Assessments...
Our clinicians offer a number of comprehensive assessments. While we are best known for our augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and assistive technology (AT) evaluations, we offer a number of others too.
Here is what we do and what they mean:
AAC
An AAC evaluation involves a careful process known as feature matching, where the individual's unique needs are identified and then matched with specific features available within AAC systems. The AAC system with the best combination of features is then trialed before making the final determination of what AAC system to get. An AAC Evaluation will assist to answer the following questions:
-
What communication approaches have been recommended?
-
Which approaches will be used for various modes of communication? Quick phrases? Expressing feelings? Giving and getting information? Conversation with family and friends? Written communication?
-
What symbols (e.g., letters, pictures, graphics, words, or phrases) will be used on boards or devices?
-
Is there enough flexibility in the recommended communication system so that communication is possible in a variety of settings?
-
Will special equipment or switches need to be bought or made?
-
What body positions can be used to increase communication and function?
-
Can the recommended system be modified as capabilities and needs change?
-
Why were the recommended techniques chosen?
-
Which professionals will be carrying out the recommended communication plan and how often must they be seen?
-
How will this be funded?
An AAC Evaluation carefully assesses the following:
-
The individual's communication needs.
-
The individual's speech, language, and pragmatic strengths and areas of need.
-
The individual's cognitive, visual, hearing, fine and gross motor abilities as they relate to the use of AAC.
-
Feature matching the individual's access needs (i.e., how big or small the system needs to be) with his or her language and communication needs.
-
The individual's performance using at least 3 contrasting systems ranging in price and sophistication of technology (i.e., high-tech versus low-tech).
-
What goals should be addressed to support the individual's success with the system.
-
How the system should be implemented and who should be involved.
Commūnicāre, LLC clinicians implement evidence-based best practices for evaluation, treatment and consultation procedures. Evaluations meet Medicare Durable Medical Equipment (DME) funding standards, and involve at least a 4-week trial period.
AT
The purpose of an assistive technology assessment is to match the capabilities and needs of an individual to the characteristics of an assistive technology device or service. Identification of appropriate technology interventions can be achieved through the implementation of a logical, systematic decision-making approach guided by certain fundamental principles.
We help walk you through the following 8 steps:
-
Identify the Individual’s Tasks to be accomplished
-
Gather Background Information
-
Match the Individual with Equipment Features
-
Equipment Considerations
-
Establish Trial Use of Equipment
-
Reconsider Options
-
Develop Training Plans
-
Define Follow-up Activities
Some examples of outcomes include:
-
Software to support a student’s IEP goals.
-
Specific technology tools to support a student’s reading & writing.
-
Technology-based strategies to accommodate a student who is a poor reader in the content areas.
-
A reliable method of gaining access to computers and the Internet for students with physical/sensory disabilities.
Speech, Language and Functional Communication
Our team is comprised of licensed speech language pathologists (SLPs), and we are licensed to complete comprehensive speech and language testing. Given our experience in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), we are able to connect an individual's speech and language skills to how they can communicate as effectively and efficiently as possible given their unique communication and learning profile. In addition, we emphasize recommendations and detail ways in which communication partners can support the individual's understanding and ability to communicate.