Questions to Ask When Seeking an AAC Provider

This resource is for informational purposes only. We compiled it to help you search for a non-school-based AAC Specialist. Use of any information provided on this website is at your own risk, for which NWACS shall not be held liable.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) specialize in many different areas of speech, language, and communication. Not all SLPs have the same level of expertise or experience in providing AAC services.

AAC services include:

• AAC evaluation: The SLP spends time getting to know the AAC user. This includes how they currently communicate and what they are unable to communicate. The SLP assesses different ways to help the AAC user say anything they want to anyone, anywhere. This may include different technologies to support their ability to communicate.

• AAC therapy: AAC therapy is language and communication therapy. It includes learning how to use the AAC system. And strategies to support using it to communicate. Goals include different areas of communicative competence. For more information about AAC competencies, read these blog posts.

• AAC training: The provider teaches the person, family, and other team members how to

  • set up and personalize the AAC system,

  • use and navigate the AAC system, and

  • strategies to be a supportive communication partner.

• AAC consultation: The provider coaches team members to support

  • consistent use of the AAC system,

  • follow through and generalization of AAC therapy and training, and

  • prevent common pitfalls that may lead to the abandonment of the AAC system.

A provider may offer one, some, or all these services. Some AAC SLPs only work with children. Others only work with adults. Some work with both.

An AAC SLP who seems good “on paper” may not be a good match for every AAC user or situation. Finding a provider who is a good fit for your or your loved one’s needs may take some effort. When you have some leads on possible providers to consider, it is time to start asking questions! You are interviewing the “candidates” for the position as your or your loved one’s AAC SLP.

Sample questions to ask:

• Are you licensed to practice? In Washington State, SLPs practicing outside of a school setting are required to be licensed by the Department of Health. Here is a summary of licensure requirements in Washington State.

• Do you take my insurance/funding source for the services provided?

• What is the wait time to get an appointment?

• Do you conduct AAC evaluations?

  • If yes, do you also provide follow-up treatment? Is there a limit to follow-up visits?

  • Do you do the funding process and help get the AAC device or system?

  • If you provide the evaluation only, how do you support follow-up treatment with another provider?

  • Do you have access to various equipment and systems? What are some examples?

• Do you provide ongoing AAC therapy?

  • If you only offer therapy, how do you collaborate with an evaluating provider to get an AAC system?

  • What is your therapy model (e.g., frequency and duration of therapy sessions, caregiver involvement, child/user-led, family-centered, etc.)?

• Do you offer training and/or consultation?

  • What kind of parent, guardian, or caregiver support do you offer?

  • Do you offer training for, support to, or collaboration with other professionals on my or my loved one’s team (e.g., teacher, ABA team, OT, doctors, etc)?

• What kind of training have you had in AAC?

• What systems do you have experience with? What is your comfort level with different AAC systems/equipment?

  • Light-tech? High-tech? Dedicated SGDs? Tablet-based? Specific operating systems?

• What is your overall experience with AAC? What hands-on AAC work do you do on a regular basis?

• How comfortable are you with providing AAC services?

• How long have you been providing AAC services? What do you do to stay current in the field?

• What is your AAC philosophy?

  • As a provider, what do you see as your role on my or my loved one’s care team? Do you collaborate? Do you disseminate information or training? How frequently do you meet and talk with team members? How do you measure progress?

• Provide the SLP with an overview of your or your loved one’s current communication skills and diagnosis. Then ask: What AAC supports have you provided in the past to a person with a similar profile?

• How do you support the customization and personalization of my or my loved one’s AAC system?

• What is your process for determining a good AAC fit?

• What is my role in the assessment and intervention process?

• How long does it take you to select the best AAC system for a person?

• What funding resources do you have experience with?

• What options do you have to trial different access methods? (e.g., switches/scanning, eye gaze, partner-assisted scanning, etc.)

  • What would happen if you did not have a needed piece of AAC equipment?