Augmentative and Alternative Communication Services

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports are appropriate for students who are not able to use speech as their primary mode of communication to access the curriculum, either due to cognitive/language deficits or a physical impairment. AAC is within the scope of practice of all speech-language pathologists, so all direct services involving AAC are provided by the site SLP. When the site team needs support in choosing and implementing an AAC system, they can contact the AAC Specialists for consultation. The AAC Specialists consult district-wide to classrooms and SLPs as well as providing group trainings and distance learning via the ATAAC website.

Although AAC is generally considered to be “under the umbrella” of Assistive Technology, they are separate services within MDUSD. The AT Specialist provides equipment and consultation to help students access learning, while the AAC Specialists provide equipment and consultation to help students communicate.

How to know if you have exhausted your site resources.

• Has the team (primarily the teacher and SLP) completed and implemented a Communication Support Plan?
• Have any members of the team attended an Open Lab at the ATAAC office?
• Have the team members utilized the resources and training available on the ATAAC website?

Downloads and Links:
ATAAC Website

MDUSD AAC Process Flowchart

 

Prerequisite Skills- Static Display

 

Prerequisite Skills- Dynamic Display

Communication Support Plan & Instructions

Nonverbal Student Transition Assistant

If you have general questions about AAC or the AAC consult process at MDUSD, you can contact one of the AAC Specialists, Carrie Balick (balickc@mdusd.org).