Functional assessment in vocational rehabilitation: a systematic approach to diagnosis and goal setting
Crewe, N.M.; Athelstan, G.T.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 62(7): 299-305
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9993 PMID: 7247655 Document Number: 179018
The Functional Assessment Inventory (FAI) as developed for diagnostic use in vocational rehabilitation. This study involved field testing and initial validation of the FAI as a diagnostic tool. Vocational rehabilitation counselors (30) administered the Inventory to 351 clients. Factor analysis identified 8 scales: cognitive function, motor function, personality and behavior vocational qualifications, medical condition, vision, hearing and economic disincentives. Content and concurrent validity of the FAI were assessed by comparing the scores of clients grouped by medical diagnosis and by relating scores to counselors' judgments of severity of disability and employability. Clients with various primary disabilities appeared to differ from one another on the factor scales and on individual items in predictable ways. Total Functional Limitations scores were highly correlated with counselsors' ratings of severity and of disabilility and of disability and employability.