Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is the use of different communication methods to support, enhance or supplement the communication of people who do not have the ability to communicate their own thoughts, ideas, needs, and desires, independently and verbally .
People with severe speech or language problems rely on AAC to supplement existing speech or replace speech that is not functional.
At “Speech Therapy Services” we provide multidisciplinary and comprehensive assessments for people of all ages who have severe difficulties with speaking.
We use special augmentative aids, such as picture and symbol communication boards and electronic devices to help people express themselves. This may increase social interaction, school performance, and feelings of self-worth.
Services that we provide include:
- Comprehensive, objective AAC evaluations for all ages and disabilities
- Evaluation reports appropriate for third party payers
- Access to a full range of state of the art communication aids
- Access to a variety of switches which may allow persons with severe physical disabilities access to communication aids
- Follow-up recommendations and therapy to insure appropriate use of equipment
- Customized instruction programs for implementation by teachers, therapists, and other professionals
- Recommendations for the use of communication systems in vocational and educational settings
- Professional training, consultation, and workshops for families and health educational, and vocational agencies
We provide resources, evaluation, equipment access and programming and therapeutic instruction for individuals who are unable to learn functional communication through traditional speech-language therapy.
Speech-language pathologists at “Speech Therapy Services“ evaluate children with AAC needs and help with selection of the most appropriate device. They have experience working with children who have:
- Motor speech disorders
- Motor impairments
- Progressive illnesses
- Receptive and/or expressive language disorders
- Developmental delay/Autism
- Brain injury/Cerebral palsy
- Congenital anomalies
The skilled speech/language pathologists (SLPs) who work with your child will identify and develop AAC strategies to promote functional communication including sign, gestures, pictures, symbols, text and speech generating devices.
The therapists who work with us are current in the latest AAC technologies, apps and software – from an iPad with Proloquo2Go to high-tech eye gaze technology – and everything in between.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, contact us for more information at (561) 123-1234