The development of a screening schedule for use by teachers to describe the communication abilities of children with severe disabilities.

The study developed a screening schedule for teachers to describe the communication abilities of children with severe disabilities. Teachers were trained in the use of such an assessment procedure. Both the schedule as well as the training were evaluated. Results indicated that the schedule can be regarded as adequate for future use as teachers found it easy to use and applicable to their situation. Scoring the schedule requires more practise and training as this is a more advanced skill. Specific issues had an effect on the results, e.g., the teachers' familiarity with the type of disability observed, their qualifications and experience.