There are other work related assessments which can be undertaken by those with a disability. Three examples include:
Literacy assessments
Literacy assessments are designed to assess an individual’s reading and/or writing capacity or competence. This can include reading comprehension, word knowledge and written communication skills (for example, sentence structure, spelling and punctuation). The term literacy can also incorporate mathematics competence and as such maths skills can also be included in the assessment process (for example, addition or subtraction, ratios and percentages, interpreting graphs and calculating areas) (Reading Success Lab 2004 -2006).
These assessments are usually conducted by vocational rehabilitation professionals with specialist training in psychology or speech pathology. Relevant support and/or training is often recommended if any skill deficiencies present as a barrier to employment or a difficulty in terms of work performance.
Memory assessments
Memory assessments are designed to assess memory skills in relation to work (for example, short term memory and attention or concentration), as well as identify suitable techniques to increase memory capacity and/or recommend strategies to improve work performance affected by memory deficiencies. Memory assessments are usually conducted by vocational rehabilitation professionals with specialist training in; psychology, speech pathology or occupational therapy (CRS Australia 2007).
An assessment of memory skills can also be incorporated in neuropsychological assessments undertaken by qualified psychologists.
Pre-employment screening assessments
Within the disability field, these assessments are usually designed to assess an individual’s ability to perform the physical demands of a particular position or job role before an appointment is made. Pre-employment screening assessments are often conducted by vocational rehabilitation professionals with qualifications in either occupational therapy or physiotherapy. Primarily these assessments serve to identify whether the individual can safely undertake the tasks required in the job role. Assessors may also recommend ways in which the individual’s disability may be best accommodated if they were to be awarded the position (for example, identifying useful assistive equipment) (CRS Australia 2007).
Services provided
Literacy assessments
Literacy assessments are relevant for those who may have a specific learning disability (for example, dyslexia), an intellectual disability or other cognitive impairment such as acquired brain injury. The ability to read and write (and solve mathematical problems) is a necessary requirement in most workplaces across all industries. Therefore identifying any difficulties in this area and providing the right support is important for sustainable employment across all sectors, as well as managing stress levels for those affected.
Memory assessments
Memory assessments are most relevant for those who have a cognitive impairment such as dementia or acquired brain injury, or a psychiatric illness which can affect memory such as anxiety. Also, as with literacy, identifying any difficulties in this area and providing the right support or strategies is important for sustainable employment across all sectors, as well as managing stress levels for those affected.
Pre-employment screening assessments
Pre-employment screening assessments can be used by employers as part of the recruitment process. They do not determine whether or not an individual should or should not be employed, but measure physical capacity specially in relation to the job role and therefore relevant for those applying for a position who may have a physical disability or impairment which could affect job performance or put the individual at risk (CRS Australia, 2007).
Panel of workplace assessors
The workplace assessors listed in the Workplace Adjustment Tool are part of a panel of assessors formed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations as part of the Workplace Modifications Scheme.
The Workplace Modifications Scheme pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special or adaptive equipment for eligible employees with disability. Under the Scheme, the JobAccess Advisers will assess the need for a workplace assessment and organise the assessment, at no cost to the employer or employee, with one of the professionals listed in the panel. Alternatively, an employer can approach a panel member independently for a paid assessment.
For more information about workplace assessments under the Workplace Modifications Scheme, call the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800.
References and resources
CRS Australia 2007, What is a memory assessment? / What is a pre-employment screening?,Department of Human Services, Canberra, viewed 10 June 2007, <http://www.crsaustralia.gov.au/110.htm> and http://www.crsaustralia.gov.au/125.htm>.
Reading Success Lab 2004 -2006, Literacy Assessment, Reading Success Lab, Belchertown, viewed 10 June 2007, <http://educator.readingsuccesslab.com/Glossary/Literacy_Assessment.html>.