The meetings were held in natural, quiet locations, where the participants felt more comfortable. Everyone was free to say what he or she felt in the meeting. Facilators ensured that no one dominated the discussions, so that everyone's views could be heard. Each group started with an amusing, true story about a local disabled person. This encouraged participants to tell their own stories.
Shorter meetings prevent participants from becoming bored or concerned about other commitments.
In Angola three hours was acceptable, with a refreshment break halfway through the meeting. Refreshments were set at a level appropriate to the participants. Feedback Information from the focus groups and other research techniques was gathered and analyzed. The findings were then presented to a meeting of people involved in disability services and disabled people, to obtain final comments and agreement. Everyone then knew what information would be used in planning the new program.