Our Why.
Every child who could benefit from an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) or Speech-Generating Device (SGD) should have one
Parents have to navigate many obstacles in their endeavor to provide their child with speech potential through an AAC device.
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These barriers include:
Accessibility: The insurance approval process is complex and time-consuming, often requiring 3-6 months for completion.
Access to funding and insurance coverage may also vary, making it more difficult for some individuals to obtain access.
Every family with a child who has an (AAC) or
Speech-Generating Device (SGD) should understand
its value and want to use it
Children may lack motivation to use the devices beyond the confines of school or therapeutic environments.
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How can we better support them ?
Customization: Personalizing the vocabulary and symbols on the device to match the user's specific communication needs and life can be a complex and ongoing process, but having a device that reflects what’s important to the user can be invaluable.
Parents are encouraged to model effective communication using the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device at home.
However some parents do not fully understand how the device functions, while others might feel uneasy with technology or fear damaging the device, leading to hesitancy in engaging with it.
How can we better support our parents?
Support the Family Learning Curve: Learning to use an SGD effectively takes time and practice. Families should be learning new words and important phrases along with the SDG Users. It is a process.
Lack of Interaction with Peers Using AAC/SGD
AAC users and their families need to witness individuals like themselves successfully navigating the world beyond classroom and speech therapy settings. Observing these successes establishes a sense of what is possible. Representation matters.
End Isolation:
Every child using AAC/SGD needs the opportunity to interact with peers facing similar challenges. This lack of interaction can hinder their social development and limit their exposure to successful communication models.