The Total Communication Checklist and Assessment screening tool for multihandicapped students is presented to assist the language examiner to select areas requiring more precise testing. The checklist, which contains 196 rating entries, consists of the following four sections: (1) readiness for symbolic communication, (2) preference for speech, (3) preference for signing, and (4) preference for communication boards. Alternative procedures are included for assessment of the matching, reading, and receptive language skills of a severely motor handicapped student who cannot use a hand or finger pointing response. Many of the tasks can be used directly for visually impaired or blind students. Specific procedures are presented to subjectively screen the student's hearing and vision if needed. The following overall objectives of the checklist are outlined: to provide an indication of the students' awareness of and interaction with the total environment, to indicate the student's present communication strategies and additional assessment needs; and to allow parents and staff to contribute to the communication assessment. To determine the appropriate communication mode, approximately 40 assessment tasks are presented, including a data sheet and instructions concerning prerequisite skills, materials needed, and a task analysis of the examiner's and student's actions. Instructions for communication board system planning and interpretation are included. In addition to the checklist, a profile that allows a summary display of data from the checklist and assessment tasks is included. (SEW)