Formerly known as the Disability Assessment Research Clinic, the Disability Assessment Services and Research (DASR) has been in operation since 1994. In that time, the Clinic has conducted more than 4000 comprehensive, integrated psycho/social, neuropsychological,medical and vocational assessments directly related to assisting numerous public, private, state and federal programs in their work with individuals with medical, physical, mental, psychological, neuropsychological and psychiatric disabilities. The Clinic provides these services in numerous Arizona cities including Tucson, Phoenix, Yuma, Safford, Bisbee, Douglas, Nogales and Sierra Vista, using state-of-the-art assessment technology.

Current Services 

While DASR continues to provide medical, psychological and vocational services, the major focus is on assisting severely disabled persons in their effort to obtain various disability benefits. These include: short and long term disability as well as social security disability.

Referrals to DASR typically come from practicing physicians. We works closely with the treatment team to verify disability.

DASR has a group of local attorneys highly experienced in the field of disability law.

Other objectives of the DASR:

• assisting individuals in making valid decisions regarding rehabilitation planning related to re-employment, further education and/or training, 
• minimizing the medical, social and legal impact of work injuries, determining future employment potential, and 
• assisting individuals who are identified as unable to return to work in obtaining economic support through long-term disability and/or social security.

Disability Assessment is directed by Dr. David W. Smith, D.ED., DABPS, FACFE, MACF, who has devoted his life to helping individuals with disabilities. Dr. Smith is a specialist in Disability Determination, having been a consultant for the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals and the Social Security Administration for many years. His experience includes special training in musculo-skeletal disease with major emphasis on the degree to which medically confirmed impairments interfere with physical function related to employment. He is the former Director of a comprehensive rehabilitation Center.

If you would like to contact Disability Assessment Services and Research, please call (520) 626-2982.

We are currently developing the following services:

• Physical and occupational therapy - develops stretches, exercises and techniques to promote strength, range of motion and reduced pain caused by injuries or illness.
• Nutrition assessment - assists patients in evaluating current dietary habits and provides guidance on modifying choices for better overall health, especially in the context of inflammatory diseases.
• Acupuncture - offered to patients on a referral basis as an alternative treatment for pain.
• Tai Chi, Yoga and Massage - classes offered as part of an integrative mind-body approach to chronic illness for overall body awareness, stress management, low impact exercise and chronic pain relief.
• Health Coaching - Fit for Life is a six-month intervention program based on self-management modules and a tailored exercise program along with a volunteer “heath mentor” to provide ongoing support and accountability for each enrolled participant.