Neuropsychological assessment of persons with physical disability, visual impairment or blindness, and hearing impairment or deafness

Abstract

Conducting assessment with individuals with physical disability, visual impairment or blindness, and hearing impairment or deafness poses significant challenges for the neuropsychologist. Although standards for psychological testing have been devised to address assessment of persons with disabilities, little research has been conducted to validate neuropsychological test accommodation and modification practices that deviate from standard test administration or to develop test parameters and interpretive guidelines specifically for persons with different physical or sensory disabilities. This paper reviews issues pertaining to neuropsychological test selection and administration, common accommodation and modification practices, test development and validation, and disability-related factors that influence interpretation of test results. Systematic research is needed to develop methodological parameters for testing and to ensure reliable and valid neuropsychological assessment practices for individuals with physical or sensory disabilities. © 2007 National Academy of Neuropsychology.