Assessing Language and Literacy of Students with Developmental Disabilities and Complex Communication Needs

Students with developmental disabilities and complex communication needs are impacted by assessments that may not show their ability or address their needs. Multiple modes of assessment presentation and response formats, augmentative and alternative communication approaches, and assistive technology may help students engage more equitably in literacy assessment activities. The Nonverbal Literacy Assessment (NVLA) is an example of a tool used to assess the language and literacy skills of students with disabilities in various formats. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), eye-gazing, and speech-generating device (SGD) technology are also used to make assessment more accessible to students with developmental disabilities and speech difficulties.