Developing a video-based adaptation of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory for a sign language

Designing a video-based adaptation of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory for Sign Language of the Netherlands (NGT-CDI), we faced three sets of challenges: technological, linguistic, and cultural challenges. We outline the potential challenges and highlight key consideration to keep in mind for anyone considering creating a video-based CDI-adaptation to a sign language. We suggest solutions that worked for us. However, these may not be available or preferable in all cases, for example if no database of signs is readily available. We argue that creating a video-based CDI is the ideal method for assessing a lexicon in a sign language, within its visual-gestural modality.