P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK Work Station/Job Accomodation Assessments

The purpose of the assessment is to recommend a computer system setup that is best suited to a client's specific needs. The three stage assessment process includes:

1. Preliminary Assessment

The preliminary assessment is for information gathering to determine an individualized assessment and/or training plan and to establish a fee schedule. The preliminary assessment is divided into two parts:

Initial Interview

The initial interview focuses on the methodology of the assessment and deals with issues or concerns that the client or the funding organization may have about the assessment. Any equipment enhancements to the assessment workstation are determined at the time of the initial interview.

Skills Test

The skills test, which is optional, is a written and/or verbal test and serves to evaluate the level of previously acquired knowledge and skills that the client has within the following areas:

• Keyboarding
• Spelling
• Comprehension
• Arithmetic

2. Workstation Assessment

The workstation assessment is conducted over a period of one or two days, depending on the client's assessment needs and deals with the following areas:

Physical Ability

The physical ability of the client is assessed on a computer system which has been configured specifically for the client (as identified in the preliminary assessment). Testing occurs in the following areas:

• Seating and Posture
• Visual Ability
• Range of Motion
• Stamina
• Manual Dexterity

Computer Accessibility

Computer accessibility is evaluated by examining:

• Switch Access
• Workstation Access
• Disk & Disk Drive
• Monitor Access
• Input (i.e. Keyboard or alternate methods)

The client's knowledge of various application software packages is then assessed, using any assistive devices that have been determined as being appropriate to the client's computer access needs in order to identify further training requirements. Recommendations are made after a thorough review of assessment results. A report is presented to the client, describing the proposed system, cost estimates, physical layout, information on commercially available or customized adaptations for the computer workstation, and an individualized training programme, if needed. There is a $250.00 per day fee for a complete workstation assessment with recommendations.

3. Follow-up (Ongoing Assessment)

One month after the assessment, computer purchase and setup, contact is made with the client in order to ensure that the computer system is effectively meeting their needs. Contact is then maintained on a semi-annual basis as an ongoing service. The client is placed on the P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK newsletter mailing list in order to receive up to date information on technical developments.