Augmentative and Alternative Communication Partnership Program (AAC Partnership Program)
Project Description:
The AAC-PP is designed to support SLPs, and other team members, working with children who need an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evaluation. It was developed with aims to: (1) increase access to AAC services for individuals across the state, (2) provide teams with recommendations to continue growing their student's communication skills, and (3) increase the statewide capacity of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to provide AAC services. When individuals are referred to the AAC-PP, the clinical team in the Communication Aids & Systems Clinic (CASC) at the Waisman Center reviews the intake information provided by the referring/partner SLP to determine the most appropriate service model for that child. Service models in the AAC-PP include: direct support and consultation. The direct support model consists of a one-time feature-matching evaluation completed at the Waisman Center in collaboration with the individual's team and family. The subsequent rental period, purchase documentation, and ongoing intervention are carried out by the student's partner SLP. Immediately following the assessment, the clinical team at CASC will provide the partner SLP with a "road map" that includes resources, checklists, templates, etc. to support the remaining steps in the SGD acquisition process. A primary intended outcome of this service delivery model is to provide resources and empower partner SLPs to complete this process as independently as possible, so they feel confident in their ability to do so in the future- thereby increasing access to AAC. Teams are expected to commit and participate for the full duration of the Partnership Program which is designed to be approximately 3-6 months in length. The consultative model is a way to provide support to teams looking for guidance with "next steps" on a student's communication journey such as, advancing or supporting use of an already-existing AAC system. The outcome from this model is to support teams in the moment to advance supports offered to individual in their schools.
Core Function(s):
Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities, Other - Assistive Technology
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
