Functional Capacity Evaluations

Functional Capacity Evaluation

What is it?

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) evaluates an individual's capacity to perform work activities related to his or her participation in employment (Soer et al., 2008). The FCE process compares the individual's health status, and body functions and structures to the demands of the job and the work environment.

 

Who Can Benefit From an FCE?

  • Someone who has been injured on the job to determine his or her ability to return to the job or alternate work

  • Someone applying for Social Security Disability benefits

  • Someone seeking to return to work or volunteer activities after an injury or illness

  • Someone injured in a catastrophic accident (i.e., automobile accident) for whom an FCE can determine performance skills and abilities related to resuming former employment or a new job

  • Someone seeking vocational rehabilitation services

  • Students receiving transitional services from school to the work setting to determine their skills and the extent of support required to perform in a job

 

 

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