AAC, or augmentative and alternative communication, refers to various methods and tools used to aid individuals who have difficulty communicating through speech. This guide, “Unlocking Communication: A Guide to AAC Funding and Resources,” provides valuable information to help navigate the often complex process of obtaining funding for AAC devices and services.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional working with individuals who need AAC support, this article will equip you with the preliminary knowledge and resources to unlock the potential of communication for those in need.
General Information
https://aacfunding.com/funding-101/how-to-obtain-funding
https://aacfunding.com/funding-101/insurance-tips
https://aacfunding.com/resources/alt-funding-sources
This includes links to different states
Medicaid, Medicare
Medicaid may cover (see your state’s guidelines) AAC devices/services for eligible children as long as they are medically necessary
Private Insurance
Get help from Ablenet Quicktalker, Forbes AAC
Schools (Assistive Technology Department, SLP, SLP lead for the district):
If the IEP team determines that a student needs AAC to access their curriculum the Local Education Agency (School District) must provide AAC.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Check for your state
Tri Care (uniformed service members)
Assists children ages 2-18 that have been rejected by other programs and whose families cannot afford an AAC device without help.
(The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes)
For Pennsylvania
https://www.varietypittsburgh.org/my-voice/eligibility/
For Texas
STAP Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program-Texas Health and Human Services
Advocates that work with insurance :
https://www.lincare.com/en/services/speech-generating-devices/funding-your-device
https://www.talktometechnologies.com/pages/funding
What to do while you’re waiting for a device:
Use low tech AAC Core Boards
Low tech AAC core boards are used for communication. We point to these words while we’re talking. We say things like “want more?” “you like it” . We’re giving each child a visual that he can see and eventually point to.
By focusing on these words we are teaching a functional vocabulary. Your child can use these words all day, everyday, everywhere: from classroom to playground to cafeteria to home. Plus, the words will always be in the same place (so he doesn’t have to search for them).
Get your free guide here.
Use a Free AAC App
Weave Chat AAC is a free, robust, category-based AAC app that can be used on phones and tablets. it can be downloaded and used for free on IOS, Android, & Kindle products. I have personally tried this and find it to be a robust, versatile app. Learn more here.
The journey toward securing funding for AAC devices and services can be challenging, but it is essential to empowering more complete communication for non-speaking and partially speaking students.
With perseverance, knowledge, and the resources outlined in this guide, you can navigate the process and provide your loved one or client with the tools they need to communicate effectively. Remember, every voice deserves to be heard, and AAC can make that possible.
If you know of additional resources please comment here or email [email protected]
Hey there I’m Anne Page. I help heart centered SLPs and educators put the fun in functional communication. 