The van Dijk Approach of Child-Guided Strategies for Assessment and Intervention

Abstract The van Dijk approach to assessment of learners with congenital deafblindness (CDB) provides a dynamic, child-guided approach to assessment that examines the processes learners use as they learn and internalize information. In this assessment, developed by Dr. Jan van Dijk and colleagues, eight observational areas are utilized and corresponding intervention strategies emerge from the results. Herein, we briefly describe the assessment method by providing an overview of van Dijk’s framework with supporting questions for application of the assessment. The main emphasis of the chapter is assessment strategies. Further, an overview of earlier research on the approach which demonstrated high reliability and fidelity is provided. Finally, the child-guided approach is illustrated in two case studies: a child and an adult with CDB.