FAQ

What is the OCS-R?

 

The OCS-R is an observation-based tool for assessing the communicative competencies of children, adolescents, and adults with complex communication needs. Its core principle is a multi-perspective approach.

 

Who is the target group of the OCS-R?

The OCS-R can be used to assess the communicative competencies and forms of expression of children, adolescents, and adults who have complex communication needs and experience difficulties in their communication development.

 

What is the aim of the OCS-R?

Using the OCS-R, different caregivers (e.g., teachers, therapists, parents) can assess the communicative competencies of children, adolescents, and adults. The analysis allows for a comparison of their different perspectives. The aim is to reveal similarities and differences in each caregiver's assessment and to utilize these as a basis for support.

 

Why do I need Excel for analyzing the OCS-R?

Programming an analysis on an independent platform is highly complex and expensive. Unfortunately, the OCS-R team currently does not have the necessary financial resources. Using Excel, the team is able to generate an analysis tool and continuously refine it.

 

I do not have Excel. Does it still make sense to use the OCS-R?

While forgoing the analysis is not ideal, the questionnaire itself can still provide valuable guidance for observing communicative behavior and generate ideas for intervention.

 

The Excel file does not work. What can I do?

You need at least Excel 2010. Furthermore, the functioning of the Excel file depends on your security settings. When you open the evaluation file for the first time, Excel may display a yellow banner indicating that the file originated from an online location. To use the evaluation, you need to click on "Enable Editing".

 

What is the latest version of the OCS-R?

The latest version of the OCS-R is 1.52 (as of October 2025). Please only use the latest version.

 

Can I use older versions of the OCS-R?

We are continuously developing and improving the OCS-R. Older versions of the questionnaire or the Excel analysis file contain errors or are not up to date with our latest findings. Therefore, they should no longer be used. Please download the latest version from our download area.

 

Am I allowed to print and pass on the OCS-R as often as I want?

We have decided not to distribute the OCS-R commercially. As long as you acknowledge us as the authors, you are welcome to download and print the questionnaire, manual, and Excel file as many times as needed. You may also share it with colleagues, friends, or acquaintances and use it for an unlimited period:

 

The OCS-R is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

 

What is the theoretical framework of the OCS-R?

Theoretically, the instrument is rooted in the constructivist epistemology of Glasersfeld (1995, 2007). According to this view, people do not perceive an objective reality; instead, reality is highly subjective and based on the individual construction of meaning. Following this premise, it is not possible to objectively diagnose a person's competencies based on observation alone. Diagnostic assessment must therefore consider subjective perspectives as an important complement to traditional testing. For this reason, the OCS-R enables the comparison of different perspectives and perceptions of key individuals in a person's social environment (e.g., teachers, parents, therapists) in order to identify and visualize agreement and differences in their assessments. The identification of similarities and differences in how a person is perceived or how they behave in varying contexts can then be used to systematically plan interventions. The theoretical reference points of the individual OCS-R modules can be found in the respective sections of the manual.

 

I would like to cite content from the questionnaire or the manual – how should I cite them?

OCS-R Questionnaire: Scholz, M., Wagner, M., & Stegkemper, J. M. (2025). Questionnaire for Observing Communicative Skills - Revision (OCS-R version 1.5X). University of Education Ludwigsburg, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau and University of Education Freiburg. Retrieved from www.ocs-r.com

 

OCS-R Manual: Scholz, M., Wagner, M., & Stegkemper, J. M. (2025). OCS-R Manual (Version 1.5X). University of Education Ludwigsburg, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau and University of Education Freiburg. Retrieved from www.ocs-r.com