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Functional Assessment Inventory
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About Functional Assessment Inventory
Scale Name
Functional Assessment Inventory
Author Details
Nancy M. Crewe and Gary T. Athelstan
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Functional Assessment Inventory (FAI), developed by Nancy M. Crewe and Gary T. Athelstan in 1981 and revised in 1984, is a clinical rating scale designed to assess a patient’s potential for vocational rehabilitation by evaluating functional limitations and personal/environmental resources across all disability types. Published in Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling (1981, revised 1984), the FAI includes 30 items rated on a 0–3 scale (none, mild, moderate, severe) for current impairment (with aids), and a 10-item checklist of strengths (present/absent) to highlight compensatory assets. The revised version adjusts two items and reorders the list, with full definitions provided in the questionnaire and manual.
Completed by a rehabilitation counselor using interviews, observations, and medical records—focusing on observable behaviors (excluding inferred issues like pain or self-esteem)—the FAI takes ~5 minutes. Scores include a total unweighted functional limitation score or seven section scores (e.g., mobility, communication). It was field-tested with 351 disabled patients (initially), 1,716 vocational rehabilitation patients, and 1,488 patients across six disability types (visual, hearing, orthopedic, mental illness, mental retardation, addiction; mean age ≈ 18–65 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based), correlating with rehabilitation outcomes. It is used in vocational rehabilitation and disability assessment.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the FAI from Crewe and Athelstan (1981, revised 1984) or the publisher, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to rehabilitation counselors (assessing adults 18+ with disabilities) that the scale evaluates vocational potential, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 30-item rating scale and 10-item strength checklist in rehabilitation settings, using interviews, observations, and records to score observable behaviors on a 0–3 scale.
- Estimated completion time is ~5 minutes.
- Ensure a supportive environment; provide rehabilitation resources (e.g., training referrals) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., clear instructions, assistance) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The FAI demonstrates solid psychometric properties (Crewe & Athelstan, 1981, 1984). Internal consistency is high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.80–0.85 across sections, N not specified). Test-retest reliability is moderate to high (r ≈ 0.75–0.80) over short intervals. Inter-rater reliability is supported by counselor consistency (specific r not provided).
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with vocational outcome measures (r ≈ 0.60–0.75). Discriminant validity is evidenced by its ability to differentiate functional limitation levels (e.g., mild vs severe), with section scores reflecting distinct domains. Factor analysis supports the seven-section structure, reinforcing construct validity. The FAI reliably assesses rehabilitation potential. Pairing with the Oswestry Disability Index or PAMIE enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
40-Items
Reference
Crewe, N. M., & Athelstan, G. T. (1984). Functional assessment inventory manual. Materials Development Center, Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute, University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the FAI measure?
It measures functional limitations and strengths for vocational rehabilitation potential.
Who is the target population?
Adults (18+) with any disability in rehabilitation settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 5 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses limitations and strengths to guide rehabilitation plans.
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