This assessment guide is designed to provide occupational therapists and physical therapists with recommendations and suggestions for the development and assessment of skills in the educational environment.

Evaluation

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. To receive SSDI or SSI disability benefits, an individual must meet the statutory definition of disability, which is "the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity [SGA] by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." SSA uses a five-step sequential process to determine whether an adult applicant meets this definition. Functional Assessment for Adults with Disabilities examines ways to collect information about an individual's physical and mental (cognitive and noncognitive) functional abilities relevant to work requirements. This report discusses the types of information that support findings of limitations in functional abilities relevant to work requirements, and provides findings and conclusions regarding the collection of information and assessment of functional abilities relevant to work requirements.

This quick reference guide helps occupational therapy students and practitioners perform efficient and comprehensive evaluations for adults with disabilities. Designed to fit in the lab coat pocket, this book guides readers through the process of an evaluation. For easy reading, information in this spiralbound volume is organized into tables, boxes, and schematics. Features include: detailed appendices about standardized assessments and formal evaluation procedures; illustrated evaluation procedures; an evaluation checklist to help readers track each client's evaluation; suggestions for sequencing and abbreviating different evaluation procedures; and specific advice on meeting third-party payers' reimbursement requirements.

This textbook on assessment and outcome measurement is written for both occupational therapy and physiotherapy students and qualified therapists. It begins by defining what is meant by assessment, outcome, evaluation and measurement and discussing the complexity of therapy assessment and measurement, including the challenge of measuring human behaviour and the impact of factors such as task demand and context, including the environment. Methods of data collection (e.g. observation, interview, standardised testing) and sources (e.g. self-report, proxy) for collecting information about clients are then reviewed, and the main purposes of assessment (e.g. descriptive, evaluative, predictive, discriminative) presented. The book then addresses the topics of standardisation, levels of measurement, reliability, validity and clinical utility. There is a chapter describing and applying models for categorizing levels of function to aid assessment and measurement. The concept of clinical reasoning and reflective practice is then explored. Application of principles is supported through detailed case studies and worksheets and the criteria for test critique and guidelines for choosing a particular assessment approach are discussed.

Occupational and Physical Therapy in Educational Environments covers the major issues involved in providing lawful, team-oriented, and effective occupational and physical therapy services for students with disabilities in public schools. For those involved with students with disabilities, this book helps them make sound decisions about services that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children. Since the 1975 enactment of Public Law 94--142, which mandated that occupational and physical therapy be provided “as may be required by a handicapped child to benefit from special education,” this required link between therapy and education has continued to lead to confusion and controversy about which students should receive therapy in school and what types of services should be provided. The purpose of Occupational and Physical Therapy in Educational Environments is to clarify the major issues surrounding occupational and physical therapy in public schools, and to provide a framework for delivery of team- and family-oriented services that meet individual needs of students with disabilities. For those unsure of current regulations regarding handicapped students, or those who need clarification on the law, the book begins with a review of legislation and regulations. This begins to guide and shape schools’provision of therapy services. The following chapters assist occupational and physical therapists and important members of the educational teams of disabled students to make sound decisions about which students need school-based therapy services: Laws that Shape Therapy Services in Educational Environments: summarizes the major statutory law, federal regulations, and case law interpretation in which school-based practice is grounded. Pediatric Therapy in the 1990s: reviews contemporary theories of motor development, motor control, and motor learning that have had major impact on therapy for school-age children with disabilities. Related Services Decision-Making: describes a strong team approach to determining a student’s need for occupational and physical therapy services, which takes into account the unique characteristics of both the student and the educational team. Assessment and Intervention in School-Based Practice: describes an approach to assessment and intervention in schools that clearly illustrates a relationship between therapy and educational programs that result in meaningful outcomes for students. Challenges of Interagency Collaboration: reports on a qualitative study that points out that schools are not the only settings in which many students with disabilities receive services, so coordination between various agencies is essential to avoid gaps, overlaps, and cross purposes. Those who can benefit from Occupational and Physical Therapy in Educational Environments include occupational and physical therapists who work in public schools, school administrators, teachers, and even parents of disabled children.