Work Disability Functional Assessment Battery (WD-FAB) Research Study Participants
This page is a resource for participants in the WD-FAB Research Study. Here we have provided frequently asked questions and answers for informational purposes. The WD-FAB will be used to collect information from working-age Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program recipients. This study is for research purposes only.
Will this affect my benefits?
No, your decision to take part in the study is voluntary. It will not affect your benefits. The information we collect is for research purposes only.
Who is Westat?
Westat is a survey research company located in Rockville, Maryland. Westat is a trusted contractor and provides research services to the U.S. government, businesses, foundations, state, and local governments. Westat has been providing services since 1963.
Westat will contact current Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and invite them to take part in the study.
What is the WD-FAB?
The Work Disability Functional Assessment Battery (WD-FAB) is a self-reported assessment of the whole person function as it relates to work. Westat will collect this information from working-age Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program recipients to help assess the feasibility and value of incorporating the WD-FAB into our continuing disability review (CDR) process. The WD-FAB will collect information during two different surveys in July 2022 and January 2023.
How does the WD-FAB work?
The WD-FAB uses Item Response Theory (IRT) and Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) to select the most relevant set of questions from an item bank containing over 300 questions. It was developed through an inter-agency agreement with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Boston University (BU).
How long will the WD-FAB study last?
The first data collection wave is scheduled to begin in July 2022 and the second wave in January 2023.
Why was I chosen?
The SSDI beneficiaries and SSI recipients asked to participate were scientifically selected and represent other beneficiaries across the country. Participation in the study is voluntary and very important.