Diagnostic Assessment

Diagnostic Assessment services offer individuals feedback on the use of ASL, language discourse and communication aspects appropriate for various settings and purposes. Diagnostic Assessments identify strengths and areas needing improvement in an array of formats. Recommendations for improvement are also provided. At the conclusion of each format, the individual receives a digital report (DVD) for long-term referencing and continued learning.

Diagnostic Assessment formats:

Stimuli-based sessions diagnose specific aspects of the language. This includes phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. The diagnostician engages the individual in a conversational exchange and elicits a language sample using a variety of tasks and stimuli. Individuals will review ASL video instructions prior to completing tasks and responding to stimuli. Typically, this format requires two one-hour sessions.  

Classroom Observations capture not only aspects of ASL, but also discourse techniques/pragmatics, heuristic functions, and whether the environment is visually optimized. A classroom-based assessment would also note students' comprehension of the instructor, and the instructor's comprehension of the students. ASL-DES staff video record the faculty while s/he teaches in the classroom and then analyze the video recording to identify signing and classroom discourse strengths and areas needing improvement.

Presentations are used to diagnose ways of communicating ideas and information to a group. The individual will be video recorded presenting on a specific topic. The video recording is analyzed and feedback is provided. The individual is provided with suggestions on how to advance presentation skills using actual video footage from the presentation.

Work Site Observations capture language use, communication techniques and strategies and whether the environment is visually optimized for the work site. This assessment format would also examine appropriate register for various settings (e.g., 1:1 meetings, small group dynamics, large group presentations). 

To make an appointment, complete the online form in the Scheduling section.  If you have questions, please send an email to DxAssessment@gallaudet.edu.