Download the form here on our FAE services page.
Quick Overview:
The Functional Abilities Form (FAF) is a tool used by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to assess an individual’s functional abilities in order to determine their eligibility for disability accommodations within the school system. It helps identify any barriers that may hinder a student’s participation and provides recommendations for appropriate support.
Answer:
The FAF is an important assessment tool used by the TDSB to evaluate a student’s functional abilities. Here are five key facts about the form:
1. Purpose: The primary purpose of the FAF is to assess an individual’s functional limitations and capabilities related to mobility, self-care, communication, learning, and social interaction.
2. Eligibility: The completion of the FAF is required for students who are seeking disability accommodations or support services within the TDSB. It helps determine if a student meets the criteria for special education programs or services.
3. Assessment Process: The FAF is typically completed by professionals such as occupational therapists or psychologists who have expertise in assessing functional abilities. They gather information through observations, interviews, and standardized assessments.
4. Information Collected: The form collects information on various areas including physical abilities (e.g., mobility), cognitive abilities (e.g., problem-solving skills), communication skills (e.g., speech clarity), emotional regulation, and social interactions.
5. Recommendations: Based on the assessment results from the FAF, recommendations are provided to help address any identified barriers or challenges faced by students with disabilities. These recommendations can include assistive devices, modifications in curriculum delivery methods, or specialized support from educational staff.
Detailed FAQs:
1. Who completes the Functional Abilities Form?
The FAF is typically completed by professionals such as occupational therapists or psychologists who have expertise in assessing functional abilities.
2. Is it mandatory for all students?
No, it is not mandatory for all students but only those seeking disability accommodations or support services within TDSB.
3. How long does the assessment process take?
The duration of the assessment process can vary depending on individual circumstances, but it typically takes several hours to complete.
4. Can parents or guardians be involved in the assessment?
Yes, parents or guardians are encouraged to provide input during the assessment process as they have valuable insights into their child’s abilities and challenges.
5. Are there any costs associated with completing the FAF?
The cost of completing the FAF is typically covered by TDSB for students who require disability accommodations or support services.
6. How often should a student’s functional abilities be reassessed?
Reassessment intervals vary based on individual needs and progress; however, it is generally recommended to reassess every few years or when significant changes occur in a student’s condition.
7. Can the FAF be used outside of TDSB?
While each jurisdiction may have its own specific form, similar assessments are used across various educational institutions and organizations to evaluate functional abilities for accommodation purposes.
BOTTOM LINE:
The Functional Abilities Form (FAF) is an essential tool used by TDSB to assess a student’s functional limitations and capabilities related to disability accommodations within the school system. It helps identify barriers that hinder participation and provides recommendations for appropriate support. Completing this form involves professionals assessing various areas such as mobility, self-care, communication, learning, and social interaction. The completion of FAF is required only for students seeking disability accommodations or support services within TDSB at no additional cost to them. Reassessments are recommended periodically or when significant changes occur in a student’s condition. Similar assessments may also be utilized outside of TDSB for evaluating functional abilities in other jurisdictions.