Tactile Working Memory Scale

Tactile Working Memory Scale

March 9, 2021

Jude Nicholas, Neuropsychologist, Statped Vest Center for Deafblindness, Norway

Working Memory is the ability to keep something in mind for a limited amount of time. Working Memory is central to daily life; it is “critical for planning, problem solving, understanding complex topics, and learning new things” (TWMS handbook). In this unique assessment, we assess the tactile working memory in order to “design tools and strategies so that ensure that [people with congenital deafblindness] can develop and make use of all their potentials, both cognitively and linguistically” (TWMS) handbook).

The Tactile Working Memory Scale (TWMS) was developed by the Nordic Welfare Centre (Norway). It is a positive, strength-based, dynamic assessment that evaluates the tactile working memory in persons with congenital deafblindness. Suggestions and strategies are provided to help Intervenors ensure that the person with deafblindness they are supporting is able to make use of their potentials - cognitively, linguistically, and socially. POPDB Teacher-Consultants Meaghan Bresser, Emily McGreevy, and Allana Pierce received supervisory training in the TWMS and are working with the POPDB team on using the scale.