Assessing the verbal and nonverbal ability of visually impaired adults

Abstract

Following earlier work evaluating numeracy and literacy tests (Reid,1994), this study employs the same methodology to evaluate some mainstream tests of verbal and nonverbal ability. The objective of each evaluation is to determine the utility of each test in the vocational evaluation of visually impaired adults. The criteria employed in the evaluation of each test and the rationale behind their selection are delineated. Results, showing the outcome of each evaluation on each criterion, are presented in tabular form. The implications of the results for their potential application to visually impaired populations are discussed. It is argued that the conclusions drawn from these evaluations enable recommendations to be made concerning the inclusion of individual test packages in a vocational assessment service for visually impaired adults.