1. Pathfinder Associates 1 Assistive Technology Considerations in the Vocational Evaluation Process

3. 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

4. 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

5. Pathfinder Associates5 The age old question...

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

7. Referral Initial Interview

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

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

10. Individualized Vocational Evaluation Plan Assessment Techniques

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

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

13. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

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

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

21. 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?

22. 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?

23. 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?

24. 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?

25. Synthesize Data Exit Interview

26. Synthesize Data Exit Interview Factor AT and accommodation options into recommendations

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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. Report Findings Implementation outcomes

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

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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. Follow-up

38. Obtain feedback on employment or other outcome.

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

40. 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?

41. 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?

42. 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?

43. 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

44. Pathfinder Associates 44 For additional information on applications of assistive technology and other training contact: Pathfinder Associates Suite 301 712 Woodcreek Ct. Columbia, SC 29212 803.767.8043 Info@pathfinderassociates.net www.pathfinderassociates.net