Course Code: REL-IDD-OADSP-UA-V2
Hours: 2
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 5/31/2026
Learning Objectives:
Explain the general purpose of assessments in IDD services.
Explain potential problems related to assessments and how to address them.
Describe the role of a DSP or supervisor in the assessment process.
Identify types of informal assessments and their purposes.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: The Assessment Experience
A Failed Assessment
Why Assess People?
Problems with Assessment
Preventing Problems
Characteristics of a Quality Assessment
Formal Standardized Assessment vs. Informal Assessment
Your Role in Assessments
Review
Summary
Section 3: Assessing Support Needs and Strengths
Determining a Person’s Needs and Strengths
Vineland-3 Adaptive Behavior Scales
The Supports Intensity Scale
Diagnostic Adaptive Behavior Scale
Informally Assessing a Person’s Support Needs and Strengths
Informal Assessment Methods
Review
Summary
Section 4: Assessing Mental Processes and Medical Needs
Mental Ability Testing
Intelligence Testing: The “Big 3”
Strengths and Aptitudes
Preferred Learning Styles
Mind and Body
Psychological, Psychiatric, and Neurological Assessments
Medical Assessment
Identifying Medical Needs
Communicating with Medical Professionals
Assessing Pain and Discomfort
Review
Summary
Section 5: Academic Assessment
Academic Assessment
Accommodations in Academic Assessment
Types of Accommodations
Modifications and Alternate Assessment
Alternate Assessments
Review
Summary
Section 6: Career Assessments
Assessing a Person’s Work Interests and Strengths
Discovery: Essential in Making a Good Job Match
Exploration: Hands-On Job Assessment
Work Skills and Customized Employment
A Change for Daniel
Section Summary
Section 7: Conclusion
Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Congratulations!
Writer: Katy Kunst, MBA, QIDP
Katy Kunst received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her Master of Business Administration from Elon University. She has 15 years of experience serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their supporters, including roles as direct support professional, program director, and training facilitator. She has created and facilitated training on topics including non-violent crisis interventions, person-centered planning, cultural competence, quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and a variety of topics related to IDD services.
Instructor: Andrea Perry-McKay, QIDP
Andrea Perry-McKay is the Director of Training for the Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals. Andrea has BFA from Ohio State University. She has over 15 years’ experience in the developmental disabilities field in local government, education, and non-profits. She has expertise in quality assurance, human rights, and outreach. She is passionate about systemic improvement of supports for people with diverse abilities. She is the President of the Board of the Ohio Public Images Network, a non-profit board whose mission is to promote positive awareness of people with I/DD. Additionally, her expertise in quality systems allows her to consult internationally, helping organizations to improve their supports as a CARF Surveyor.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Direct Support Professionals (DSP).
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.