The Beery VMI (Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration) is a standardized assessment used to evaluate visual-motor integration in individuals. Visual-motor integration refers to the coordination of visual perception and fine motor control. Occupational therapists, educators, psychologists, and other professionals commonly use the Beery VMI to identify difficulties affecting academic performance or daily functioning.

Key Features of the Beery VMI:

Ages: The test is designed for individuals from 2 years old to adulthood.

Components:

Visual-Motor Integration: The main task involves copying increasingly complex geometric shapes. This task assesses the individual’s ability to coordinate what they see with how they move their hands.

Visual Perception (optional subtest): Measures visual discrimination without motor involvement.

Motor Coordination (optional subtest): Measures fine motor control without requiring visual-motor integration.

Uses:

School Readiness: To identify children who struggle with writing or drawing tasks.

Developmental Delays: Screening for potential motor or visual issues that need early intervention.

Occupational Therapy: Helps to guide therapy for individuals with difficulties in tasks requiring fine motor skills and visual perception.

Tracking Progress: The test can be used to monitor improvement in visual-motor skills over time.

How It Works:

Individuals are asked to copy a series of geometric shapes (e.g., lines, circles, triangles). As the test progresses, the shapes become more complex, requiring higher levels of coordination between visual input and motor output.

Scoring:

The raw test scores are compared to normative data to determine how the individual’s performance aligns with typical development for their age group.