Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

What is AAC?
AAC is the area of speech therapy service that identifies, recommends and implements customized strategies, techniques and devices that assist individuals with severe communication disorders to participate more fully in their lives using communication supports.

What is an AAC System?
An AAC system is a group of materials that work together to enhance an individual’s communication. It can include symbols, high tech and low tech devices, strategies and techniques. The AAC System serves to supplement any existing gestures, speech and/or written communication skills.

What is an AAC Evaluation?
An AAC evaluation determines what AAC System is needed by the individual to enable communication that will support attaining daily participation and life desires.

How should an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Evaluation be Considered?

AAC evaluations are available for persons with developmental disabilities, upon referral from the individual’s interdisciplinary team (IDT). If an IDT has concerns regarding an individual’s functional communication, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) should be added to the IDT. This can be done with the assistance of the individual’s case manager and the secondary Freedom of Choice (FOC) process. The SLP will perform an initial evaluation and develop a Therapy Intervention Plan (TIP). A part of the initial SLP evaluations or part of the TIP may include a recommendation to refer to an AAC specialist. An individual who has worked with their IDT and SLP over time may benefit from a consultation or an evaluation with an AAC specialist. This kind of specialist is an SLP with expertise in the area of AAC. Some speech therapy agencies listed on the secondary FOC may perform this evaluation or the IDT may choose to make a referral to the Therapy Services Unit.

AAC Evaluation by the Therapy Services Unit

If an AAC evaluation is requested from the Therapy Services Unit, a referral form must be completed by the IDT’s SLP. Upon receipt of the referral form by the Therapy Services Unit, the SLP will be contacted regarding scheduling. It is expected that the SLP will attend the AAC evaluation. Additional therapists are often needed to perform the evaluation. These may include a physical therapist with expertise in positioning for function and wheelchair mounting systems and/or an occupational therapist with expertise in functional vision and physical access to the AAC System.

Funding of AAC Systems
NM Medicaid Regulations for AAC Devices (click here)
 Medicare AAC Evaluation Resources (click here)
 Assistive Technology (AT) Fund (click here)

For more information or for referrals, contact the Clinical Services Bureau - Therapy Services Team.

Read more about the Clinical Services Bureau (click here).