Kellie Bews , A Solutions Consultant for Tobii Dynavox presented on assistive technology and communication on December 13th during a DSAW webinar. We are summarizing the presentation here. Please access the recording of the webinar for further information.

The Need For Communication Devices

  • 8 out of 1,000 people worldwide cannot use speech to communicate.
  • 2-3 million people in the U.S. could benefit from speech generating devices.
  • Only 5% of these people have a speech device

What is Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)?

  • AAC is any device, system or method that improves a person’s ability to communicate effectively and participate in the world around them.
  • Can be implemented any time, but usually earlier in the care process is better

A Communication System Should:

  • Increase participation in all environments
  • Support timely interaction
  • Provide meaningful language to the recipient
  • Support language and literacy development
  • Encourage successful day-to-day, face-to- face, real-time interaction
  • Be age and level appropriate

AAC Myths

  • Choosing to use an AAC system is giving up – “the easy way out”
  • AAC will hinder speech and language development
  • AAC is an individual’s sole communication modality
  • The focus of AAC use is the assessment of devices and focus on technology

How do I know if someone could benefit from AAC?

Full Communication Success Screen Here

  • Does the individual have a diagnosis that puts him/her at risk for speech or language challenges? (ASD, CP, aphasia, ALS, etc.)
  • Does the individual have less than 20 words/signs/ signals that can be understood by unfamiliar listeners?
  • Does the individual have difficulty communicating his/her ideas (e.g., asking for a desired item, telling a story, expressing an idea)?

Goals of AAC

  • Communicating successfully NOW
  • System that will be used for long-term communication (this may change as individual progresses
  • Development of language and speech production through AAC use

The Process

  • An individual has been identified as a possible AAC candidate by the team
  • Referral for AAC evaluation
  • Outpatient speech language pathologist
  • Speech Language Pathologists in your school district
  • District Contact Person (larger districts)
  • CESAs
  • AAC Referral Forms – beneficial for outside evaluators, i.e., private therapy clinics, outpatient SLPs

What is SGD Evaluation?

  • Answers the questions:
    • Why does this individual need a SGD?
    • How they are communicating in their natural environment?
    • Which features of an SGD are required to match their abilities and compensate for their areas of need?

Choosing a Communication System

  • One size does not fit all
  • Assessing Strengths/Weaknesses
    • cognition
    • language
    • motor
    • sensory

What Does Success Look Like?

  • Increased attention to interactions
  • Initiation of communication
  • Use of more vocabulary
  • Longer interactions
  • Use of more tools or pages
  • Enjoyment of interaction, and/or
  • More independence in communication

Online Resources

  • Trial Guides
  • Lesson Plans
  • Core Books

Resources, Resources and MORE Resources @ mytobiidynavox.com

WI Medicaid Recommendations

  • 4-week trial across ALL communication environments – school, home and community
  • Must demonstrate intent to communicate with device
  • Focus on functional communication and conversation – “beyond requesting”
  • Establish recommended equipment to be “least costly alternative”
  • Demonstrated family advocacy

WI Medicaid FUNDING PACKET CHECKLIST

  • Evaluation Report
  • WI PA-DMEA
  • Copy of current IEP
  • Client Information Form
  • Release of Benefits and Assignment
  • Insurance card copies
  • Supporting letters of advocacy
  • Physician Rx
  • Face-to-face physician visit notes (must state need for SGD and performed within 6 months of prescription)

Time and Effort for Success!