ACE Assessment

The ACE Centre Aiding Communication in Education Assessment, training, research, software development… Centres in Oxford and Oldham

CAP Communication Aids Project £10 million for two years 2000 – 2005 Has resulted in our assessment process being more flexible Emphasis on developing skills amongst local team

Presentation Pre-assessment Assessment process Post assessment

Pre - assessment planning a vitally important part of our assessment process

Collecting Information Phone calls (to parents, school, therapists) Background information form

Background Information Interests Motivation Sensory abilities (hearing, vision, perception) Communication Seating and positioning Mobility Education Use of technology Medication

Collecting Information contd Pre-assessment visits / meetings Video conferencing Video

Video Guidelines 10 minutes Interacting with other children Interacting with adults Close up of AAC system Child in activity / discussion Computer use Child in seating / wheelchair Fine and gross motor control away from computer Using speech / vocalising

Pre-Assessment Video of Child using Big Mack and One Step was shown

Venue School ACE Centre Home somewhere else…

Preparation of activities and equipment Fun and motivating based on information gathered regarding the young persons likes and interests ACE assessment planning form

Assess plan for ……………..Date …………….. What we want to learn about the young person Activity Equipment required …………….

Summary of pre- assessment planning Time-consuming…. BUT WORTH IT! Video very valuable

The Assessment

Our Assessment Team Speech & language therapist Occupational therapist Teacher

Others Involved Parents / carers Childs local therapists Other specialists Class teacher & teaching assistant LEA advisory teachers Education officer / funder

Set-up at the ACE Centre Assessment room Observation room Video link Frequent interaction between the two rooms

Other venues Two linked rooms are ideal! When its not possible… We try not to crowd the young person We try to take video to share with others Flexible attendance during the day

Goals of the Assessment Control of technology accuracy and efficiency – maximum output for the minimum physical input seating and positioning environment, computer, communication Access to learning and the curriculum Communication low and high tech

Assessment Activities Fun, motivating, interesting for the youngster Experience success

Dressing Up!

Secret Drawing

Making Choices Assessment Video of child directing father to read him a poem using auditory scanning on a dynavox with two head switches

Software Photo of child using Touch Games software with joystick and switch

Story writing

Using the Telephone

Using the Telephone contd

Playing with Infra-red toys Assessment Video showing child playing with Robosapien using DV4 in place of the remote control

Robosapien Page

Robosapien

Other activities… Musical statues Simon Says Joint story-telling Mr Potato Head Guessing games e.g. Guess Who Etc.

A few principles Flexibility! Child centred We ask & listen throughout the assessment Team working Cross boundaries Discussion time Regularly, throughout day, with everyone

Post Assessment

The Report Detailed working document Draft versions shared with local team and parents if appropriate Important as so much takes place during the assessment May include: Diagrams Photos Screen shots

Maxess Tray Large Red Switch Large Maxess Wedge Jelly bean switch Medium Maxess Wedge Position of left hand Example diagram…

Loan of equipment ACE (or CAP) loan library VOCA suppliers Sale or return

Follow-up Decided at initial assessment After a follow-up phone call / video received further assessment training

Support for local team Information days Video conferencing s Phone calls

Summary Pre assessment, assessment and post assessment stages very flexible! Moving towards a modular approach Teamwork Child centred