5.1.1.2 Referral for Formal Assessment at Application

During the application process, the FEP may also refer the applicant for vocational evaluation/assessment Assessments which are conducted to help individuals living with a disability establish realistic vocational goals and a plan to achieve them. The vocational evaluation process is designed to assess the unique strengths, resources, and experiences of an individual in order to match that person’s abilities and preferences to appropriate work placements, jobs, or training programs. The process is interactive; the intent is for staff to learn about the participant and the participant to learn about themselves and/or formal assessment of employment barriers. (See 5.5.1 ) However, completing referrals for vocational evaluation/assessments or formal assessments are not eligibility requirements.

The FEP must never delay eligibility determination and initial placement because of a pending assessment.

The placement decision must be made using the best available information during the application timeframe. (See 1.4.4 ) The W-2 placement may be adjusted later, if needed, when additional assessment information is received.

To gather assessment results, W-2 agencies are encouraged to consult with other employment and training resources, and accept previous assessments done by other agencies if appropriate.