Pathfinder Associates 1 Assistive Technology Considerations in the Vocational Evaluation Process

Considering Technology-related Options Assistive technology should be part of routine considerations for every individual served Technology options should be considered on a case-by-case basis Evaluators should be asking, What if,... and trying out AT options

Pathfinder Associates4 AT can enhance vocational evaluations in several important ways  Accurately determining what someone can do  Considering how he/she may be able to overcome limitations  Explore options for reaching maximum potential

Pathfinder Associates5 The age old question...

Basic Evaluation Process Referral Initial Interview Individual Eval. Plan Assessment Synthesize Data Exit Interview Report Findings Implementation/ Outcome Follow-up

Referral Initial Interview

Referral Initial Interview Special needs and accommodations should be noted in referral info

Referral Initial Interview Note any devices used or adaptive behaviors Special needs and accommodations should be noted in referral info

Individualized Vocational Evaluation Plan Assessment Techniques

Individualized Vocational Evaluation Plan Assessment Techniques Plan technology considerations for any specialized technology needs such as

Individualized Vocational Evaluation Plan Assessment Techniques Plan technology considerations for any specialized technology needs such as speech, seating or positioning, writing or stamina needs.

Individualized Vocational Evaluation Plan Assessment Techniques Plan technology considerations for any specialized technology needs such as speech, seating or positioning, writing or stamina needs. If special needs seem likely, plan a consultation with a technology specialist

Individualized Vocational Evaluation Plan Assessment Techniques Plan technology considerations for any specialized technology needs such as speech, seating or positioning, writing or stamina needs. If special needs seem likely, plan a consultation with a technology specialist

Individualized Vocational Evaluation Plan Assessment Techniques Plan technology considerations for any specialized technology needs such as speech, seating or positioning, writing or stamina needs. If special needs seem likely, plan a consultation with a technology specialist Consider accommodation and AT needs for all assessment techniques

Individualized Vocational Evaluation Plan Assessment Techniques Plan technology considerations for any specialized technology needs such as speech, seating or positioning, writing or stamina needs. If special needs seem likely, plan a consultation with a technology specialist Consider accommodation and AT needs for all assessment techniques

Pathfinder Associates18 Important to stay current with technology nomenclature Important to stay current with technology nomenclature...

Assessment Techniques Psychometric Testing Work Samples Situational Assessment Behavior Observation Career Exploration Job Tryouts

Assessment Techniques Psychometric Testing Work Samples Situational Assessment Behavior Observation Career Exploration Job Tryouts Prepare instructions in advance in appropriate formats

Assessment Techniques Psychometric Testing Work Samples Situational Assessment Behavior Observation Career Exploration Job Tryouts Prepare instructions in advance in appropriate formats Are accommo- dations needed to complete assessment tasks?

Assessment Techniques Psychometric Testing Work Samples Situational Assessment Behavior Observation Career Exploration Job Tryouts Prepare instructions in advance in appropriate formats Observe the individual at work tasks and during breaks Are accommo- dations needed to complete assessment tasks?

Assessment Techniques Psychometric Testing Work Samples Situational Assessment Behavior Observation Career Exploration Job Tryouts Prepare instructions in advance in appropriate formats Look for adaptive behaviors, signs of fatigue, etc. Observe the individual at work tasks and during breaks Are accommo- dations needed to complete assessment tasks?

Assessment Techniques Psychometric Testing Work Samples Situational Assessment Behavior Observation Career Exploration Job Tryouts Prepare instructions in advance in appropriate formats Look for adaptive behaviors, signs of fatigue, etc. Is returning to previous work an option? Accommodation considerations? Observe the individual at work tasks and during breaks Are accommo- dations needed to complete assessment tasks?

Synthesize Data Exit Interview

Synthesize Data Exit Interview Factor AT and accommodation options into recommendations

Synthesize Data Exit Interview Determine the individual’s willingness to use AT When appropriate factor AT and accommodation options into recommendations

Synthesize Data Exit Interview Determine the individual’s willingness to use AT Is he/she excited or apprehensive? When appropriate factor AT and accommodation options into recommendations

Synthesize Data Exit Interview Determine the individual’s willingness to use AT Is he/she excited or apprehensive? Factor AT and accommodation options into recommendations Explore reasons for any reluctance

Synthesize Data Exit Interview Determine the individual’s willingness to use AT Is he/she excited or apprehensive? Factor AT and accommodation options into recommendations Explore reasons for any reluctance Address issues or questions before leaving

Report Findings Implementation outcomes

Report Findings Implementation outcomes Provide referral source with a range of appropriate technology options...

Report Findings Implementation outcomes Provide referral source with a range of appropriate technology options low tech, high tech or no tech at all

Report Findings Implementation outcomes Provide referral source with a range of appropriate technology options low tech, high tech or no tech at all Discuss cost/benefit of AT options versus re- training, job choice, other options

Report Findings Implementation outcomes Provide referral source with a range of appropriate technology options low tech, high tech or no tech at all Discuss cost/benefit of AT options versus re- training, job choice, other options If AT is needed, specify type and indicate source of AT services

Report Findings Implementation outcomes Provide referral source with a range of appropriate technology options low tech, high tech or no tech at all Discuss cost/benefit of AT options versus re- training, job choice, other options Become involved with accommodation and employer when possible If AT is needed, specify type and indicate source of AT services

Follow-up

Obtain feedback on employment or other outcome.

Follow-up Obtain feedback on employment or other outcome. If AT was recommended, is it still being used?

Follow-up Obtain feedback on employment or other outcome. What problems were solved or improvements in performance noted? If AT was recommended, is it still being used?

Follow-up Obtain feedback on employment or other outcome. Were any additional problems encountered? What problems were solved or improvements in performance noted? If AT was recommended, is it still being used?

Follow-up Obtain feedback on employment or other outcome. Were any additional problems encountered? What problems were solved or improvements in performance noted? If AT was recommended, is it still being used? Most important, are the consumer and employer satisfied?

Pathfinder Associates43 Developing AT Skills  Vocational evaluators should add AT to their list of capabilities  This will require evaluation programs to look at how this can best be accomplished  There is no one best practice model

Pathfinder Associates 44 For additional information on applications of assistive technology and other training contact: Pathfinder Associates Suite Woodcreek Ct. Columbia, SC