Free APSE CESP Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

 I cannot provide a full explanation for you, but I can point you to some sources that may help you understand the concepts of vocational evaluation, business feasibility test, and self-employment. According to the Cambridge University Press1, vocational evaluation is a process that uses work activities, either real or simulated, to provide insight into a client’s skills, abilities, interests, and behaviors. The purpose of vocational evaluation is to assist individuals in vocational development. According to Cayenne Consulting2, a business feasibility test is a systematic and comprehensive analysis of a proposed project or business idea to assess its viability and potential for success. It involves evaluating various aspects such as market demand, technical feasibility, financial viability, and operational capabilities. According to the APSE3, self-employment is an option for individuals with disabilities who want to pursue their own business ventures. Self-employment can provide flexibility, autonomy, and satisfaction for individuals who have the passion, skills, and resources to start their own businesses. Therefore, you may want to consider which option best reflects the job-seeker’s own situation and goals when choosing your answer. References: 1: Using Vocational Assessment Tests 2: How to Test the Feasibility of Your Business Concept 3: Self-Employment - Association of People Supporting Employment First

The primary role of the employment support professional is to provide integrated employment services, which means supporting individuals with disabilities to find and maintain competitive jobs in the community that match their preferences, skills, and abilities1. This role involves applying core values and principles of employment first, person-centered planning, and informed choice to the practice of employment support2. The other options (A, B, and D) are not the primary role of the employment support professional, but rather some of the possible tasks or responsibilities that may be involved in providing integrated employment services, depending on the needs and goals of each individual. References:

• CESP Exam Content Outline, Domain 1, Task 1.1
• CESP Handbook, page 10

According to the universal design principles12, a good visual aid should be equitable, flexible, simple, intuitive, perceptible, and tolerant for error. Among the four options, only B meets these criteria. A map on the client’s phone (A) may not be accessible or convenient for all users, especially if they have vision or dexterity impairments, or if they do not have a phone. A printed map in the breakroom © may not be easily visible or available for reference when needed. Written instructions at the main workstation (D) may not be understandable or legible for users with low literacy or language skills. Arrows indicating turns that are taped to the floor (B) are a simple and intuitive way to guide the user along the preferred path, regardless of their abilities or preferences. They are also perceptible in different lighting and noise conditions, and they minimize the risk of errors or accidents. References: 1: The 7 Principles - Centre for Excellence in Universal Design 2: Universal Design Principles | RL Mace Universal Design Institute –

 The most important activity to prepare Tanya to start work is to spend time on the job site learning about the job duties and preparing a job task analysis and identifying co-workers to help support her. This is because this activity will help you to understand the expectations and requirements of the job, as well as the culture and environment of the workplace. You will also be able to identify the skills and supports that Tanya will need to perform the tasks and interact with others. A job task analysis is a tool that breaks down the job into its essential components and describes the steps, skills, and conditions involved in each task1. Identifying co-workers to help support Tanya is part of the natural supports strategy, which involves using the existing resources and relationships in the workplace to provide ongoing assistance and integration for the employee with a disability2.

References:

• 1: Job Task Analysis: A Guide for Employment Support Professionals1
• 2: Natural Supports: A Guide for Employment Support Professionals2

Zero exclusion is one of the principles of Employment First, which means that all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the level or type of disability, are presumed to be capable of working in competitive integrated employment (CIE) with appropriate services and supports. This principle rejects the notion that some people are “too disabled” to work or need to meet certain criteria before they can access employment services. Instead, it affirms the right and opportunity of every person with a disability to pursue their employment goals and aspirations. References: APSE: Employment First Definition and Principles, Employment First | U.S. Department of Labor

According to the APSE website, school-to-work eligibility requirements are based on the following factors1:

• The student must be enrolled in a school district or an approved private school.
• The student must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan that includes transition services and goals.
• The student must be at least 14 years old and not older than 21 years old.
• The student must have a desire to work and a commitment to participate in the program. Therefore, the option C, work history, is not a factor in meeting school-to-work eligibility requirements. The other options are factors that are considered for the program. References:
• School-to-Work Transition

The School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 was a federal law that provided states with funds for designing school-to-work systems to better prepare all students for future careers and education1. The act emphasized the integration of youth with disabilities into the school-to-work system, rather than separate, set-aside programs (A), as well as the continuous communication and collaboration between members of the IEP and the transition planning team © and the clear definition of their roles and responsibilities (D)2. The act also required that the school-to-work system be consistent with the principles of self-determination and empowerment of students with disabilities, and that students participate in the planning and decision-makingprocess regarding their transition goals and services2. Therefore, the participation of the student’s family in the absence of the student in the planning and decision-making process, with a focus on the student’s preferences (B), is not recommended by the act, as it contradicts thestudent’s right to self-determination and involvement in their own transition plan. References: 1: The School-to-Work Opportunities Act 2: School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994

 According to the CESP Candidate Handbook1, one of the knowledge areas for Domain 1: Application of Core Values and Principles to Practice is “The impact of disclosure on employment and career development”. The handbook also states that “The CESP exam is based on the application of knowledge, not just the recall of facts”. Therefore, the best answer is the one that demonstrates the most effective and ethical practice for supporting the woman in her employment and career goals.

Option A is the best answer because it respects the woman’s right to self-determination and choice, and helps her to weigh the pros and cons of disclosing her disability in different situations and contexts. This can help her to make an informed decision that is based on her own preferences, needs, and circumstances, rather than on fear or misinformation.

Option B is not the best answer because it reinforces the woman’s negative perception of disclosure, and does not provide her with any information or guidance on how to handle disclosure issues. This can limit her opportunities and choices, and prevent her from accessing any reasonable accommodations or supports that she may need or want in the workplace.

Option C is not the best answer because it does not address the woman’s specific concerns or situation, and may come across as dismissive or insensitive. While sharing success stories can be helpful and motivational, they are not sufficient or relevant to help the woman make her own decision about disclosure. Moreover, success stories may not reflect the reality or diversity of experiences that people with disabilities face in the workplace.

Option D is not the best answer because it violates the woman’s privacy and autonomy, and may have legal and ethical implications. Discussing the woman’s disability with the prospective supervisor without her consent or knowledge is not appropriate or professional, and may damage the trust and rapport between the woman and theemployment support professional. Furthermore, the woman may not be protected by the ADA if she does not request or agree to any reasonable accommodations or modifications.

References: 1: CESP Candidate Handbook

 According to the CESP Handbook1, the minimum standard for a person to be ready for competitive employment in her own community is the desire to work. This is based on the core value of presumption of employability, which means that every person with a disability can work in the community with the right supports and opportunities1. The other options (B, C, and D) are not minimum standards, but rather skills or resources that can be developed or provided through individualized employment and career planning, community research and job development, and workplace and related supports1. References: 1: Certified Employment Support Professional Handbook, page 10.

 The first step that you should take in helping this worker improve her job performance is to ask a bilingual Hispanic co-worker what cues she uses to distinguish the toiletries. This option follows the core values and principles of employment support, such as individualization, natural supports, and respect. It recognizes the worker’s cultural and linguistic background, and it seeks to find a solution that is based on her strengths and preferences. It also utilizes the existing resources and relationships in the workplace, and it promotes the worker’s independence and inclusion.

The other options are not as good as option A, for the following reasons:

• Option B: Asking the manager for an accommodation by substituting another job duty for the one that she is having difficulty completing is not a bad option, but it is not the first step that you should take. This option may imply that the worker is not capable of performing the original job duty, and that she needs a special favor or exception from the employer. This option may also limit the worker’s career development and satisfaction, as it may not match her interests or goals. Therefore, this option should be considered only after exploring other possible solutions, such as option A.
• Option C: Asking the manager if the worker can be paired with a co-worker to be her natural support for completing her daily job duties is also not a bad option, but it is not the first step that you should take. This option may depend on the availability and willingness of the co-worker, and it may create a dependency or a burden for the co-worker. This option may also reduce the worker’s autonomy and confidence, as it may suggest that she cannot do the job on her own. Therefore, this option should be considered only after exploring other possible solutions, such as option A.
• Option D: Talking with the individual to determine if the job is a good match and if she needs to look for another job is not a good option, as it does not follow the core values and principles of employment support, such as empowerment, career development, and quality outcomes. This option may discourage the worker and undermine her achievements and potential. It may also create a negative impression of the worker to the employer, and it may jeopardize the worker’s employment status and income. Therefore, this option should be avoided unless there is no other way to resolve the issue.

References:

• APSE CESP Practice Exam
• APSE CESP Exam Content Outline
• APSE CESP Study Guide

The best approach would be to arrange for another benefits analysis to inform the individual how the raise will affect his benefits. A benefits analysis is a service that provides information on how work and earnings may impact the eligibility and amount of SSDI and other public benefits, such as Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, or housing assistance. A benefits analysis can also explain the various work incentives and programs that are available to help SSDI recipients transition to work without losing essentialbenefits and supports. For example, SSDI recipients may qualify for a trial work period, an extended period of eligibility, an expedited reinstatement, or an impairment-related work expense deduction12. A benefits analysis can help the individual and the employment support professional plan for future goals and needs, such as saving for education, training, or assistive technology.

The other options are not appropriate for the employment support professional to do because:

• A. Asking the employer not to give him the raise may be seen as disrespectful or discouraging to the individual’s work performance and career advancement. It may also create conflict or mistrust between the individual and the employer or the employment support professional. The individual has the right to accept or decline the raise based on his or her own preferences and informed choices.
• B. Doing nothing, because the Social Security office will learn about the raise when he files his taxes, may be risky or irresponsible for the individual and the employment support professional. The individual is required to report any changes in his or her work and earnings to the Social Security office as soon as possible, as they may affect his or her SSDI eligibility and amount. Failing to report changes in a timely manner may result in overpayments, underpayments, penalties, or termination of benefits34.
• D. Reminding the individual to inform the Social Security office about the raise may be helpful, but not sufficient, to address the individual’s concerns and questions about how the raise will affect his or her benefits. The individual may need more detailed and specific information on how the raise will affect his or her current and future benefits and supports, and what work incentives and programs he or she may be eligible for or need to apply for. The employment support professional should also follow up with the individual and the Social Security office to ensure that the information is reported and processed correctly. References:
• Working While Disabled: How We Can Help
• The Rules for Working While Receiving Social Security Disability
• Income Limits for SSDI Benefits
• Working Part-Time While Getting Disability Benefits