pathfinder associates 1 assistive technology considerations in the vocational evaluation process

Pathfinder Associates 1

Assistive Technology Considerations in the Vocational Evaluation Process

Basic Evaluation Process

ReferralInitial

InterviewIndividualEval. Plan

AssessmentSynthesize

Data

ExitInterview

ReportFindings

Implementation/Outcome

Follow-up

ReferralInitial

Interview

ReferralInitial

Interview

Special needs and

accommodations should be noted in referral info

ReferralInitial

Interview

Note any devices used or adaptive behaviors

Special needs and

accommodations should be

noted in referral info

IndividualizedVocational

Evaluation Plan

AssessmentTechniques


Evaluation Plan


Plan technology considerations

for any specialized technology

needs such as


Evaluation Plan




needs such as

speech, seating or

positioning, writing or stamina needs.


Evaluation Plan




needs such as

speech, seating or


If special needs seem likely, plan

a consultation with a technology

specialist


Evaluation Plan




needs such as

speech, seating or


If special needs seem likely, plan

a consultation with a technology

specialist

Consider accommodation and AT needs for all assessment

techniques


Important to stay current with Important to stay current with technology nomenclaturetechnology nomenclature . . .


Psychometric Testing

Work Samples

Situational Assessment

Behavior Observation

Career Exploration

Job Tryouts



Work Samples



Career Exploration

Job TryoutsPrepare

instructions in advance

in appropriate

formats



Work Samples



Career Exploration

Job TryoutsPrepare


in appropriate

formats

Are accommo-

dations needed to complete

assessment tasks?



Work Samples



Career Exploration

Job TryoutsPrepare


in appropriate

formats

Observe the

individual at work

tasks and during breaks

Are accommo-


assessment tasks?



Work Samples



Career Exploration

Job TryoutsPrepare


in appropriate

formats

Look for adaptive

behaviors, signs of

fatigue, etc.

Observe the

individual at work


Are accommo-


assessment tasks?



Work Samples



Career Exploration

Job TryoutsPrepare


in appropriate

formats

Look for adaptive

behaviors, signs of

fatigue, etc.

Is returning to previous work

an option? Accommodatio

n considerations

?

Observe the

individual at work


Are accommo-


assessment tasks?

SynthesizeData

ExitInterview

SynthesizeData

ExitInterview

Factor AT and accommodation

options into recommendation

s

SynthesizeData

ExitInterview

Determine the

individual’s willingness to use AT

When appropriate

factor AT and accommodation


s

SynthesizeData

ExitInterview

Determine the


Is he/she excited or

apprehensive?

When appropriate

factor AT and accommodation


s

SynthesizeData

ExitInterview

Determine the



apprehensive?



s

Explore reasons for

any reluctance

SynthesizeData

ExitInterview

Determine the



apprehensive?



s

Explore reasons for

any reluctance

Address issues or questions

before leaving

Report Findings

Implementationoutcomes

Report Findings


Provide referral source with a

range of appropriate technology options . . .

Report Findings




. . . low tech, high tech or no tech at all

Report Findings





Discuss cost/benefit of AT

options versus re-training, job choice, other

options

Report Findings







options

If AT is needed, specify type and

indicate source of AT services

Report Findings







options

Become involved with

accommodation and employer when possible

If AT is needed, specify type and

indicate source of AT services

Follow-up

Follow-up

Obtain feedback on employment

or other outcome.

Follow-up


or other outcome.

If AT was recommended, is

it still being used?

Follow-up


or other outcome.

What problems were solved or

improvements in performance

noted?



Follow-up


or other outcome.

Were any additional problems

encountered?



noted?



Follow-up


or other outcome.

Were any additional problems

encountered?



noted?



Most important, are the

consumer and employer satisfied?


Developing AT SkillsDeveloping 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


For additional information on applications of assistive technology and other training contact:

Pathfinder AssociatesSuite 301

712 Woodcreek Ct.

Columbia, SC 29212

803.767.8043

[email protected]

www.pathfinderassociates.net

pathfinder associates 1 assistive technology considerations in the vocational evaluation process

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