An AAC Program Review session is appropriate for a learner who is actively using an AAC system, but guidance is needed to increase effectiveness. The session can be conducted onsite or online through a secure platform. Initial consultations are scheduled for a total of 60 minutes and are tailored to the needs of each learner, family and/or requesting provider.

• Online session $150

• 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 pre-session documents 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, including how you are currently using your AAC system. You may also be asked to share pictures or screen shots/videos of your learner’s current AAC system so that your coach can get a sense of what is already available.

• 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 consultation 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 session 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 AAC Program Review session will be scheduled for 60 minutes, but it may be shorter depending on your learner’s tolerance, and your needs. Your session will be individualized to your learner’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. Alternatively, his time may be spent reviewing video footage of your learner interacting with primary partners. This observation should include your learner’s use of his/her current AAC system as he/she normally would during these activities.

• Interaction with the coach focused on observing and eliciting specific skills related to communication and AAC use will be conducted if your session 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 while your coach observes. 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 AAC Program Review package.

What to Expect After Your Session

• A written summary will be provided to you outlining recommendations for modifications to your learner’s AAC tools and partner strategies that may be supportive in your learner developing effective use of his/her AAC system. This report is yours to share with other providers supporting your family as you see fit.

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

• Coaching Sessions as needed to assist in making modifications to your AAC system and implementing interaction strategies recommended during your consultation visit. Your coach is able to collaborate with your treating provider, early intervention program, ABS clinic, or school district in these efforts. Coaching sessions can be scheduled at any point and are an additional service beyond your AAC Program Review package.