CVE Disability & Rehabilitation Services 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A vocational evaluator assessing a client with multiple sclerosis (MS) should be aware that which symptom commonly fluctuates and may affect work performance inconsistently?
- Permanent limb amputation
- Fatigue and cognitive 'fog' that vary day-to-day (Correct answer)
- Fixed hearing loss
- Static visual field defect
Correct answer: Fatigue and cognitive 'fog' that vary day-to-day
MS-related fatigue and cognitive dysfunction typically fluctuate, meaning a client's functional capacity may vary significantly from day to day.
Question 2: The term 'functional limitation' in vocational rehabilitation refers to:
- A specific medical diagnosis
- A restriction in the ability to perform certain tasks or activities as a result of a disabling condition (Correct answer)
- The number of hours a person can legally work per week
- A legal classification under Social Security rules
Correct answer: A restriction in the ability to perform certain tasks or activities as a result of a disabling condition
Functional limitations describe how a disability restricts a person's ability to perform specific tasks, activities, or roles relevant to employment.
Question 3: In rehabilitation planning, the 'order of selection' policy in state VR programs means:
- Clients are served in the order their applications are received
- When resources are limited, individuals with the most significant disabilities are served first (Correct answer)
- Clients choose their own order of service delivery
- Priority is given to clients who are already employed
Correct answer: When resources are limited, individuals with the most significant disabilities are served first
Order of selection allows state VR agencies to prioritize serving individuals with the most significant disabilities first when the agency cannot serve all eligible applicants.
Question 4: A client with deafness is applying for VR services. The evaluator must arrange which accommodation to ensure effective communication during the intake interview?
- Written-only communication with no interpreter
- A qualified sign language interpreter or other appropriate communication support (Correct answer)
- A family member to translate
- A simple handout describing VR services
Correct answer: A qualified sign language interpreter or other appropriate communication support
Effective communication with a Deaf client requires a qualified sign language interpreter or other preferred communication support, not informal substitutes.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a 'natural support' in a supported employment context?
- A job coach funded by the VR agency who is always present
- A co-worker who voluntarily assists the supported employee in learning job tasks (Correct answer)
- A state-funded transportation service
- An assistive technology device purchased by the employer
Correct answer: A co-worker who voluntarily assists the supported employee in learning job tasks
Natural supports are assistance provided by co-workers, supervisors, or others within the typical workplace environment, without specialized funding.
Question 6: When conducting a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) for a client with a back injury, which domain is MOST critical to assess for determining return-to-work potential?
- Color discrimination
- Lifting, carrying, and postural tolerances (Correct answer)
- Reading comprehension level
- Social communication skills
Correct answer: Lifting, carrying, and postural tolerances
For back injuries, FCE focuses on physical demands such as lifting capacity, carrying tolerance, and postural tolerances that directly affect job task performance.
Question 7: The 'substantial gainful activity' (SGA) threshold is used by the Social Security Administration primarily to:
- Set the minimum wage for sheltered workshop employees
- Determine whether a person's work activity is significant enough to indicate they are not disabled (Correct answer)
- Define the number of hours required for full-time employment
- Calculate the amount of VR services a client may receive
Correct answer: Determine whether a person's work activity is significant enough to indicate they are not disabled
SGA is an earnings threshold used by SSA to determine if a person is engaging in work activity that is substantial enough to suggest they are not disabled for benefit purposes.
CVE Disability & Rehabilitation Services 5
A vocational evaluator assessing a client with multiple sclerosis (MS) should be aware that which symptom commonly fluctuates and may affect work performance inconsistently?