Approach to Assessment

Assessment is the starting point of the child’s education. For better or worse, assessment results can influence educational decisions about a child for years to come.  (Rowland, 2009, p. 5)

Assessment of children who are deaf-blind can be challenging even for experienced professionals. Their communication may be unconventional or at a presymbolic level. Many express themselves in subtle ways that are easily overlooked.

Just as a child with deaf-blindness is a unique individual, so too must assessment consider the child’s unique personality, situation, and motivators. Knowing the different types of assessments, the ways they are conducted, and how to interpret and then act upon the results is essential to meeting the specific needs of a child with deaf-blindness. 

The inclusion of family members is essential. They can interpret their child’s behavior and provide information about how the child behaves and interacts with others in the home and other environments.

See also: Communication and Learning Assessments