3 parts – Download all 3 Part I – Assessment Toolkit Equipment Part I – Assessment Toolkit Equipment List of equipment to use List of equipment to use Part II – Assessment Resources Part II – Assessment Resources Ideas/Resources Ideas/Resources Symbol examples Symbol examples Templates for Paperwork Templates for Paperwork Part III – Researching Device Choices Part III – Researching Device Choices Templates for Research Templates for Research Funding information Funding information

Part III of 3 parts Part III – Researching Device Choices Part III – Researching Device Choices Templates for Research Templates for Research Funding information Funding information

Knowledge about device/systems Access method Access method Symbols used Symbols used Rate enhancers Rate enhancers Type of device (digitized, dynamic display, text-to- speech/keyboard, integrated) Type of device (digitized, dynamic display, text-to- speech/keyboard, integrated) Accessories required Accessories required Medicare version required Medicare version required Cost Cost Size / weight Size / weight Etc. Etc.

Rate enhancement Some examples Some examples Premade vocabulary Premade vocabulary Semantic compaction Semantic compaction Prediction (word, grammatical, phrase, character) Prediction (word, grammatical, phrase, character) Abbreviation Expansion Abbreviation Expansion

Types of devices to consider Dynamic display Dynamic display Integrated systems Integrated systems Text – to – speech Text – to – speech Digitized Digitized Simpler digitized Simpler digitized Single message communicators Single message communicators

Dynamic Display Multiple pages Multiple pages “Navigate between pages” “Navigate between pages” Variety of symbols available Variety of symbols available Both types of speech (digitized & synthesized) Both types of speech (digitized & synthesized)

Dynamic Display (examples only – not all inclusive)

Integrated System Multiple pages Multiple pages “Navigate between pages” “Navigate between pages” Variety of symbols available Variety of symbols available Both types of speech (digitized & synthesized) Both types of speech (digitized & synthesized) Includes computer components Includes computer components

Integrated Systems (examples only – not all inclusive)

Digitized Simpler communication needs Simpler communication needs Recorded voice Recorded voice Use of picture Use of picture Most of them have: Paper overlays that are changed Paper overlays that are changed Static display Static display

Digitized Devices (examples only – not all inclusive)

Text to Speech Mainly spelling (keyboard and some have scanning) Mainly spelling (keyboard and some have scanning) Most have built-in keyboards Most have built-in keyboards Mostly synthesized speech, though some have digitized speech Mostly synthesized speech, though some have digitized speech

Text-to-Speech (examples only – not all inclusive)

Single message communicators (examples only – not all inclusive) Replays one message at a time Replays one message at a time Recorded speech Recorded speech Some can do multiple messages (repeats different message each time you select it) Some can do multiple messages (repeats different message each time you select it) Some can do different levels / situations Some can do different levels / situations

Single message communicators

Decision-Making & Supporting Documentation Templates for you to use (see CD) Device Review Device Review Analyzing Devices Analyzing Devices Comparison Chart Comparison Chart

Website which gives the following free information Website which gives the following free information List of all of the manufacturers List of all of the manufacturers the manufacturers from this site (to order catalogues, contact them, etc.) the manufacturers from this site (to order catalogues, contact them, etc.) List of all of the major devices List of all of the major devices (4 pictures or more per device page) (4 pictures or more per device page) Download PDF flyers from manufacturers for free Download PDF flyers from manufacturers for free

aacTechConnect.com home page

aacTechConnect.com Device Assistant –helps you search

Side-by-side comparisons

Explore Programming of the device Try the actual programming – see how it feels Try the actual programming – see how it feels Communication partners need to feel comfortable with the programming Communication partners need to feel comfortable with the programming Sales representatives can assist Sales representatives can assist Ask what support options include Ask what support options include

Trialing equipment Vendors – local resources Vendors – local resources Manufacturers Manufacturers Loan equipment Loan equipment Rental options Rental options ASHA – list of questions to ask manufacturers ASHA – list of questions to ask manufacturers

Accessories Carry bags Carry bags Keyguards Keyguards Access hardware (switches/head controlled device, joystick, etc.) Access hardware (switches/head controlled device, joystick, etc.) Mounting systems/componants Mounting systems/componants Extra power (if required) Extra power (if required) Internet/computer access (hardware/software) Internet/computer access (hardware/software) Environmental controls Environmental controls Software to make overlays (for digitized devices) Software to make overlays (for digitized devices) Others? Others?

Completing the paperwork Gather Gather Summarize Summarize Write report Write report Get quote / info from manufacturer Get quote / info from manufacturer Complete funding paperwork (packets from each company) Complete funding paperwork (packets from each company)

Free templates & Paperwork Assistant Report Coach: aacfundinghelp.com Report Coach: aacfundinghelp.com Dynavox – funding manager Dynavox – funding manager Templates on Templates on It can help Guide you Guide you Make it easier Make it easier Help include required information for various funding sources Help include required information for various funding sources

Paperwork Assistant from AAC TechConnect (free trial)

Funding rd party medical funding (Medicaid, Medicare, Private Insurance) 3 rd party medical funding (Medicaid, Medicare, Private Insurance) Medicaid Available Medicaid Available Educational or Vocational Educational or Vocational or Independent living Private pay or donations Private pay or donations (Used equipment) (Used equipment)

Knowledge about best practices Evidence-based practice refers to an approach in which current, high-quality research evidence is integrated with practitioner expertise and client preferences and values into the process of making clinical decisions. Evidence-based practice refers to an approach in which current, high-quality research evidence is integrated with practitioner expertise and client preferences and values into the process of making clinical decisions. Web list Web list Web list Web list To download handouts, go to To download handouts, go to go to EVENTS - see materials listed there

Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP 866.4U.AAC.RX U.AAC.RX ( ) Elizabeth (Libby) Rush, MA, CCC-SLP Independent AAC/AT Consultant 424 Bywood Drive Durham, NC

Thank you for your interest in Augmentative Communication Evaluations: Simplified