Strategic Partnership: Vocational Evaluation and Assistive Technology 13 th National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment Joseph Ashley Juliet Fried Anthony Langton

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment2 Assistive Technology: Leveling the Playing Field For Americans without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For Americans with disabilities, technology makes things possible. Mary Pat Radabaugh, 1990

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment3 Technology is often literally the interface between person and environment. The ability to access and use technology is likely to play a pivotal role in functionally redefining disability, and in bridging the wide gulf between what significant disability means to the disability community, and what it means today in the business/employer community. Alexandra Enders, 2004

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment4 Work in progress... For over twenty years efforts have been underway to integrate assistive technology (AT) in vocational evaluation What has limited this from becoming a reality in more settings?

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment5 Where is VE as a Profession? Value of VE questioned Number of VE programs are dwindling Small number of Universities with VE training Membership in professional associations is down 30 th IRI did investigate VE for first time in over 20 years

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment6 Our Shared Vision Help to strengthen the field of vocational evaluation Contribute to improved rehabilitation outcomes Realization that the concept of disability is changing Desire to maximize potential of persons served AT should be an integral part

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment7 Assistive Technology (AT) and Vocational Evaluation: In order to remain relevant and to address the barriers to employment faced by people with significant disabilities, vocational evaluation and career assessment practitioners must integrate assistive technology into the evaluation and assessment process to increase employment opportunities; to aid in the removal of barriers; and, to enhance the capability of individuals to accomplish essential skills and functions.

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment8 To accomplish this, vocational evaluation and career assessment professionals must work to ensure that participants have appropriate technology available and have a level of proficiency with the devices to ensure maximum performance within the assessment and evaluation process.

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment9 AT and Vocational Evaluation Expands choices and opens up vocational options for persons with most severe disabilities Offers a means to level the playing field for many Not a Panacea - but AT is a key resource to have available for many persons AT can integrate and fit well within comprehensive VE process

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment10 Similarities and Differences Between VE and AT Vocational EvaluationAssistive Technology

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment11 VE and AT Services: Survey Findings Awareness Issues Cost/Funding Concerns Access to information and Resources Logistical Issues Impact on Standardization Limited Time for AT Need for Technical Support Training Needs VE Process Restraints

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment12 Challenges and Barriers Perceptions/Limited Awareness Threats to Vocational Evaluation Lack of Knowledge of AT Money/Equipment Staff/Training Issues Logistics and Coordination Lack of Clear Directives Connections to outcomes unclear

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment13 VE and AT: Which comes first?

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment14 Levels of Assessment Level 1Level 2Level 3 Vocational Screening Vocational Assessment Comprehensive Voc Evaluation

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment15 VE and AT: Options Available 1. Traditional service delivery boundaries could be maintained 2. VE programs can infuse AT into existing service delivery 3. AT programs could add vocational assessment into existing service delivery 4. VE and AT can be combined to form fully integrated, hybrid service delivery option

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment16 Key Stakeholders Vocational Evaluators Rehabilitation Counselors AT Practitioners Administrators Consumers Employers Funding Sources Others?

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment17 Possible Tech Points in the Vocational Evaluation Process Pre-Evaluation Preparation Initial Interview Evaluation Planning Administering assessment tasks and activities Conducting career exploration Developing Recommendations

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment18 Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Implementing assistive technology services requires resources and technical expertise Establishing partnerships and cooperative agreements should be one consideration

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment19 Promising Practices

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment20 Next Steps... If AT part of your vision for vocational evaluation... What is your strategic plan to carry this out ? Who will champion your efforts?

National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment21 Direct questions or follow-up to: Pathfinder Associates Suite Woodcreek Ct. Columbia, SC