An Initial AAC Tech Consultation session is appropriate for a learner who is not actively using an AAC system. The session can be conducted onsite or online through a secure platform. Initial consultations are scheduled for a total of 90 minutes and are tailored to the needs of each learner, family and/or requesting provider.

• Online session $200

• Funding packet add-on $100

  • Choose this add-on if you are seeking an AAC device to be paid for by insurance or other non-private payer.

What to Expect Before Your Session

• Your coach will share intake and pre-assessment paperwork for you to complete and return prior to your session.

• You may be asked to upload video to your learner’s shared folder to help your coach observe how you and your learner are currently communicating and interacting.

• If your session is virtual, you may be asked to prepare to engage in a few fun and motivating activities with your learner during the assessment session while your coach observes.

• You may want to share recent reports from providers supporting your learner, such as SLP, OT, PT, Education, Vision, Hearing, or ABA. This information helps your coach plan your assessment and make connections with your team to collaborate on appropriate AAC tools and strategies.

Once you are scheduled, your coach will share important information about your visit through Google Drive and email, including your appointment details and your session link (if your session is a virtual session).

What to Expect During Your Session

Your initial AAC Tech Consultation session will be scheduled for 90 minutes, but it may be shorter depending on your learner’s tolerance and your needs. Your session will be individualized to your learner’s and family’s needs, but will generally include the following activities:

• Interview with parent(s) and other primary communication partners, 15-30 minutes at the start of your session. Your learner does not need to be present for this portion of your session, but he/she can be.

• Observation of your learner interacting naturally with you and/or other familiar communication partners, playing or participating in a motivating routine that highlights his/her communication skills and sheds light on present challenges. This time may be spent reviewing video footage of your learner interacting with primary partners as well.

• Interaction with the coach, focused on observing and eliciting specific skills related to communication and AAC use will be conducted if your visit is onsite. If your visit is virtual, your coach may prepare some materials for these activities to be shared with you ahead of your session and provide you with instructions to facilitate these activities with your learner. If appropriate, your coach may prepare some virtual activities to engage in with your learner to provide additional information on these skills.

• Discussion of initial observations and recommendations with a focus on next steps, time permitting. This will include time for you to ask initial questions. A more detailed discussion of findings and recommendations will be offered to you during a follow-up session, included in your initial consultation package.

What to Expect After Your Session

• A written consultation report will be provided to you outlining the results of the assessment and recommendations for AAC tools and strategies. This report will include general features to consider when choosing an AAC tool for trial. This report is yours to share with other providers supporting your family as you see fit.

• Discussion of the assessment results and report in a 15 minute follow-up conference conducted virtually or by phone. This conference will provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and receive guidance on next steps as outlined in your written report. You may wish to schedule coaching sessions for additional support in the next steps of your AAC journey.

• Coaching Sessions as needed to assist in identifying AAC systems to trial and in trialing those systems prior to purchasing a system. Your coach is able to collaborate with your treating provider, early intervention program, ABA center, or school district in these efforts. Coaching sessions can be scheduled at any point and are an additional service beyond your Initial AAC Tech Consultation.