VIDBE-Q Volume 66, Issue 2
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the student as they make progress both visually (on the CVI Range) and in
expressive communication (on the Communication Matrix).
In order to utilize the AAC/CVI Matrix, one must have prior knowledge of
the CVI Range and the Communication Matrix. The child's understanding of
symbolic representation (the connection between a symbol and the object/activity
that it refers to) and level of iconicity (the extent to which a symbol
visually/tactilely and conceptually resembles its referent) must also be taken into
account when choosing appropriate symbol systems for communication. The
introduction to this instrument provides background resources and context for
professionals and families to establish foundational knowledge regarding both CVI
and communication development/assessment. Once CVI Range results and
Communication Matrix results have been obtained, the team using the AAC/CVI
Matrix will indicate the intersection of these results on the following chart (Table
1):