A functionally focused curriculum for children with profound multiple disabilities:A goal analysis

Background This study analysed goals formulated in a functionally focused curriculum called Mobility Opportunities Via Education(TM) (MOVE).Method The subjects were 49 children with profound multiple disabilities (PMD) who attended a centre for special education where the MOVE curriculum was implemented. Each goal was analysed to see whether or not it was formulated in terms of concrete skills. Furthermore, each goal was analysed for its objective, and it was decided whether or not the goal focused on the child's interests. The three aspects were analysed separately, so the percentages cannot be added up.Results Ninety-six per cent of the goals were formulated in terms of concrete skills. With regard to the objectives, 53% of the goals dealt with mobility skills and 23% were related to social functioning. Only 14% of the goals dealt with aspects related to care. In 52% of the analysed goals, it was made clear what the interest of the child was.Conclusions Goals formulated for children with PMD by a curriculum that is based on functionality did not completely satisfy theoretical principles. This can be partially explained because the concept of functionality is a broad and unspecific notion that can be implemented in various ways.