Are you a parent of a child who struggles to communicate verbally? You may have heard of augmentative-alternative communication (AAC). If you’ve heard of AAC, you may have gone to see a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Maybe your SLP mentioned getting a speech-generating device (SGD) for your child. SO MANY ACRONYMS! What does all of this even mean? What will it be like?
The following infographic and text briefly outline getting an AAC device when trying to have your insurance pay for the device.
One path to obtaining a speech-generating device.
See a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for an initial evaluation. A speech-language pathologist will evaluate your child’s speech, language, and communication skills. They may refer you to an AAC specialist for further evaluation.
See an SLP for an AAC evaluation. Get ready to answer a whole lot of questions! Your SLP will want to know how your child is communicating and what methods you and your child use to communicate.
Device trials. After the initial evaluation, your SLP will recommend 2 or 3 different options. Over the next few sessions, you and your child will get the chance to try each option.
SLP submits report for funding. Once you and your SLP have figured out what system works best for your child, your SLP will write a really long report. That report is sent to your child’s doctor and then to your insurance provider.
Insurance approves payment for your device! (Hopefully.) And you’re off! Now the work begins! You have officially entered the Implementation phase.
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