PREPARING FOR AN OPWDD-RELATED ASSESSMENT
Before any OPWDD required assessments are completed, take the time in advance to gather and look at any other assessments and evaluations that have been done.
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If the meeting is to update a current assessment, reach out to your Care Manager/Coordinator and ask for the most recent version
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It is best to do this at least one week before the meeting date
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Read it thoroughly and write notes on it if anything needs correcting or if there is additional information to share and provide during the meeting
Review and Bring:
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other assessments that have occurred in the last two years
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documents that state and describe the various diagnoses of your loved one
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therapeutic or clinical evaluations
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a copy of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) if in school or recently finished
Also Bring Lists of Current:
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needs and service gaps
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medical providers with contact information
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medicines including those over the counter
If appropriate, make notes about any additional information about family circumstances or situations.
Why this is Important?
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It is very important that any assessment of your loved one is 100% accurate
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It must reflect your loved one’s abilities WITHOUT your assistance
Ask yourself… what would happen if you did not do anything to help with each skill?
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This will ensure that the individual’s true needs and capabilities are accurately reflected on the assessment
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This is important because the level and types of services approved to support your loved one can be affected
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Parents and Guardians should not agree to the assessment unless it fully reflects the aspirations and needs of their loved one
What should you do upon completion of the assessment?
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Before you leave the meeting ask when you can expect a copy of the assessment
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When you receive it, read it carefully and check to be sure all the information is correctW
Contact your Care Manager/Coordinator if
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you don’t receive a copy in a reasonable amount of time
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you find any mistakes in the assessment or have any concerns