Functional Community-Based Assessment

During the functional community-based assessment process, Center for Community Partnerships staff work closely with referred participants with disabilities and life challenges, providing opportunities for them to explore a variety of jobs in different work environments and determine strengths, abilities, interests, barriers and support needs. Additionally, for participants who are unable to drive and experience community access challenges, CCP staff will determine (through observation in the community) what supports the participant may need to utilize public transportation and more fully access his/her community.

The CCP uses a team approach in conducting functional community-based assessments; the team is comprised of the referring agent, CCP staff, the participant, community employers and any of the participant’s family members that would like to be included. The entire process may take up to six weeks and involves an initial team meeting consisting of a comprehensive interview with the participant, multiple hands-on assessment activities that take place at various community sites, and culminates with a team summary meeting focused on community observation results, follow-up thoughts/suggestions, and recommendations on next steps for the participant as he or she pursues independent living, community access and, ultimately, employment goals.

For participants who are pursuing educational goals, the functional community-based assessment process involves exploration of educational opportunities, identification of career interests and aspirations; and, for enrolled students, identification of specific challenges; exploration and arrangement of modifications, accommodations and/or supports to promote increased academic efficacy; guidance on course of study; and assistance with academic skills (such as study skills, organizational skill development, time management) as needed.

The following CCP Assessment and Service Delivery Table outlines the CCP process from assessment through goal achievement.

CCP Assessment and Service Delivery (intervention)
1. Participant Assessment
Baseline/ pre intervention measurement of performance (education or work), participation, self-efficacy, and wellbeing/ quality of life. Ecological assessment of participant performance and participation in everyday contexts including work and/or school (functional assessment). Individualized, outcome-oriented goal setting based on identified abilities and interests.
2. Opportunity development and matching based on participant interests, abilities, and needs.
Education-related opportunities Examination of current education opportunity (if currently enrolled as a student) Career/ interest exploration to include shadowing of professionals and/ or courses Educational planning/ enrollment/ establishment and testing of any needed accommodations Employment Career/ job exploration Informational interviews and job availability analysis with currently employed workers in fields of interest Supported work experience/ job trials Job development and placement Individualized, context-specific skill development, performance feedback, and adjustment/ accommodation related to school and/or work. Self-efficacy training, practice, feedback Mentoring/ coaching to engage participant in opportunity development and identification Generic resource identification/utilization to support veteran performance and participation For example: tutors, referrals for health-related services including psychiatric services, academic advising, financial planning/counseling, transportation assistance, assistive technology services/ accommodations. Ongoing mentoring and coaching with decreasing levels of support over time School-related Job-related
3. Transition/ transfer direct participant support from CCP to everyday performance contexts
Identify and utilize “natural” supports and services available from employers, co-workers, instructors, educational institution, general community, etc. Provide follow-along support as appropriate.

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Contact Us
Phone: 970.491.5930
Fax: 970-491-3307
Email: contactccp@cahs.colostate.edu

Center for Community Partnerships (CCP)
Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University
320 Occupational Therapy Building
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1573