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Occupational & Physical Therapy Services


Occupational & Physical Therapy Services

​Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)

If you have questions or for more information about the FCE, please contact please contact Sonya Tubaya at 410-554-9365 or by email at Sonya.Tubaya@maryland.gov.

Program Description

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a comprehe​nsive assessment that provides objective information regarding a consumer’s maximum physical capabilities to perform work safely. The Occupational and/or Physical Therapist determines the individual's functioning in regard to physical work demands.

The assessment is used to determine if a consumer will be able to perform a specific job or specific job tasks, as well as their ability to perform a specific job over the course of a full day. The physical capabilities a consumer demonstrates during the FCE can be compared to the physical requirements of a job when establishing an employment plan or pursuing employment.

The following information is included in a Functional Capacity Evaluation:

  1. Medical, Educational and Vocational Histories.

  2. Musculoskeletal Assessment of the upper extremities, lower extremities, neck, and spine. Testing incorporates range of motion, strength, sensation, and coordination.

  3. Balance while sitting, standing and walking.

  4. Hand Skill Performance in activities involving gross motor skills, fine motor skills, hand writing and typing.

  5. Lifting Capacity capabilities for lifting from the floor, lifting from waist level, lifting overhead, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

  6. Material Handling ability to perform such tasks on an occasional basis and on a frequent basis.

  7. Working Position Tolerances for sitting, static and dynamic standing, walking, kneeling, stair climbing, ladder climbing, crawling, stooping, reaching, and ability to work overhead.

  8. Job Simulation may be conducted to determine if a consumer can perform a specific job, or to determine if an individual can return to a previously held position.

At the conclusion of the FCE the consumer will know his/her physical capabilities for working at a safe level. The consumer’s physical capabilities are classified according to the Department of Labor physical demand level requirements for work. Recommendations included in the FCE may include suggestions for maximizing safety and physical performance for work. A work conditioning program may be recommended if it appears that an individual could increase physical performance and thereby increase employment opportunities. The FCE can be a very valuable tool for the Rehabilitation Counselor when pursuing employment with a consumer or when generating a rehabilitation plan.

Program Requirements

Individuals should have the stamina to actively participate in the evaluation process.

Authorization Requirements

  1. Category: RTS Assessment
    Subcategory: FCE
  2. Comments: Please include any specific job titles that you would like the consumer to be evaluated for in relation to physical demand.​

Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) Follow-up

​If you have questions or for more information about FCE Follow-Up, please contact Angie Harrity, Physical Therapist, at 410-554-9168 or by email at angie.harrity@maryland.gov or Mary Beth Jarusewic, Occupational Therapist, at 410-554-9553 or by email at marybeth.jarusewic@maryland.gov.

Program Description

FCE Follow-Up is a service provided to consumers after a WTC Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is completed and the evaluating therapist has determined that the individual does not currently meet the physical demand level requirements for a WTC training program but may have the potential to meet those requirements with one-on-one instruction from the therapist.

This service is only available as a recommendation from a WTC Functional Capacity Evaluation completed by WTC Occupational or Physical Therapist. FCE Follow-Up is designed to assist consumers with increasing and/or improving upon such areas related to strength, stamina, safety awareness, proper body mechanics, etc., to meet the physical requirements for a WTC program.

For a consumer to receive this service, they must also participate in a WTC Training or Work Readiness program. Consumers will meet with a WTC Occupational or Physical Therapist two to three times per week for approximately one hour with the goal of improving upon the identified functional/physical deficits noted within the Functional Capacity Evaluation hindering the consumer from safely meeting the physical demand level requirements to participate in a WTC program. In the initial appointment with the consumer, the therapist will review with the consumer the reason for FCE Follow-Up and work with the consumer to establish a routine/schedule to meet goals. Each week the therapist will evaluate the consumer’s progress and document the results.

Therapists will create a weekly service note (subject: FCE Follow-Up) documenting the consumer’s progress. At the conclusion of the service, the therapist will create a final service note (subject: Final FCE Follow-Up). A formal report will not be completed.

Program Requirements

This support service is only available to consumers as a result of a recommendation from a WTC FCE provided by a WTC Occupational or Physical Therapist. For a consumer to receive this service, they must also participate in a WTC Training or Work Readiness program.

When a consumer is reviewed in the Center Services Team (CST), the OT or PT will attend the review to summarize the FCE recommendations and plan for FCE Follow-Up. If the recommendation for FCE Follow-Up is supported by the Team, CST will inform the therapist of the consumer’s expected start date within the WTC Program.

Authorization Requirements

The FCE Follow-Up service items will be added to the authorization by WTC OT-PT staff.

  1. Category: RTS Support
    Subcategory: FCE Follow-Up

Functional Independence for Employment (FIFE): Work Readiness 1 & 2

If you have questions or for more information about FIFE, please contact Angie Harrity, Physical Therapist, at 410-554-9168 or by email at Angie.Harrity@maryland.gov or Mary Beth Jarusewic, Occupational Therapist, at 410-554-9553 or by email at MaryBeth.Jarusewic@maryland.gov.

Program Description

FIFE is a collaboration between WTC’s Work Readiness Programs and Occupational & Physical Therapy department. It is a six-week program infused into the Work Readiness 1 & 2 curriculums and schedules. Through group instruction and hands-on practical learning, FIFE will provide students with compensatory cognitive training, daily living skills competency for employment, and education and training in physical endurance and proper body mechanics for safe mobility. Instruction and facilitation of the program will be led by RTS Occupational and Physical Therapists.

During Work Readiness 1, FIFE staff will facilitate the following topics:

  • Interpersonal/Social Skills
  • Health and Safety Strategies/Self-Advocacy
  • Household Functional Skills
  • Preparing for the Workday and Household Management Skills
  • Safety and Sequencing/Functional Math
  • Interviewing Skills

During Work Readiness 2, FIFE staff will facilitate the following topics:

  • Body Mechanics During Lifting and Carrying Materials
  • Strengthening Extremities to Decrease Risk for Injury
  • Standing Balance to Decrease Risk for Falls
  • Activity Tolerance – Working an Eight-Hour Day
  • ​Walking Pace and Distance
  • Education on Fatigue Level and Heart Rate Monitoring

During the facilitation of the topics in Work Readiness 1 & 2, FIFE staff will utilize various instructional strategies and group activities to also target the following skill sets:

  • Employment-based living skills
  • Communication skills
  • Memory, attention, problem solving, sequencing, auditory and visual processing skills
  • Motor planning and promoting safety with daily tasks

The FIFE staff will be working collaboratively with the Work Readiness staff to prepare consumers for employment and independence. At the conclusion of each FIFE cohort, FIFE staff will develop a report which outlines the consumer's progress and will be reviewed at the consumer's final Work Readiness Meeting.

Program Requirements

Since FIFE is infused into the WTC Work Readiness 1 & 2 curriculums/schedules, consumers who wish to participate in FIFE must be referred to and scheduled for WTC Work Readiness 1 and/or 2.

Authorization Requirements

When drafting a Service Authorization for Work Readiness 1 and/or 2, please include the following:

  1. Category: WTC RTS Support
    Subcategory: FIFE Work Readiness 1
  2. Category: WTC RTS Support
    Subcategory: FIFE Work Readiness 2

Occupational Therapy – Assistive Technology Assessment (OT-AT)

If you have questions or for more information about the OT-AT Assessments, please contact Melissa Day at 410-554-9149 or by email at Melissa.Day@maryland.gov.

Program Description

Occupational Therapy-Assistive Technology Assessment Services works with individuals with varying disabilities to determine what equipment and/or modifications are needed to ensure correct ergonomic positioning at the individual’s workstation. Examples:

  • Footrests
  • Monitor risers & mounts
  • Back, neck and arm rests
  • Office chairs

Program Requirements

Any individual who is receiving services through DORS may be referred to RTS at WTC for OT-AT Assessment by their Field Counselor.

Authorization Requirements

  1. Category: WTC RTS Assessment
    Subcategory: OT-AT Assessment
  2. Comments: Describe the specific problems and concerns the consumer is currently experiencing with his/her workstation in the comments section.

Occupational Therapy (OT) Evaluation

If you have questions or for more information about the Occupational Therapy Evaluation, please contact Sonya Tubaya at 410-554-9365 or by email at Sonya.Tubaya@maryland.gov.

Program Description

Occupational Therapy is available to DORS consumers at WTC and in the community. An Occupational Therapy assessment provides vital information regarding an individual’s functional ability to work or live independently. The assessment also provides recommendations to enhance the ability to perform independent living skills and work activities.

Assessments provided by Occupational Therapy include:

  1. Upper Extremity Assessment of motion, strength, sensation, gross motor coordination, fine motor coordination, handwriting, and typing. This assessment can be used to identify and individual’s ability to utilize the upper extremities to perform work, independent living tasks, and/or the need for adaptive devices. The OT may recommend OT treatment in the community to assist the consumer in reaching employment goals and/or to improve independent living tasks.

  2. Visual Perceptual Assessment determines a consumer’s ability to utilize visual perceptual skills to perform functional activities. The assessment can be utilized to evaluate potential for training and employment in fields requiring a high level of visual perceptual skills.

  3. Functional Cognitive Assessment can be utilized to determine one’s potential to safely live independently, succeed in a training program, or succeed in higher education. The cognitive assessment can be utilized to develop compensation strategies for memory deficits.

  4. Sitting, Standing and Postural Assessment to determine endurance and ability to perform an activity or job duty, and for functioning efficiently and ergonomically at a workstation.

  5. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Equipment Assessment to determine a consumer’s level of independence and if there is a need for therapeutic techniques or adaptive equipment (shower chair, tub bench, grab bars, dressing tools, etc.).

  6. Worksite Assessment to define physical and cognitive functional requirements of a job, assess the difficulties that a consumer encounters performing the specific duties, and to recommend solutions to enhance the individual’s job performance. Recommendations may include altering the method in which a consumer performs a job task, performing stretch break exercises, or modifications to a workstation or work method.

  7. Personal Assistant Service (PAS) Screening to identify the consumer’s level of functioning and access within their Activities of Daily Living and the extent (hours) of need for assistance with these activities while participating in a vocational service necessary to achieve employment outcome, including college. The evaluation would also include equipment or modifications needed in performance of coursework and daily living while living in college campus housing.

An Occupational Therapy Assessment can be a valuable resource when developing a consumer’s vocational plan. Recommendations or solutions provided by the assessment can be utilized to increase a consumer’s level of independence, increase potential for employment, and allow a consumer to continue working at his/her current job.

Program Requirements

Individuals should have the stamina to actively participate in the evaluation process.

Authorization Requirements

  1. Category: RTS Assessment
    Subcategory: OT Evaluation
  2. Comments: Please include any specific assessment areas needed and or questions to be answered by the evaluation.​​​

OT-PT Back Class

If you have questions or for more information about the OT-PT Back Class, please contact Sonya Tubaya at 410-554-9365 or by email at Sonya.Tubaya@maryland.gov.

This training class provided by the OT/PT Department serves as a valuable resource for consumers who are pursuing vocational goals. Information provided during the class can assist consumers with obtaining employment and enhance their ability to maintain employment. The program description provided below is a brief summary of the class content.

Program Description

Occupational Therapists or Physical Therapists from the OT/PT Department provide the OT-PT Back Class to consumers participating in the Auto Mechanics training program, Food Service training program, Environmental Services training program, Warehouse training program, Work Readiness Training, and other partnership and customized training programs as needed.

The OT-PT Back Class includes a lecture as well as a material handling lab. The lecture includes basic anatomy of the back, facts about back injuries, back injury prevention tips, and proper body mechanics for material handling and job tasks. Consumers are provided the opportunity to practice proper body mechanics with various material handling activities and job specific tasks. The OT-PT Back Class facilitates the preparation of consumers for employment, provides valuable information for consumers currently employed, and promotes employment.

Program Requirements

Individuals should have the stamina to actively participate in the evaluation process.

Authorization Requirements

  1. Category: RTS Support
    Subcategory: OT-PT​ Back School​

Physical Therapy (PT) Evaluation

If you have questions or for more information about the Physical Therapy Evaluation, please contact Sonya Tubaya at 410-554-9365 or by email at Sonya.Tubaya@maryland.gov.

Program Description

Physical Therapy services are available to DORS consumers at WTC and in the community through both agency staff and vendors. A Physical Therapy (PT) Evaluation provides vital information regarding a consumer’s functional ability to work or live independently. This assessment also provides recommendations that enable a consumer to improve functional mobility skills, independent living skills, work performance, and physical tolerance.

Assessments provided by Physical Therapy include:

  1. Musculoskeletal Assessment of the neck, back and lower extremities. Range of motion, strength, sensation and coordination tests are conducted to identify limitations that may affect work performance and/or functional mobility.

  2. Material Handling/Lifting Assessment to determine safe maximum lifting including poundage and frequency of lifting and carrying. The material handling assessment includes floor-to-waist lifting, waist-to-shoulder-level lifting, and overhead lifting. One- and two-hand carrying capabilities are assessed. Assessment to determine the consumer’s pushing and pulling capabilities may also be done.

  3. Functional Mobility Assessment to assess the consumer’s safety performing functional mobility tasks. The Physical Therapist assesses the consumer’s bed mobility, transfers, gait, walking pattern and endurance for home, work, and/or community. Walking is assessed with or without an assistive device. Safety and balance are assessed for stair climbing, ascending and descending curbs, walking on sidewalks and curb cuts, ladder climbing (if appropriate), walking on even terrain and walking on uneven terrain. If the consumer does not walk, mobility is assessed from the wheelchair, scooter, or with other devices that the consumer utilizes.

  4. Working Position Assessment to determine a consumer’s tolerance to maintain specific working positions for employment. Working positions that can be assessed include static and dynamic standing, kneeling, stooping and crawling.

  5. Mobility Equipment Assessment includes use of canes, walkers, patient lifters, manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, scooters, braces or splints, etc.

  6. Worksite Assessment to assess the worksite for physical barriers and provide recommendations for overcoming environmental barriers. Job analysis can also be performed to determine if the consumer has the physical ability to perform a job. Modifications, accommodations and strategies may be identified to enhance a consumer’s potential for performing a specific job.

A Physical Therapy Assessment can be a valuable resource for consumers attempting to return to work or maintain employment. The assessment can also be utilized when developing a vocational plan. Recommendations or solutions provided by the assessment can be utilized to increase a consumer’s level of independence, increase potential for employment, and allow a consumer to continue working at his/her current job.

Program Requirements

Individuals should have the stamina to actively participate in the evaluation process.

Authorization Requirements

  1. Category: RTS Assessment
    Subcategory: PT Evaluation
  2. Comments: Please include any specific assessment areas needed and or questions to be answered by the evaluation.

Speech-Language Pathology

If you have questions or for more information about the OT-PT Back Class, please contact Sonya Tubaya at 410-554-9365 or by email at Sonya.Tubaya@maryland.gov.

Program Description

Speech-Language Pathology Services are available to DORS consumers at WTC and in the community. These services provide an assessment of speech and language skills that can identify strengths and needs related to functional communication for employment.

The Speech-Language Assessment is provided by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and addresses a person’s functional communication skills in the areas of:

  • Decreased intelligibility of speech
  • Fluency issues
  • Voice disorders
  • Social communication deficits
  • Aphasia
  • Memory deficits
  • General receptive and expressive language disorders

While services may not remedy a speech and language disorder, they can provide compensatory strategies to help consumers participate in interviews, communicate with employers and customers, improve self-esteem, take part in conversations, advocate for themselves, etc. Services may also consider the potential benefits of speech and language therapy, which if recommended, may be pursued in a community-based setting.

A Speech-Language Assessment can be a valuable resource for identifying functional communication strengths and needs when developing a consumer’s vocational plan. This assessment is provided by DORS-approved vendors and is scheduled through the WTC Occupational Therapy-Physical Therapy Department. The final report is attached to AWARE as a Service Attachment.

Authorization Requirements

  1. Category: WTC RTS Assessment
    Subcategory: SLP Eval
  2. Comment: Please describe the deficits presenting the impediment to communication.​
Maryland State Department of Education
Division of Rehabilitation Services
2301 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218
410-554-9442 | 888-554-0334 | 443-798-2840 VP

For information about InDORS, contact Donna Lettow

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