Assessments in IDD

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!

Staff 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.

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.