CONCEPT Continuing & Professional Studies, Palo Alto University

This self-paced professional training program on Evaluation for Workplace Disability is presented by Lisa Drago Piechowski, PhD, ABPP.

This course provides a conceptual framework and practical strategies for forensic evaluations in matters involving disability statuses such as ADA, disability insurance, and social security. The course begins with an overview of various types of disability cases with an emphasis on the underlying legal context, including recent changes to social security regulations. Next, the basis for the evaluation of disability is explored focusing on functional assessment. Specific subtopics include avoiding ethical pitfalls, understanding the role of diagnosis, assessing dissimulation, and identifying examiner-related threats to validity. This is followed by a discussion of practical strategies for designing an effective assessment, organizing and weighing data, and communicating the findings. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these skills through in-depth case studies including background information, test data, and collateral information.