An Easy-Read version of ASCOT was developed as part of the Adult Social Care Survey, but this development was undertaken under tight time pressures and with the immediate aim of minimising differences in the text for comparison purposes. We are aware of at least one alternative version that has been developed with the aim of addressing the shortcomings of our current version. This work would involve a radical reappraisal of the approach used, while ensuring that the underlying concepts were being reflected in the adapted version to ensure maximum read across to the standard tool.
Our approach would be staged as follows:
1. Drawing on a variety of sources to inform the design.
This would include
- Establishing general principles drawing on our own expertise and the literature
- Draw on the evidence from the development work undertaken for the current Easy-Read version
- Revisit both standard and current Easy-Read versions to assess how well they:
- reflect the ideas of the standard questionnaire
- comply with best-practice guidance
- Analysis of data on distributions of 2011 ASCS (which includes the current version) and previous analyses of this dataset
2. Development of an instrument
- Initial testing. This would include piloting of the new version with a small sample of people with learning disabilities who could also be asked about the process of completing it.
- Revising, if necessary, following piloting and feedback.
- Further testing with a wider group of people with cognitive impairments