Simwork Systems is please to announce the release of the second in our work sample series. This simulated work sample provides the work evaluator and therapist with an exceptional tool for assessing upper extremity and hand function. This work sample measures upper extremity work range in both the hand/wrist flexed and extended work position as well as the physical work traits of handling, fingering and feeling. SWS #102 is an adjunct to the Small Parts Production Assembly work sample in that is requires specific upper extremity work postures and functions. The evaluee performs simple assembly of three different sized threaded balls on corresponding posts inside a 10” diameter assembly tube. It assesses the functional abilities of manual dexterity, finger dexterity, arm-hand steadiness, visualization, control precision and wrist-finger speed as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor O*NET Dictionary of Occupational Titles job listing under Assemblers and Fabricators #93956 and detailed in the Occupational Outlook Handbook under Assemblers; Production Occupations; Handlers, Equipment Cleaners, Helpers, and Laborers; Automotive Mechanics; Bindery Workers/Assemblers, and in the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) under the general sub-group of Other Assemblers,# 9498.1 occupational title, Metal Products Assembler. Preliminary Test-Retest Reliability studies reveal very good consistency in the .90 range for same day and extended interval administration.

Sim Work Sample #102 includes the reusable parts, carrying case and computer interface components needed to provide many administrations for years to come. The evaluator provides any computer with a Windows™ XP, Vista, 7 or 8 operating system and a monitor for evaluee instruction. Set-up and storage takes only a couple of minutes to complete.

This work sample activity requires the evaluee to assemble and disassemble a set of three different sized threaded balls onto a corresponding sized post by hand in a limited work space. The evaluee works in either a wrist/hand flexed or extended work position. This provides the evaluator and therapist with quantifiable performance measures of both functional work postures. Because of the unique functional activities involved, this work sample has been effective in providing the therapist with therapy tracking documentation not measured elsewhere. It provides a work environment for recording the inexperienced evaluee’s approach to simple problem solving. It is also useful for career exploration with younger evaluees and inexperienced workers. It is useful for cognitive training/retraining because of the continuous focus required when performing this work sample. Cognitive skill development in spatialization, fine motor skills, tactile orientation, attention skills, visual processing, short term memory as well as logic and reasoning can be enhanced and /or developed using the Sim Work #102.

Sim Work #102 includes: Rolling storage case with telescoping handle, 10” diameter test assembly tube with 84 test posts in four test quadrants, Sim Work Samples Start/Stop Button, 21 threaded test balls, 3 spare test balls, storage bin, parts bin, manual and Sim Work Sample English language administration program pre-loaded on a USB drive (Optional Spanish administration language program available-please contact Simwork Systems for current pricing. Other language administration options available).