An Intelligence Testing Committee made up of APH staff and field experts was formed. During initial teleconference, members determined the priority was to develop and disseminate key points and guidelines.
The following position statement was formulated: When appropriate practices are followed, cognitive or intelligence testing of individuals who are blind and visually impaired provides useful and valuable information to test-takers, their families, instructors, and other decision-makers.
Key points addressed are administering intelligence tests, specialized training, reasons for evaluation, collaboration, eye condition and developmental history, adaptations, tactile and symbolic representations, direct observation, qualitative interpretation, and reporting results.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the authors of this historic and valuable document. Steve Goodman, Marnee Loftin, and Carol Evans dedicated themselves to developing and refining these key points and accompanying guidelines. Visit http://www.aph.org/tests/intelligencetesting.html for a copy.
Feel free to share the paper and URL with colleagues and interested parties. The document is a “work in progress.” Your feedback may be addressed to Debbie Willis, Director of Accessible Tests, at dwillis@aph.org
