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.

Return to AAC
AAC Loan Bank more
Other AAC Evaluation Devices more

Funding of AAC Systems
NM Medicaid Regulations for AAC Devices (click here)

 Medicare AAC Evaluation Resources (click here)
 Assistive Technology (AT) Fund (click here)

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