Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
The FCE is a comprehensive 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.
Occupational - Physical Therapy Evaluation (OT-PT Evaluation)
An OT-PT Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that provides objective information regarding a consumer’s strengths and limitations related to employment. The consumer will learn their physical capabilities for working at a safe level. Consumers participating in the OT-PT Evaluation will be assessed by both a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist.
Occupational Therapy Evaluation
This therapy assessment is available to DORS WTC consumers 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.
Physical Therapy Evaluation
Physical Therapy (PT) services are available to DORS WTC consumers and in the community through both agency staff and vendors. A 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.
Back Injury Prevention Training Class
Occupational Therapists or Physical Therapists from the OT/PT Department provide a Back Injury Prevention 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 Back Injury Prevention class is also offered on an individual basis to consumers who are not participating in one of the designated training programs.
The Back Injury Prevention 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 Back Injury Prevention class helps DORS consumers prepare for employment, provides valuable information for consumers currently employed, and promotes long-term employment.
Workstation Comfort & Ergonomics Class
Occupational Therapists from the OT/PT Department provide a Workstation Comfort/Ergonomics class to consumers participating in the Computer Skills Development training program. The Workstation Comfort Class is also available to consumers on an individual basis who are not enrolled in one of the designated training programs.
The class discusses ergonomic principles, proper workstation set-up, the benefits of good sitting posture, the importance of changing positions periodically throughout the day, exercises that can be completed at a computer workstation, and low tech ergonomic solutions that a consumer can implement at a workstation without any specialized equipment. Consumers who are pursuing employment and consumers that have obtained employment who are working at a computer workstation could benefit from the Workstation Comfort class as the class promotes optimal health and long-term employment.
