PRE-VOCATIONAL EVALUATION

The following evaluation is to be used in whole or part as the instructor deems appropriate for each individual student. Given the variation in the capabilities of our students, not everyone at the Living Skills Center is expected to complete the entire evaluation.

Student’s Name:
Date:

+ or – or N/A (not appropriate for this student)

Personal Information

1. Knows current address and phone number

2. Knows social security number and has a social security card

3. Has identification card with information in accessible format

4. Knows emergency contact, including phone number

5. Can describe educational history:

6. Can describe work history including related dates, job duties and contact information:

7. Can succinctly and accurately describe visual impairment and any other disabilities as well as implications (i.e. works best in good lighting, tires easily if physical labor required, etc.): List

8. Has method of traveling to a potential job site: List travel skills

Communication Skills

1. Has method(s) for recording and retrieving information: List

1. Can discuss pros and cons of method chosen for different situations (Braille, print, audible, electronic note-taker).

2. Accurately self-evaluates speed and accuracy of method(s) for recording information

3. If using print, has legible handwriting; can read own handwriting

2. Knows most efficient method for reading print in different situations:

1. Scanner

2. Asking assistance (can describe what is reasonable)

3. Paying a reader

4. Requesting print in electronic format

3. Computer skills:

1. Has adequate keyboarding skills for personal use

2. Can use a word processing program (spell check, cut and paste, save, print)

3. Can print address labels and envelopes

4. Can use email for personal use (address book, send, retrieve, attachments)

5. Can search the internet for personal use

4.  Can prepare a simple business letter (form, grammar, spelling, etc.)

5. If appropriate, has adequate Braille skills for personal use

1. Reading

2. Writing

6. Can make a simple business telephone call

7. Can discuss business telephone etiquette when answering a call:

1. Answering the phone

2. Clear voice

3. Appropriate language

4. Clarifying information

5. Information to include in a phone message

Social Skills Related to Job Readiness:*

1. Initiates and responds to greetings and farewell

2. Demonstrates the ability to introduce himself or herself to others

3. Demonstrates the ability to respond to an introduction including an appropriate handshake

4. Conversations:

1. Initiates, continues, develops and concludes conversations

2. Body language indicates interest in the speaker (faces speaker)

5. Demonstrates awareness of body postures and movements in different social situations

6. Can obtain information communicated through nonverbal visual cues

7. Demonstrates the use of acceptable language in different social situations

8. Recognizes and responds appropriately to a range of emotions in other people

9. Demonstrates appropriate volume and tone of voice with regard to the social interaction

10. Recognizes situations when an apology is necessary and responds appropriately

11. Recognizes situations when it is appropriate to thank someone and knows suitable methods

12. Holds door open for others

13. Demonstrates greeting someone at the door (asks who is there, opens door fully and invites the person in, if appropriate)

*portions adapted Independent Living: Volume 1: Social Competence, Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired

Organization of Time and Space

1. Has a watch (Braille, talking, other) and uses appropriately

2. Uses independent means of arising in the morning

3. Has method for keeping track of schedule/appointments.

4. Understands benefits of organization of materials and work space

5. Has method of organizing materials and work space

Vocational Awareness

1. Has had “jobs” at home.

2. Can describe family members’ jobs:
   
    

3. Has been exposed to visually impaired employed adults

4. Understands why people work (i.e. self-esteem, lifestyle, monetary gain)

5. Can describe employer expectations (i.e. quality and quantity of work, punctuality, reliability, inter-personal relations, accepting constructive criticism, importance of personal hygiene, conducting personal business on own time)
   
    

6. Is aware of adaptive equipment and methods of obtaining it

7. Can list a variety of entry-level jobs (i.e. fast food industry, janitorial, movie theatres, etc.)
   
    

8. Understands “minimum wage”

9. Understands gross versus net earnings

10. Has an understanding of disability rights regarding employment and education (knows resources for obtaining this information)

Career Exploration
After participating in the LSC group vocational classes, answer questions 1 & 2 regarding career exploration:

1. Participant describes:

1. Personal interests and hobbies:
   
    

2. Skills related to these interests and hobbies:
   
    

3. Jobs related to these interests:
   
    

4. Personal values related to job satisfaction (i.e. creativity, money, security, religion, work environment, social relationships, benefits, independence, etc.):
   
    

5. Skills developed through education, interests, training, accomplishments:

6. “Adaptive” skills (personal attributes or personality traits such as ability to learn quickly or pays attention to details):

2. Knows how to determine if skills listed are competitive in the job market and realistic (non-biased reporting, tests, etc.)

3. Signs up for Career Connect at www.afb.org and explores various aspects of job and career exploration

4. Understands the value of “networking”

5. After researching, responds to the following questions regarding the ideal job:

1. What job would you pursue?

2. Where would you work?

3. What would your hours be?

4. Would you work alone or with others?

5. What would your wages and benefits be?

6. Would there be opportunity for advancement?

7. What skills or knowledge would you need?

8. What adaptive equipment would you need to perform the job?

9. Do you currently have the skills and knowledge to perform the job? If not, how would you go about getting the necessary training (vocational school, employment agency, Department of Rehabilitation, etc.)?

10. Is this a job your DR counselor would support?

6. Knows agencies and resources to use when looking for a job (employment agencies, networking, colleges, on-line, newspapers, etc.)

Resume and Application

1. Knows purpose of a resume

2. Has personal information needed for completing a resume

3. Understands importance of formatting and appearance of resume

4. Knows options for creating resume (word processing templates, resume writing agencies)

5. Has final copy of resume and has it saved for future changes, if appropriate

6. Understands purpose of job applications

7. Is aware of typical questions on job applications

8. Understands language such as salary, part-time, temporary

9. Knows options for completing application (reader, online)

Job Interview

1. Has a list of typical interview questions and has “role-played” possible responses for the job in question.

2. In mock interview:

1. Demonstrates good body language

2. Speaks clearly

3. Answers questions

4. Stays on subject

5. Projects an air of self-confidence and positive self-image

3. Is mindful of personal hygiene issues

4. Can choose appropriate attire for an interview

5. Has discussed the pros and cons of when to disclose having a visual impairment and how to do so.

6. Knows to follow-up interview with telephone call (includes thank you and asks if there are any questions)

7. Knows how to handle questions that are inappropriate or illegal

Employment

1. Knows to contacts the Department of Rehabilitation if support services are needed

2. Knows to contact Social Security (if receiving benefits) to report income.

3. Understands how salary impacts future SSI benefits and knows to budget for fluctuating income

4. Understands blind work expenses.

5. Understands purpose of W-4 form (claim tax exemptions)

6. Knows content and use of W-2 form

7. Knows to complete and return federal and state income tax forms yearly. Knows sources for receiving help in filling these out.

8. Understands payroll deductions FICA (Social Security), state and federal income tax, medical coverage, retirement, union dues, disability insurance)

School (if applicable)

1. Has access to the LSC College Curriculum

2. Knows how to be admitted to a community college (accesses application, fills out, turns in)

3. Knows about Board of Governor Grant (BOGG) at Community college

1. Who is eligible

2. How to file

4. Knows about Disable Student Services

1. How to sign up

2. Services provided

5. Knows about and can access school catalog

6. Knows about and can access school schedule of classes

7. Understands and knows procedure/deadlines for:

1. dropping a class

2. adding a class

3. credit/no-credit option

NOTES:

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