BSA Adapted Reading Skills Assessment

The BSA Adapted Reading Skills Assessment was created to ensure every student has access to high-quality reading instruction. Grounded in the Toronto District School Board’s Reading Inventory - developed following the 2022 Right to Read report - this tool equips educators with vital insights into students' foundational reading skills.

Standard pen-and-paper formats present significant barriers for students with physical, communication, and/or complex learning needs. BSA educators designed a tailored solution that transforms the student experience and expands access. Developed initially using Boardmaker software, the assessment integrates multiple access modes (including eye gaze, switch access, and adaptable direct touch) along with Picture Communication Symbols (PCS®). Teacher instructions have also been adapted to support both speaking and nonspeaking communicators. 

Building on feedback across multiple school boards, we are excited to release an updated 2026 edition, which is now available in both Boardmaker and Google Slides. We hope this tool provides teachers with the valuable information they need to target instruction and support emerging readers. 

For more information, to ask questions or reach out, please contact: 

assessment@bloorviewschool.ca 

Julie Van Huyse (Teacher, Development and Design), Allison Kennedy (Teacher, Literacy Specialist), Lindsey McKenna (Teacher, Literacy Specialist)

*A special thank you to all who contributed valuable feedback, consultation, testing, and collaboration throughout the development process. We are especially grateful to the students and staff at Bloorview School, as well as our partners across the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and York Region District School Board (YRDSB) for their invaluable support.*