This week, we share Part 1 of a previously recorded Talking with Tech Live show with listeners from Oregon. This week, the listeners ask several questions related to conducting language and AAC assessments virtually, including how to make them more effective.

Before the interview, Chris and Rachel have a lively discussion about Gestalt Language Processing and how we can support AAC users who script. Rachel shares several ideas, including putting the student’s preferred scripts on their device as a way to make the device more interesting and motivating.

🔑 One tool that listeners suggested for virtual assessment is the Communication Matrix. https://communicationmatrix.org/ This assessment allows you to get input from caregivers through an online for. One benefit is it doesn’t require the chid to have to sit in front of a screen. 

🔑 When we are trying to observe a person’s communication skills virtually, it may be better to have the caregivers video the student at hoome communicating in the ways they normally communicate. It can be difficult to truely observe a child during Zoom sessions - the child may not communicate the same way on Zoom because there is greater pressure to “perform.” 

🔑 If we are considering a virtual assessment, it is important to consider training communication partners on how to optimize the virtual assessment. Is the student seated in their chair? What is the background noise situation? Preparing in this way can help the assessment go more smoothy.

Emily Quinn’s webinar on the Communication Matrix from Echo Voices https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-S-rVgOrozwa36mGxaW0ZQcNob2brWTx/view

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