HAI Certification

The Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI) is an assessment of hand function for infants at risk of developing cerebral palsy (CP) in the age range 3-12 months old. The HAI aims to measure the degree and quality of goal-directed actions performed with each hand separately as well as with both hands together. The HAI is scored on 17 items (12 unimanual and 5 bimanual) each scored on a 3-point criterion-referenced rating scale.

The outcome of the test provides a separate score for each hand, illustrating possible asymmetric hand use, as well as providing an overall score of general upper limb ability. The HAI has been validated for infants with clinical signs of unilateral and bilateral cerebral palsy, with age norm references also available.

The course teaches the reliable use of the HAI in three steps:

1. The first step involves a three-day online workshop where participants will learn about the constructs underlying the HAI, the test items and how to score the items using the detailed item criteria. It also covers test procedures including how to conduct the play session and which toys to use. There is also the practice of scoring of infants from video recordings. Course handouts, a HAI manual and a computer-based scoring form will be provided to the course participants.

2. Following the workshop, participants will practice further scoring of HAI videos on a Learning Management System (LMS) and will receive individual feedback about their scoring. Participants need to pass three (3) out of five (5) of the HAI calibration play sessions to proceed to the next step. This must be completed within 4 weeks after the three-day online workshop.

3. In the third step, participants will create their own test kit according to instructions given during the course, and then conduct their own HAI video-recorded play sessions and complete a self-reflection process. Feedback on the selected toys and the play session is provided. This must be completed within 3 months after the three-day online workshop.

If participants do not complete these steps within the required time frame, they will not meet the requirements for HAI certification. Participants will need to register and attend another course to consolidate their understanding of the HAI items and reliable scoring.

Who should attend

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists who work with infants at risk of, or diagnosed with, cerebral palsy.

Course objectives

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the constructs underlying the HAI and the psychometric evidence that supports its use.

2. Select appropriate toys and assemble a HAI test kit according to the guidelines.

3. Set up, conduct and video record a HAI play session, using the toys to provoke active hand use.

4. Score a HAI play session reliably according to the criteria in the manual.

5. Interpret HAI results, including asymmetry between the hands, and communicate them to families and colleagues.

Course requirements

Participants must collate their own HAI test kit using the written guidelines provided on the LMS, choosing toys as similar as possible to those described. To complete the self-produced HAI play session, you must have access to at least one (1) infant with unilateral or bilateral cerebral palsy aged 3 to 12 months.

Prerequisites: Nil.

Please do not register for this course if you:

1. Do not have access to at least one infant aged 3 to 12 months with unilateral or bilateral cerebral palsy to complete the HAI administration reliability procedure.

2. Have planned leave or other factors that will impact on your ability to complete all steps outlined above within the time frames specified.