Assessment of work abilities, aptitude and skills in individuals with intellectual disability

Strategies to assess work abilities and skills are crucial in designing a program for professional and work rehabilitation of individuals with intellectual disability. The most important component of functional assessment is not determining the existence of disability or explaining the deficit underlying the disability, but the level at which intellectual disability limits professional and other activities related to an individual's independent life. Strengths and weaknesses of individuals with ID are considered through developing and defining appropriate professional goals, and identifying services needed to achieve immediate and long-term goals of professional rehabilitation. Assessment of work abilities, aptitude and skills is a part of a process which should start in childhood, with the aim to multidimensinally consider all the factors which influence professional rehabilitation, employment and potential to live independently of people with intellectual disability. A comprehensive approach, which includes individuals with intellectual disability and their families, is crucial in the process of appropriate academic orientation, work training and the level of social support.