TRACKING THE ELUSIVE FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION: HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE 7 MOST IMPORTANT SPECIES IN THE WILD! Youth Transition Program Statewide Conference February 18, 2010 Hood River, Oregon

WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?  Order of Selection: Who are the FIRST clients to come out of “Delayed Status” (aka the wait-list)? “Priority One and Priority Two”  What does it take to be found eligible as a “Priority One and/or Two” client? One=Three (or more) functional limitations (aka “capacities) from the list of seven (7). Two=at least two functional limitations. For both Priority One and Two: Two or more substantial OVRS services for an extended period of time to reach a positive employment outcome.

From The List of Seven Functional Limitations or Capacities?  COMMUNICATION  INTERPERSONAL SKILLS  MOBILITY  SELF-CARE  SELF-DIRECTION  WORK SKILLS  WORK TOLERANCE  Count them….7 right?

Let’s Break That Down! What’s the Counselor’s Responsibility?  They have to determine that the capacity is a:  Serious Limitation. To do this, this is how they have to “think”:  Considering the consumer’s current accommodations in place, a serious functional limitation is indicated when the consumer cannot perform function due to disability, the function is related to work, and is something general working population can do at work.  Counselors are required to describe with particularity the exact manner in which a functional capacity limitation has seriously limited an individual’s ability to work when determining eligibility.

COMMUNICATION A Field Guide to Identifying the Species  Definition: A serious limitation in communication is the inability to exchange thoughts, messages, or information with people resulting in loss of employment through termination, a pattern of job loss, or inability to obtain competitive employment because the disability-related communication issues were unmanageable.  Documentation: A serious limitation in communication must be documented in the following manner: Reports by physician, psychologist, speech therapist, audiologist, or other professionals as appropriate to the consumer’s disability. Counselor may be able to document through observation when appropriate. Counselors are required to describe with particularity the exact manner in which a functional capacity limitation has seriously limited an individual’s ability to work when determining eligibility.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS A Field Guide to Identifying the Species  Definition: A serious limitation in interpersonal skills is the inability to interact in a socially acceptable and mature manner with co-workers, supervisors and others to facilitate normal flow of work or activities resulting in loss of employment through termination, a pattern of job loss, or inability to obtain competitive employment because the disability-related interpersonal issues were unmanageable.  Documentation: A serious limitation in interpersonal skills must be documented in the following manner: Reports by physician, psychologist or other professionals as appropriate to the consumer’s disability. Counselor may be able to document through observation when appropriate. Counselors are required to describe with particularity the exact manner in which a functional capacity limitation has seriously limited an individual’s ability to work when determining eligibility.

MOBILITY A Field Guide to Identifying the Species  Definition: A serious limitation in mobility is the inability to move from one place to another and/or physically manipulate environment resulting in loss of employment through termination, a pattern of job loss, or inability to obtain competitive employment because the disability-related mobility issues were unmanageable.  Documentation: A serious limitation in mobility must be documented in the following manner: Reports by physician or other professionals as appropriate to the consumer’s disability. Counselor may be able to document through observation when appropriate. Counselors are required to describe with particularity the exact manner in which a functional capacity limitation has seriously limited an individual’s ability to work when determining eligibility.

SELF-CARE A Field Guide to Identifying the Species  Definition: A serious limitation in self-care is the inability to perform tasks that involve caring for self and living environment, or the ability to manage physical, emotional and safety needs, resulting in loss of employment through termination, a pattern of job loss, or inability to obtain competitive employment because the disability-related self-care issues were unmanageable.  Documentation: A serious limitation in self-care must be documented in the following manner: Reports by physician or other professionals as appropriate to the consumer’s disability. Counselor may be able to document through observation when appropriate. Counselors are required to describe with particularity the exact manner in which a functional capacity limitation has seriously limited an individual’s ability to work when determining eligibility.

SELF-DIRECTION A Field Guide to Identifying the Species  Definition: A serious limitation in self-direction is the inability to plan, initiate, problem solve, organize, or independently carry out goal-directed activities as relates to independent living and work, resulting in loss of employment through termination, a pattern of job loss, or inability to obtain competitive employment because the disability-related self-direction issues were unmanageable.  Documentation: A serious limitation in self-direction must be documented in the following manner: Reports by physician or other professionals as appropriate to the consumer’s disability. Counselor may be able to document through observation when appropriate. Counselors are required to describe with particularity the exact manner in which a functional capacity limitation has seriously limited an individual’s ability to work when determining eligibility.

WORK SKILLS A Field Guide to Identifying the Species  Definition: A serious limitation in work skills is the inability to perform specific tasks required to carry out job functions or the inability to benefit from training in the necessary skills or practice the work habits needed to stay employed resulting in loss of employment through termination, a pattern of job loss, or inability to obtain competitive employment because the disability-related work skills issues were unmanageable.  Documentation: A serious limitation in work skills must be documented in the following manner: Reports by physician or other professionals as appropriate to the consumer’s disability. Counselor may be able to document through observation when appropriate. Counselors are required to describe with particularity the exact manner in which a functional capacity limitation has seriously limited an individual’s ability to work when determining eligibility.

WORK TOLERANCE A Field Guide to Identifying the Species  Definition: A serious limitation in work tolerance is the inability to perform effectively and efficiently jobs that require various levels of physical, emotional, and psychological demands of work over a sustained period of time. This may result in loss of employment through termination, a pattern of job loss, or inability to obtain competitive employment because the disability-related work tolerance issues were unmanageable. This may include decreased strength, and reduced stamina and endurance.  Documentation: A serious limitation in work tolerance must be documented in the following manner: Reports by physician or other professionals as appropriate to the consumer’s disability. Counselor may be able to document through observation when appropriate. Counselors are required to describe with particularity the exact manner in which a functional capacity limitation has seriously limited an individual’s ability to work when determining eligibility.

IDENTIFYING SPECIES IN THE FIELD IS ALWAYS MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN DONE IN TEAMS!  How does an OVRS Counselor find and share evidence in and with the schools? Teach the YTP team the eligibility determination process. Share eligibility determination paperwork YTP client by YTP client with the YTP team. Since “observation” is a common thread, use the Transition Specialist’s “eyes”. Ask to see the Present Level of Performance Statements from the IEP (aka PLEP, PLAFP). Ask about Work Experience Evaluations. Ask about “Age Appropriate Transition Assessments” that are to be conducted in the year SpEd students turn 16. Ask if a “functional vocational evaluation” has been conducted (required by IDEA if appropriate). Ask if the IEP case manager has completed a “Summary of Performance” (aka SOP). Other strategies?

IDENTIFYING SPECIES IN THE FIELD IS ALWAYS MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN DONE IN TEAMS!  How does a Transition Specialist find evidence to add to the collection of evidence? Teach the IEP team about functional limitations and ask for evidence. Learn about and share information about Functional Assessment (e.g. The “Colorado Model” or other collaborative methods). Since “observation” is a common thread, share observational and anecdotal evidence with your VRC partner. Collect and share the Present Level of Performance Statements from the IEP (aka PLEP, PLAFP). Ask about or conduct Work Experience Evaluations. Ask about or collect evidence of “Age Appropriate Transition Assessments” that are to be conducted in the year SpEd students turn 16. Ask if a “functional vocational evaluation” has been conducted (required by IDEA if appropriate). Find it and share it with your VRC. Ask if the IEP case manager has completed a “Summary of Performance” (aka SOP). Find it and share it with your VRC. Documentation of student grades and student attendance through-out high school. Other strategies?

QUESTIONS? AND POSSIBLY ANSWERS!

Ken Smith Certified Rehabilitation Counselor OVRS, East Multnomah County (971) and Peter FitzGerald YTP Technical Assistance Coordinator University of Oregon (503)