The document summarizes the assessment process used by the ACE Centre, which focuses on flexible, child-centered evaluations. It discusses the importance of pre-assessment planning, which involves collecting background information on the child's communication, interests, and needs. During the assessment, a team works with the child to understand their abilities through motivating activities while video recording. Following the assessment, a detailed report is prepared and shared with the family and local team, while loan or purchase of recommended equipment is arranged.

1. ACE Assessment

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

3. 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

4. Presentation Pre-assessment Assessment process Post assessment

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

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

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

8. Collecting Information cont’d Pre-assessment visits / meetings Video conferencing Video

9. 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

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

11. Venue School ACE Centre Home somewhere else…

12. Preparation of activities and equipment Fun and motivating based on information gathered regarding the young person’s likes and interests ACE assessment planning form

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

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

15. The Assessment

16. Our Assessment Team Speech & language therapist Occupational therapist Teacher

17. Others Involved Parents / carers Child’s local therapists Other specialists Class teacher & teaching assistant LEA advisory teachers Education officer / funder

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

19. 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

20. 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

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

22. Dressing Up!

23. Secret Drawing

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

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

26. Story writing

27. Using the Telephone

28. Using the Telephone cont’d

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

30. Robosapien Page

31. Robosapien

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

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

34. Post Assessment

35. 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

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

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

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

39. Support for local team Information days Video conferencing Emails Phone calls

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