What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It encompasses the methods, tools, and strategies used to supplement or replace speech or writing for individuals with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. AAC is used to assist those who have severe speech or language problems that limit their ability to communicate effectively.
What is SGD?
SGD stands for Speech-Generating Device. These are electronic devices that generate spoken language, often used as a part of AAC to help individuals with speech impairments communicate. SGDs can range from simple devices that produce a single message to complex systems that allow for a wide range of vocabulary and language constructs.
Who can benefit from AAC?
Children with speech and language challenges can greatly benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Whether they have developmental delays, autism, cerebral palsy, or other conditions affecting their ability to speak, AAC provides a way for them to express themselves. In pediatric therapy, AAC tools, like picture boards or speech-generating devices, empower children to communicate their needs, thoughts, and feelings, fostering their social interactions and boosting their confidence. Early introduction of AAC can significantly enhance a child's communication skills, paving the way for greater independence and success in daily life.
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AAC/SGD Evaluations
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) can be a game changer in finding your child’s voice. This process starts with a 60-minute evaluation to explore different AAC options in a play-based environment and gather important information from the caregiver. The trial phase comes next where we will trial a few options over the span of 4-6 weeks before helping you navigate the funding process.
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School and ABA in-service/training
We contract with schools and ABA centers across the area to provide training and support communication needs in the classroom setting. Our contracted services range from virtual training to in-person therapy & evaluations. We also provide support to families navigating the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) process.
How We Can Help
Meet Nicole
Director of the AAC clinic
Nicole has spent the past 7 years in pediatric private practice, gaining extensive experience in early intervention, articulation, infant feeding and swallowing, AAC device implementation, fluency, apraxia of speech, and school-aged language disorders. Although she is skilled in many areas, AAC has always been her passion.
She has helped countless families obtain personal AAC devices and has completed numerous CEU courses to enhance her skills. Nicole enjoys building lasting rapport with patients and their families, helping them reach their communication goals through a total communication method that includes AAC devices. Her passion is driven by moments like parents hearing "I love you" for the first time. Nicole is currently working towards her board certification in AAC.
Myths & Facts
SURROUNDING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES AND SERVICES
MYTH
Assistive Technology (AT) should only be considered at some individualized education program (IEP) Team meetings.
Each time an IEP Team develops, reviews, or revises a child’s IEP, the IEP Team must consider whether the child requires AT devices and services.
FACT
MYTH
Providing an AT device to a child with a disability satisfies the IDEA’s AT requirements.
IDEA requires IEP Teams to consider whether a child with a disability needs AT devices and services.
FACT
MYTH
Children can learn to use an AT device on their own; educators have no obligation to provide training to a child or to their family.
It is the responsibility of the LEA to ensure that the child with a disability, parents, and educators know how the AT device works through the provision of AT services.
FACT
MYTH
Providing AT devices and services is optional under IDEA and an LEA does not have to provide AT devices and services if there are no funds available for the AT device and service.
IEP Teams must consider AT devices and services for all children with IEPs and must provide and fully fund the AT devices and services if the IEP Team determines they are necessary to provide FAPE for the child.
FACT
MYTH
An AT evaluation must be conducted prior to providing an AT device and service to a child with a disability
An AT evaluation can be included as an AT service for a child but is not required under the IDEA.
FACT
Many AT devices or tools may be computer based, but items like visual schedules
and calendars, binder clips, squishy balls, or stickers may also be considered AT
FACT
MYTH
AT always involves an electronic device and is always high-tech.
See what our clients are saying
Ever since my baby started using the AAC device I have noticed such an improvement in her mood. She’s less frustrated because she understands that she has a way of letting us into her world and sharing her thoughts and feelings with us. Having her device has also boosted her confidence and made her want practice using her voice that much more. She’s become much more open and inquisitive and I’m so grateful that we introduced this for her, it’s made all the difference in the world.
-Chandra Pinkston
-Lizzie Daiss
My boys were diagnosed with autism, low spectrum, in early January 2024. From there, one of them was a little verbal and the other was mostly non-verbal. After getting to ABA therapy, and speech therapy with WeeCare, they showed so much difference. I would say in the past 4 months or so, the AAC was introduced to us and it was a LIFE CHANGER. Literally! My boys are both verbal, can express their needs and wants, and we have even noticed their tolerance and
patience levels have lowered and less aggression. I am able to communicate with them and they are able to communicate with me. Uploading all their favorite things, wants, and needs, has helped them so much. I cannot express the gratitude nor happiness I feel with their progression, and how excited I am to see where they go from here,
with the help of their AAC devices, and their therapies.
I told the speech therapist at WeeCare, that my boys
had previously received speech therapy for two years, and never heard
of AAC, I could not imagine the significant difference it would have made at an early age of development. I am PRO AAC and I thank
Nicole, and the whole WeeCare therapy for being so passionate
and wanting to advocate for our children. I believe every child deserves the chance to be able to use the AAC devices.
-Quanea Tillman
The A.A.C device has truly changed our lives, but most importantly, it has changed the life of our daughter, Ava. Prior to starting the eye gaze, Ava had not yet developed her fine motor skills and was not reaching for anything. When starting with the eye gaze, it gave Ava the motivation to reach and touch for something. Within a short period of time, Ava was touching the eye gaze talker which eventually resulted in her moving to the A.A.C. Device. These devices have helped to eliminate frustrations that a nonverbal individual feels, especially a child, while making it possible for them to reach the same milestones as verbal individuals do, through their own way and timing. The devices allow nonverbal individuals to live their lives, reach their own milestones, and give them a voice . By providing and encouraging diverse communication devices and skills, it not only has given our own Ava a voice, but has helped shaped the lives of so many other individuals! The progress Ava has made so far and the confidence she has shown has been so inspiring and empowering that we hope other people in the world will have the opportunity to experience through the use of these devices.
-Kathryn Sanders
