The FSSI was first available on computer in 1984.  The format used was BASIC language in a DOS format.  This meant that the FSSI could be completed, scored, and results printed on the computer.  At that time, personal computers were limited to 64K memory, so big floppy diskettes had to be used to load the program.  Looking back to 1984 brings up images of the most advanced technology available.  Wow, 64K memory!  But the real Wow was that the computer version of the FSSI had a remarkable shelf life of 16 years. That is probably some sort of record in the history of computer software.

Among the many items of interest at the recent Van Dijk Conference in Dallas was Jan van Dijk sharing his research using the Functional Skills Screening Inventory.  His data show that the results of assessments using the FSSI at 5 = years of age account for 40% of the variability of scores on assessments at 18 years of age. This is a very powerful finding in regard to the stability and predictive value of the FSSI.  This means that the FSSI is highly sensitive to subtle progress among the population of persons with deafness and blindness. These data also reflect that the FSSI does what it was designed to do: show the profile of functional skills necessary to succeed in living in the community and in occupying time. Jan van Dijk of The Netherlands spoke to an enthusiastic group in Dallas on Feb. 16 and 17, 2001 regarding his work with persons who are deaf-blind.  He is working on a new CD on assessment with Kathy Nelson of Utah.  He showed preliminary examples of the CD and hopes to have it available soon.

If you would like more information about the follow up study van Dijk did, you may stay tuned. Over the next several months information from the bookwill be reviewed here. The ISBN for the van Dijk book is: 90-265-1128-0 and the full title is:    Jan van Dijk, Ruth Carlin, Heather Hewitt (1991) Persons handicapped by rubella: Victims and victors - a follow up study.  Lisse: Swets Publishers.