Clinic: Communication Aids and Systems Clinic (CASC)

2026

The Waisman Center Clinics provide comprehensive clinical care and support for children with disabilities and their families. The Waisman Center Communication Aids & Systems Clinic (CASC) is a partnership with the UW Rehabilitation Department of the UW Hospital & Clinics (UWHC). The CASC team's speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists partner with families to provide highly specialized, cutting-edge augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for children and adults experiencing significant communication difficulties. CASC provides services for people who have a range of disabilities that include: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), spinal cord injuries, aphasia, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, autism, Rett syndrome, Down syndrome, and multiple disabilities. Patients served by CASC access a wide array of AAC and computer access technology including: low technology AAC such as communication boards and books; high technology AAC including communication devices with voice output, often referred to as speech generating devices (SGD); equipment that provides adapted access methods for operating AAC and computers (allowing the use of such options as switches, head pointing and eye gaze access); adaptive communication applications for "off the shelf" technology, such as portable tablets and mobile media devices. The expected outcomes of this program is increased access to communication which can improve daily lives across the board in terms of behavior management, independent living, recreation, education access and employment.

communication aids, assistive technology

Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Developing & Disseminating Information

Health-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban, Specific Groups

State

N/A