Deaf and Hard of Hearing : Functional Loss Indicators

1. Deaf and Hard of Hearing : Functional Loss Indicators By Kathryn Eckert-Mason, MS and Tracy Schaffer, MS, CRC

2. Functional Limitations: Why Are They Important? Basis of determining eligibility for Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services Takes into consideration the impact of the disability on a person�s ability to function in the work place Impediments to obtaining and maintaining employment

3. OVRS Order of Selection Levels of Priority Mandated to serve the most severely disabled as highest priority. Priority One � 3 functional limitations and require 2 vocational services over extended period of time Priority Two � 2 functional limitations and require 2 vocational services over extended period of time

4. OOS Priority Levels (continued) Priority Three: One functional limitation and require 2 vocational services over extended period of time. Those presumed eligible due to SSDI / SSI status will be found to be at least a Priority 3. Priority Four: All those who do not meet criteria for levels 1,2 or 3.

5. Functional Loss Indicator:Communication In what ways will hearing loss impact Communication? Stop and think about it.

6. Communication (continued) Conversation may be limited to single words or short phrases Does not readily understand others Not readily understood by others Speech is rambling or illogical Talks and interrupts excessively

7. Communication (continued) Unable to communicate verbally Unable to converse via telephone Unable to follow written instructions or interpret written materials

8. Functional Loss Indicator:Interpersonal Skills In what ways might hearing loss impact interpersonal skills? Stop here for a moment. What are your thoughts?

9. Interpersonal Skills (continued) Insufficient psych/social interaction for participation in desired activities Isolation/withdrawal from co-workers Spotty, intermittent work history Unable to determine appropriate social response to others Unable to understand/demonstrate interaction or behavior appropriate to work

10. Functional Loss Indicator: Mobility In what ways might hearing loss impact mobility? Stop and think about it.

11. Mobility (continued) Unable to use public transportation Balance/gross motor coordination may require assistance getting around community Unable to plan travel to work Unable to read street signs or bus schedules

12. Functional Loss Indicator: Self-Care In what ways might hearing loss impact self-care?? Stop and think about it.

13. Self-Care (continued) History of poor decision-making or unaware of consequences of behavior Unable to manage money or finances

14. Functional Loss Indicator: Self-Direction In what ways might hearing loss impact self-direction? Stop and think about it.

15. Self-Direction (continued) Cognitive deficits impairing work quality or productivity, especially if the work setting is noisy (HoH) or visually stimulating (deaf) due to sensory deficits.

16. Functional Loss Indicator: Work Skills In what ways might hearing loss impact work skills?? Stop and think about it.

17. Work Skills (continued) Difficulty learning new tasks Reading, spelling, math at or below the 5th grade level Requires accommodations or rehabilitation technology

18. Functional Loss Indicator: Work Tolerance In what ways might hearing loss impact work tolerance? Stop and think about it.

19. Work Tolerance (continued) Lacks physical or emotional stamina to perform essential functions of job Oral deaf or HoH consumers expend great amounts of energy to understand and to be understood This is especially an issue for those with vestibular issues