia in 1995 and to New Zealand in 2003.

ASIST has been translated into Norwegian, French and Spanish with some of its learning materials also now available in braille.

Evaluation studies

A wide range of research and evaluation studies have been conducted on LivingWorks programs - mainly ASIST.

• Evaluation studies overview (pdf)
• ASIST participant evaluation summary (pdf)