AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It represents all the ways someone may communicate besides talking. It includes various systems or methods, ranging from no- or low- tech like pictures, to high-tech, like speech generating devices, that allow an individual with limited or no verbal abilities to communicate with others.

AAC systems can augment communication, adding to or clarifying someone’s speech, or serve as an alternative way to communicate instead of speech.

Someone may use AAC throughout their life or for a short period of time such after surgery. There is no “one size fits all”, so working with a speech-language pathologist who specializes in AAC is recommended to consider the available options and find the best fit for you.

It usually takes 2-6 months before you get your device. This is because an AAC evaluation requires multiple steps, including:

1. You complete an in-person AAC evaluation with us.

2. We provide you with paperwork from the AAC vendor (maker of the AAC system) for you to complete. We can complete this together or you can complete and return/submit later.

3. If needed, we will complete an AAC trial. This will be required by some insurances, but also may just be recommended by the therapist in order to determine what AAC system is the best. Trials typically last 4 weeks, but some insurances have longer requirements.

4. Once we are ready to  request insurance to fund a device, you go to the doctor for a visit to discuss the need for AAC. We need this documentation in order to request coverage of the device through insurance.

5. The AAC company reviews the paperwork and submits it to your insurance.

6. We wait for insurance to approve or deny your device (on the off chance that we get a denial, we will work with you to appeal this decision or to pursue alternative funding).

“Evaluation” involves the in-person evaluation, any device trial sessions, and guidance through the funding process.

“Treatment” involves in-person or virtual training sessions scheduled weekly or biweekly with the goal of improving your communication with your device.

After you have completed an evaluation and received your personal AAC device, Find Your Voice AAC will be happy to work on scheduling ongoing therapy with you.

We also offer free community events to bring AAC users together.

See our Services page for details.

In order to ensure that our AAC services remain affordable, we will work with all of our families on a case-by-case basis to remove barriers to services.

See the next question regarding insurance for more details.

Find Your Voice AAC is currently in the process of becoming in-network with insurance providers, including Medicaid. Once this process is complete, we will inform you about our payment model transition. Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions about billing or insurance. We will NEVER deny anyone services based on inability to pay.