Obtaining an AAC Device
While AAC can improve the quality of life of children with complex communication needs, the devices are not always easy to obtain. AAC devices are often expensive, so obtaining a medical or educational qualification for the necessity of AAC will help to mitigate these costs. Funding, whether partial or total, is likely available through a combination of insurance and your child's school.
To begin the process of obtaining AAC, your child will need a referral from a physician, educator, speech-language pathologist and/or behavioral interventionist. The referral will state any medical diagnoses related to your child's delay in communication. An assessment must be conducted by a speech-language pathologist evaluating your child's potential for successful AAC use (2, 3). The assessment information is necessary as evidence to support the necessity of AAC from a medical standpoint. The referral and assessment information are submitted to your insurance company so that the device can be considered durable medical equipment (DRE). DRE is equipment that can withstand repeated use and that is necessary for a patient's course of treatment (4).
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A referral is also submitted to your child's school. Or, a written request for an AAC evaluation can be submitted as well. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) specifies that children with medical or developmental conditions putting them at risk for educational delay qualify for early intervention services. A multidisciplinary team of professionals will put together an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for children younger than three, or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students ages 3-21. The plans outline necessary support services needed to support your child's educational development. Both IFSPs and IEPs can specifically outline the use of AAC to support communication and development (2, 6).
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The resources below can be used to find information about specific AAC documentation requirements in your area, as well as beginning steps toward obtaining AAC.
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THE AMERICAN SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING ASSOCIATION
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THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
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THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT
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THE AUTISM COMMUNITY IN ACTION
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REFERENCES
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Berenguer, C., Martínez, E. R., De Stasio, S., & Baixauli, I. (2022). Parents' Perceptions and Experiences with Their Children's Use of Augmentative/Alternative Communication: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Meta-Synthesis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(13), 8091. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138091
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Beukelman, D. R., & Light, J. C. (2020). Augmentative & alternative communication: Supporting children and adults with complex communication needs (5th ed.). Paul H. Brooks Publishing.
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Funding for communication services and supports. (n.d.). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/njc/funding-for-services/
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HI 00610.200 definition of durable medical equipment. (2022, November 28). Social Security Administration. https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0600610200
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Marshall, J., & Goldbart, J. (2008). 'Communication is everything I think.' Parenting a child who needs Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 43(1), 77–98. https://doi.org/10.1080/13682820701267444
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Morin, K. L., Ganz, J. B., Gregori, E. V., Foster, M. J., Gerow, S. L., Genç-Tosun, D., & Hong, E. R. (2018). A systematic quality review of high-tech AAC interventions as an evidence-based practice. Augmentative and alternative communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985), 34(2), 104–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2018.1458900