Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
The Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a comprehensive assessment that provides objective information regarding an individual’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 job seeker with disabilities 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 demonstrated 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 an individual’s strengths and limitations related to employment. The job seeker will learn their physical capabilities for working at a safe level. OT-PT Evaluation participants will be assessed by both a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist.
Occupational Therapy Evaluation
This therapy assessment is available 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 their ability to perform independent living skills and work activities.
Physical Therapy Evaluation
Physical Therapy (PT) services are available at WTC and in the community through both DORS staff and third-party vendors. A PT Evaluation provides vital information regarding an individual's functional ability to work or live independently. This assessment also provides recommendations that enable them to improve their 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 WTC students participating in the Auto Mechanics, Food Service, Environmental Services, Warehouse and Work Readiness training programs, and in other partnership and customized training programs as needed. The Back Injury Prevention class is also offered on an individual basis to job seekers who are not participating in one of these 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. Participants 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 students in the Computer Skills Development training program. The Workstation Comfort Class is also available to others on an individual basis.
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.
Personal Assistant Service (PAS) for College
Personal Assistance Services is used 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 attending college. The evaluation would also include equipment or modifications needed in performance of coursework and daily living while living in college campus housing.
