Abstract:
In response to the need to ascertain the appropriate placement of people who are deaf or hearing impaired within the workplace, a Workplace Assessment Program was developed. In this paper, reference to case studies illustrates the application of the Workplace Assessment Program, in particular the literacy and numeracy skills assessment component of the program. Literacy and numeracy is assessed using both informal measures and a formal standardised test measure; "The Adult Basic Learning Examination (ABLE)". The results of the literacy and numeracy assessment are reported using the "Adult Literacy and Numeracy (ALAN) Competency Scales". Overall, through assessment and discussion of vocational aptitudes, interests and values, the Workplace Assessment Program (WAP) facilitates the deaf/hearing impaired person's vocational decision-making process in order to achieve optimal vocational placement.