Overview
Essential for Living (EFL) is a comprehensive assessment and curriculum tool designed to evaluate and teach adaptive, social, communicative, and functional living skills in individuals with developmental disabilities. Developed by Dr. Patrick McGreevy and Troy Fry, the EFL framework helps clinicians and educators identify skill deficits, track progress over time, and create individualized teaching programs that foster independence and quality of life.
Key Components
Quick Assessment Vocal Profile
A rapid screening that captures a learner’s current vocal and communicative abilities—perfect for pinpointing strengths and targets in under 10 minutes.AMS Selection Tool
An “Adaptive Measurement System” that helps you choose the most relevant skill domains based on age, ability level, and individual goals.EFL Skills Inventory
The core checklist of functional living and social skills, organized into domains like Self-Care, Domestic Tasks, Community Participation, and Social Interaction.Determine Extent
A structured rubric for rating how independently a learner performs each skill (e.g., Full Independence, Partial Prompting, Total Support), giving you clear benchmarks for progress.Grids & Reports
Auto-generated PDFs and on-screen grids that map skill mastery at a glance—complete with drill-down detail on each item and visual progress charts for sessions, weekly summaries, or full program reviews.
Who Uses EFL?
Behavior Analysts (BCBAs, BCaBAs): To develop and monitor skill-acquisition programs.
Speech-Language Pathologists: For communication-focused adaptive skill goals.
Occupational Therapists: To address fine-motor and daily-living tasks.
Special Educators & Early Interventionists: To integrate adaptive skills into classroom and home settings.
Parents & Caregivers: To implement programmed teaching and track progress in daily routines.
Ownership & Collaboration
Data Makes The Difference — the team behind the EFL App — holds joint rights to the digital platform, in partnership with Dr. Patrick McGreevy and Troy Fry, the original authors. We collaborate directly with Dr. McGreevy and Mr. Fry to ensure the EFL App faithfully represents their curriculum model, stays up to date with best practices, and delivers a user experience optimized for practitioners and families alike.
Meet Our Leadership
Steve Maher, CEO of Data Makes The Difference
Liz Maher, Lead BCBA and Co-Founder
Under Steve’s strategic vision and Liz’s clinical leadership, our team brings the EFL App to practitioners worldwide—providing an evidence-based, user-friendly platform to support individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving greater independence.