The AAC Assessment Process

THE AAC ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR SPEECH-GENERATING DEVICES

 

Please note: All assistive technology comprehensive assessments will be conducted in our clinic. Therapy can be clinic- or home-based, dependent upon individual needs. 

Our Team Approach

We offer independent, interdisciplinary assessments to identify appropriate assistive technology resources for patients with physical and/or communication impairments to support their communication and learning. We recognize the benefits of a partnership approach when completing assessments. Few people manage effectively in isolation; we encourage individuals, families, and professionals to work together as a team from the very first step of identifying a need, through the ongoing review and provision of support needed for each individual to achieve their long-term goals.

If an individual’s support team is not involved in the assessment process there can arise problems such as lack of funding, inappropriate recommendations for equipment, training, and support, and/or failure in implementation. In that case, the intervention does not succeed, and the individual is unable to move forward. To maximize chances of successful intervention, AAC identifies the team from the beginning of the assessment process. Our main objective is to facilitate communication among patients and their caregivers to identify and achieve common and realistic goals.

Our assessment and training teams consist of AAC Specialist Speech-Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Technicians. 

Length of Assessment

The length of time required for the assessment will vary but typically is about 2.5 hours. Timing will be agreed upon with the referrer initially but subject to modification as necessary depending on individual needs. 

The Assessment Process

You will be greeted by the OT, PT and SLP upon entering the assessment room. 

Part 1: 

The session will typically commence with a general discussion with everyone concerned providing an opportunity to share any relevant information and identify aims and expectations.

Part 2: 

During the assessment, the individual will have an opportunity to demonstrate any resources they are currently using and they will be supported in trying out alternative resources and strategies that might be suitable. It may be necessary to work for short periods, with breaks to set up different equipment and work within the individual’s levels of attention motivation, and stamina.

Part 3: 

At the end of the assessment, it is useful if the group meets together again to discuss the assessment and consider potential recommendations and reach shared conclusions and appropriate solutions.

Following the assessment, the team will discuss follow-up therapy sessions and when they believe they should commence. The family can then decide whether to receive clinically-based or home-based therapy. 

Following this process, a comprehensive report will be compiled and sent to all involved. The report will summarize the assessment, outline conclusions reached, and provide recommendations. 

Device Trial Period and Therapy

After 6 months the team will follow up with the lead community speech-language pathologist and decide on if a dedicated trial should be requested. Documentation will be submitted directly by “The AAC Speech Clinic, LLC” to the appropriate Durable Medical Equipment provider.

The dedicated trial will last 4 weeks and upon conclusion, the team will decide if a permanent device should be ordered.