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Home » Augmentative Communication »
How to Get an AAC Evaluation
A good place to start is with your school district. Let them know your child has difficulty communicating. If your child is already receiving speech and language therapy, then talk to your speech/language pathologist. Let him or her know that you are interested in learning more about AAC and that you want your child to have an AAC evaluation. The school district should have an Assistive Technology Team that will complete the evaluation or help you find someone qualified to do so.
Another place to look is at a local college or university program that provides speech and language therapy services. Many times these facilities provide AAC evaluations, or can help you find someone who is qualified to complete the evaluation.
The key is to remember that there are many options available to help your child communicate. The federal government revised the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1997 and again in 2004 to make sure that all children are provided with the support they need to learn best in the classroom. That means if there is an AAC device or strategy that will allow your child to be a more active learner in the classroom, then the educational team must provide that device or service to your child.
Every child has a right to communicate, and there are many different ways in which children communicate their thoughts and needs. Whether it is through speech, gestures, sign language, pictures, or a voice output communication system, the important thing is that your child can begin communicating and learning.