Presenter: Jessica Asam, M.Ed., C.R.C. Vocational Evaluator with Stand Among Friends

Educational & Professional Experience

B.A. in Experimental Psychology

M.Ed. in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling

C.R.C. – Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Palm Beach State College

13 years as a tutor and Learning Specialist in the Student Learning Center

Stand Among Friends

Vocational Evaluator

The Organization

Stand Among Friends Formed in 1997 by Shawn Friedkin

Goals:

Build awareness

Educate the community

Provide resourcessabilities

Services Provided: CareerAbility

Assistive Technology

Vocational Evaluations

Disability Sensitivity Training

Research & Education

Vocational Evaluation “A comprehensive process that systematically uses work, real or

simulated, as the focal point for assessment and vocational exploration, the purpose of which is to assist individuals with vocational development. Vocational evaluation incorporates medical, psychological, social, vocational, educational, cultural, and economic data into the process to attain the goals of evaluation” (Dowd, 1993).

How is a vocational evaluation conducted?

File review

Interview

Interest and Aptitude Assessments

Labor Market Survey

Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation

Interview

Testing

Academic Achievement (TABE; WRAT-IV)

Attention (Ruff 2 & 7)

Aptitudes (CareerScope)

Interests (CareerScope)

Work Personality (Holland Code)

Motivation (Self-Assessment)

Labor Market Survey

Final Report

Situational Assessments

Interview

Simulated worksite activities

8-16 hours long, generally over a two-day period

Displays evidence of strengths & weaknesses to clients, parents and VR counselors

Offers clients a chance to try new activities and identify strengths or interests

Conducted on job sites or in libraries

Case Examples

Danny 37 years old

Traumatic Brain Injury Area most affected: prefrontal cortex

Interpersonal issues with co-workers or clients at every job he has had

Conducted a worksite assessment

Excelled at data entry, both letters and numbers

Found him a part-time position at a small law firm entering case information into a database, where social interaction is limited

Case Examples : Victor

Age 22 Cerebral Palsy, with muscle spasms, no functional

use of extremities; non-verbal Motorized wheelchair Interest in graphic design Conducted a vocational evaluation Dynavox personalized to him, activated with a head

switch Coding for computer company

Assistive Technology in Assessments

The Stand Among Friends (SAF) Assistive Technology (AT) Lab is a state of the art AT lab.

SAF AT equipment includes technology for:

Access for Physical/Mobility Impairment

Access for Blind/Visual Impairment

Access for Hearing/Speech Impairment

Access for Cognitive Impairment

Assistive Technology

Access for Physical/Mobility Impairment where basic computer accessibility, speech to text software, switch access, “sip-n-puff ’ mouth controlled joysticks, hands-free mice, eye-trackers, LOMAK keyboard, and head motion devices are utilized.

Access for Blind/Visual Impairment where screen magnifiers, enlarged

keyboards, large screen TVs, scanners with text optical recognition and screen readers are utilized.

Access for Hearing/Speech Impairment where basic computer

accessibility with beeps and on-screen visual notifications, headphones, voice input and laptop communication devices are used.

Access for Cognitive Impairment where simple displays, word prediction

software, augmentative communication, digital pens, and reading, writing and learning software are used.

Evaluation Recommendations

Assistive technology

Assistance with transportation

On-the-job training

Interview practice

Medical Assistance

Educational Alternatives (i.e. trade programs)

Palm Beach State College: Educational Opportunities

Four Campuses to choose from:

• Belle Glade

• Boca Raton

• Lake Worth

• Palm Beach Gardens

Post Secondary Adult Vocational Certificate (PSAV)

Many Programs do not require a standard High School Diploma or GED

Currently most programs require a Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) prior to program start and require minimum scores be reached prior to program completion*

* As of November 1, 2013, the TABE and overall testing requirements will be changing

Many programs are offered as full time day programs, while also providing part time evening/weekend options

Examples of PSAV Certificate Programs Offered

Machining Technology Welding Technology Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Massage Therapy Cosmetology

Facials Specialty Nails Technician

Patient Care Assistant Automotive and Transportation

Auto Service Tech Diesel Mechanic

Benefits of PSAV

Highly and specifically skilled labor is traditionally in demand

Employment and training is static in requirements and expectations

Programs are often structured as full time or part time, following a strict routine

Some programs have direct connections to the workforce and indirect job placement opportunities

While direct job placement does not exist at PBSC, many graduates of our PSAV programs find employment through on the job training, recruiters, internships and apprenticeship programs

College Credit Certificates (CCC)

College credits are earned and often applicable to more advanced degree programs

SAT, ACT, PERT testing is not required for most certificates

Many CCC curriculums do not include college level math or English, rather focusing on courses relevant to the chosen path (business, web design, computer programming, early childcare, etc.)

High School diploma* or GED required

Shorter curriculum Some as few as 12 credit hours ( four (4) college credit courses)

*Presently, the W07, W27, W08, W09, and W44 certificates/diplomas are not eligible for College Credit Coursework

Why Choose a College Credit Certificate?

Most CCC’s allow students to focus solely on the specific subject they are interested in (computers, art, design, business, etc.)

Successful completion of a CCC often breeds the confidence a student needs to further ones educational and occupational goals

Financial Aid Assistance is available for many programs

Allows a student to take part in the College experience without the long term commitment and demands of a degree program

The Domino Effect

Enhanced, Effective Evaluations

lead to

Appropriate, Attainable Goals

Questions / Comments