How often should I complete the CC?
It is recommended that the CC be completed/updated on an annual basis at a minimum. It may be helpful to review the CC just prior to an IEP meeting or NDIS planning meeting so that the information obtained can be used to assist with goal setting. The online version is set up so that information can be added at any time; given that the assessment of communication skills is an ongoing process.
Often once the assessment process starts, even more questions will emerge! It may be necessary to spend the following few weeks doing further assessment to fill the gaps identified.
Who should input into an individual’s CC?
Ideally the CC should be completed by the key members of an individual’s team including teachers, teacher aides, parents/carers and Speech Pathologists to
obtain as much information as possible across a range of contexts, e.g. home, school.
If possible the team should meet and complete relevant sections of the CC together or a key person can be nominated to gather information and then complete on behalf of the team. There is great value and much to be learnt about the individual’s communication skills when the CC is completed with other team members
How much information should I include?
This is entirely up to the individual/team members completing the CC and how much time and information they have available.
Ultimately the more specific and detailed information that is included, the more informative and useful the CC will be.
How do I obtain information to complete the CC?
- Reports by relevant health professionals, e.g. Orthoptist, Audiologist for
- Information about vision, hearing and physical status
- Interview of key people, e.g. parents, teacher aides, carers etc
- Observation of the individual in a range of communication contexts
- Interactions with the individual
- Devising and carrying out assessments to address specific communication skills
What can help me find out more information about a specific communication skill?
A list of interview prompt questions for each stage can be found in the resource section of the website. This provides a comprehensive list of questions to help gather relevant and specific information relating to the communication skill.
If I’m not sure about a communication skill for a specific individual, what should I do?
A “to be assessed” option is available for each communication skill listed. Once the communication skill is flagged, there is the option to come back to it later once further assessment/information about the skill has been obtained. Alternatively the communication skill can be left blank, it is not a requirement to complete every part of the assessment.
What is the difference between established and developing skills?
Established skills are those which the individual:
- demonstrates with consistency (at least 80- 90% of the time)
- the communication skill is performed independently (or as much as is possible for the individual)
- the communication skill is generalised to different contexts and Communication Partners
Developing skills are those which the individual:
- demonstrates inconsistently
- requires some degree of prompting from their Communication Partner
- the skill may only be demonstrated in one or a small number of contexts or only with specific Communication Partners
Why is it important to differentiate between established and developing skills?
Established skills provide us with important information about how the individual communicates/functions in everyday situations. It is this information which can be included in an individual’s portfolio or in an “about me book” etc.
Developing skills provide us with information about the communication skills to potentially address and target through goal setting and programming.
Why is important to include additional information in each of the 3 sections (Receptive, Expressive & Social)?
Communication is a complex process and many variables can impact on an individual’s performance at any given time. This also includes the strategies communication partners use to facilitate the individual’s communication. It can be just as important to know how to interact with an individual and what impacts on their communication as much as it is about the skills they possess or need to acquire.
Do I need to fill out information in every stage of the CC?
No, identify the stage or stages which the individual appears to be functioning at. Read the CC Stage Descriptors (1-7) to work out which stage(s) apply. Stages which have been well surpassed or are beyond the individual’s skill level can be disregarded unless the information is considered important to convey.
Helpful hint – identify the stage which best fits the individual and then look at the stages either side of this. It is not expected that an individual will fit neatly into a particular stage. It is also possible that the individual may be functioning at different stages across the 3 areas of communication, e.g. higher receptive communication skills in comparison to their expressive communication skills.
What can I do with the information entered in the CC online?
The information can be saved (within the CC website) as a record of the individual’s current communication skills, enabling access and updates at any time. In addition, an option to save and print the information into a report format (in a word document) is also available. This information can then be printed out as a hard copy of the assessment information entered on line.
I have completed the CC, what can I do next?
Depending on the purpose of the assessment, there are a number of ways the information can be used. These include:
- Writing a comprehensive communication assessment report which may be required to access services and/or funding
- Developing a communication portfolio or an “about me” book to inform/educate communication partners
What device does the CC run on?
The CC will run on any device that has internet connection e.g. Desktop computers, tablets (Apple iPad, Android or Windows). While it will also run on smartphones, useability can be affected due to the size of the screen.
Do I have to install the CC to use it?
No installation is required to use the CC. It is an online assessment tool. Register to create an account to begin using it.
Can I use the CC if I do not have internet connection?
No, the CC is accessed via its website and therefore can only be used if you are connected to the internet.
Is there a fee involved?
The CC is completely free. Register to create an account to start using this assessment tool and gain access to other resources.
Can I save my assessment and come back to it later?
Yes, you can leave assessments at any time. Ensure you have saved your information before leaving the page. To return to an existing assessment, go to ‘Home’ -> view profiles -> edit.
I can’t remember my password, what do I do?
On the Log In page, select “Lost password”. You will be directed to a new page. Enter your username or email address. An email will be sent to you; follow the instructions in there to create a new password.
How do I change my password?
Go to “My Account” on the toolbar along the top. Type in a new password then retype it to confirm. Hit the ‘Submit’ button to complete. You will receive a confirmation email.
What browsers does it run on?
Can I log into my account on multiple devices?
Saving information – there is no autosave function. Hit “save” every so often to ensure you do not lose any information.
Email to someone ?
Can I transfer a profile/assessment to another user?
Yes, at the very end of the CC assessment page, tick the box “Yes I agree to transfer this …” Type in the username/email address of the person you wish to transfer to. Note: once you have transferred a profile, it will no longer exist in your account.