Functional Cognition Workshop
Allen Cognitive Levels
The Functional Cognition Model (Allen Cognitive Levels) aids understanding of the “Can Do” (neurobiological) aspects of human function and allies this with an understanding of the “Will Do” (relevance to the
individual) and “May Do” (social and environmental supports). Therapists strive to find the “best-fit” between
the abilities of individuals and the occupational demands of their environment. It identifies changes that can be
made so that therapists and carers can assist their client or family member to experience joy and success.
Presenter
Cathy Hill
Occupational Therapist
Cathy is a mental health occupational therapist with a wide range of experience in mental
health in Australia and overseas. She is a director on the Board of Karakan, a not-for-profit
community organization providing lifestyle support to people with mental illness. She
currently works in an Older Person’s Mental Health Service. She has worked with clients
in acute and institutional settings, in day centres and as a community case manager. Cathy
attended a Cognitive Disabilities workshop with Delaune Pollard in 2005 and since then
has used the Functional Cognition model extensively in her work. In 2008, Delaune invited
her to assist in delivering this training and she has become increasingly involved in
delivering workshops and mentoring OTs around Australia in using the CDM.
Dates
Thursday, 20th August, 2015 & Friday, 21st August, 2015
Course Location
Bethania Haven Residential Care Facility
67-71 Station St, Bethania, QLD 4205
Vehicle parking on the road outside the residential facility
Train station in easy walking distance to the facility
Fees
1 Day only
Both days
$240.00
$440.00
Registration
You can register for this workshop on Cathy’s website
http://www.functionalcognition.com.au/upcoming-training-forprofessionals.html or by emailing Cathy@functionalcognition.com.au
Payment
Payment can be made via the website using PayPal or credit card or by direct transfer to my account: Acct Name: ACC
Centre for Wellbeing; BSB: 114 879; Acct No: 029066791. You may also pay by Cheque to ACC Centre for Wellbeing.
Lunch and refreshments provided
Objectives for Day 1: At the completion of this one day course, the participant will be able to:
 Define the term Functional Cognition;
 Describe the changes in care that have occurred with the emergence of the theory behind the model and
how it is applied in practice;
 Identify patterns of behavior associated with cognitive levels and modes of behavior/performance;
 Distinguish the relationship between underlying cognitive processes and observed behavior;
 Describe the difference between focal & global deficits;
 Outline the impact of cognitive ability on new learning;
 Recognize the assessments associated with Functional Cognition as part of an ongoing evaluation process:
The Can Do, May Do & Will Do of function;
 Identify Functional Cognition within the context of a wider body of knowledge.
Objectives for Day 2: At the completion of this two day course, the participant will:
 Describe the ACLS, the construct being measured, its purpose, limitations, intended use and intended
populations;
 Explain the range of assessment tools within the framework of Allen’s cognitive disability model;
 Demonstrate an ability to administer, score and interpret ACL scores;
 Define current research and published papers including reliability and validity evidence;
 Administer the Large Allen Cognitive Level Screen (LACLS) and recognize the importance of adhering to
specified guidelines for use of the assessment, including the objective nature of the assessor role;
 Describe how healthcare clinicians can use functional cognition as part of a comprehensive treatment plan
for individuals with acute and chronic conditions;
 Formulate specific intervention strategies and techniques that will enable healthcare clinicians and family
caregivers to optimize functional abilities of clients;
 Utilize ongoing support in using ACLS-5 & LACLS-5 and obtaining necessary supplies.
Course Outline
Thursday 20th August, 2015
8:30 – Registration
9:00 – Introduction & Setting the scene
9.15 – Functional Cognition - Theoretical basis
10:30 – Morning break
10:45 – Functional Cognition - Theoretical basis
12:30 – Lunch (included)
1:00 – Impact of patterns of behavior on a person’s life
3:00 – Afternoon break
3:15 – Behavioral and Social assistance strategies
5.00 – Adjourn
Friday 21st August, 2015
9.00 – Welcome back
9.10 – Teaching the LACL-5
10:30 – Morning break
10:45 – Teaching the LACL-5
12:30 – Lunch (included)
1:00 – Realistic Goals and Treatment Planning
3:00 – Afternoon break
3:15 - Lab: Challenging cases
5.00 – Adjourn
14 contact hours for this course
Your place in the workshop will only be assured on receipt of payment. If a third party will be paying your registration fees,
please contact Cathy by phone (0412391353) or email Cathy@functionalcognition.com.au to discuss this. The closing
date for payment is the 13th August, 2015. A full refund will be given up till the 13thth November for cancellations and a
50% refund for cancellations between the 14th and 18th August, 2015
NOTE: Handouts will be sent to each participant via their email accounts before the first day of training.