ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the other component of the participation model, which consists of access barriers. When considering students with complex communication needs (CCN), assessment is a multifaceted process that consists of gathering information on several components. Identifying the student's strengths and needs to develop a holistic profile extends beyond the cognitive, language, and communication domains. Given the complexity of assessing students with CCN, who often have multiple disabilities, it is best to determine the goal for conducting the assessment prior to embarking on a full-scale assessment process. The assessment is a multifaceted process in which information is gathered about a student's present level of performance and academic achievement to serve multiple goals. Understanding the student's present level of performance in operating an augmentative and alternative communication(AAC) system is critical in ensuring the student is successful as it may require specific physical, visual, and cognitive skills to operate low- and high-technology AAC systems.
