Transportation Skills Assessment Tool: Test Protocol for ... - CAIT

Testing GuidelinesIt is important to help the individual feel comfortable throughout the assessment. All ofthe test material should be ready and available prior to the actual assessment so as notto be disruptive to the individual. The tester should also be familiar with the TSATscript and test materials prior to an assessment.The assessment should be conducted in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere without toomuch visual or auditory stimulus that may affect the individual’s ability to process thetest materials.Encouragement and reinforcements can be offered throughout the test to help theindividual stay interested and vested in the materials. Redirection may be necessary ifthe individual becomes distracted or restless. This behavior and other behaviorsexhibited during the test should be noted since they may affect the individual’s ability touse paratransit services.The tester should record the applicant responses and behaviors at the end of each task.Accurate recording of the individual’s responses and behaviors during the assessmentare essential for accurate scoring.The TSAT is separated into 4 sections:Section 1. Basic Skills Required for All Paratransit Services: The first section is forthe basic skills required for all paratransit services and passing the section indicates theability to use hand-to-hand services with a caregiver providing support for tasks on bothends of the trip.Section 2. Intermediate Skills Required for Some Paratransit Services: The secondpart is for the basic skills required for independent travel where the individual will notconsistently require caregiver support on one or both ends of the trip. The paratransitsystems recommended after mastering these skills will be door-through-door and doorto-door.These paratransit services indicate that the individuals travelling will be notifiedby the driver either at their door or in entering the premises that the vehicle is available.It also tests the emergencies that may arise in this type of travel.Section 3. Advanced Skills Required for Some Paratransit Services: The third partis skills needed for the most independent travel where the individual will be left off at acurb to their destination and navigate independently. The recommended systems forthese are curb-to-curb transit and ADA complementary paratransit. These systemsrequire the individual to watch for and identify the correct vehicle, independentlynavigate and board the vehicle, and respond appropriately to emergencies that mayarise in this type of travel.