AAC Implementation & Communication Access Support
Provided in English and/or Mandarin
by a certified bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
These services are designed for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users and their support networks. We focus on removing communication barriers and supporting authentic, multi-modal communication across home, community, recreational, vocational, and daily living environments. Our primary goal is to ensure the AAC user has the tools, environment, and support they need to communicate authentically in their actual life.
Important Distinction: These services are consultative and implementation-based. They do not constitute speech-language therapy, clinical treatment, evaluation, diagnosis, or remediation services.
How Communication Access Support Differs From Traditional Speech Therapy
To help families and planning teams determine the right fit, here is how our Implementation Support differs from traditional clinical therapy:
Clinical Speech & Language Therapy Services
Scope: Focuses on speech and language development, assessment, and treatment
Delivery: Direct 1:1 clinical primarily between the therapist and the client
Goals: Geared toward language acquisition, self-expression, and communication skill building
Funding: Typically utilizes medical funding streams
AAC Implementation &
Communication Access Support
Scope: Focuses on AAC system programming and community access
Delivery: Collaborative coaching primarily with parents, caregivers, and the support network
Goals: Geared toward self-determination and independence in the community
Funding: May be funded as a community support service (e.g., SDP Code 360)
What Our Implementation Services Include:
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AAC Programming & Customization: Directly programming the AAC device or app to ensure it grows with the user. This includes organizing folders, co-designing layouts, and adding highly personalized vocabulary for special interests, daily routines, and authentic self-expression.
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Vocabulary for Autonomy: Ensuring access to robust vocabulary for self-advocacy, setting boundaries, declining activities, and expressing personal choices.
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Support Network Coaching: Partnering with parents, caregivers, and support staff to create accessible communication environments.
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Environmental Access Planning: Assessing homes, workplaces, or community spaces to identify and remove barriers to communication.
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Device Management: Establishing consistent maintenance routines (charging, mounting, software updates) and troubleshooting technical issues to ensure the device is always accessible.
Real-World Support Areas
We collaborate with the AAC user and their team to build communication independence and joy in functional, everyday scenarios, such as:
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Self-advocacy and expressing boundaries
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Directing support, care, and daily living tasks
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Navigating the community and utilizing transportation
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Communicating effectively and advocating during medical or dental appointments
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Connecting with peers and participating in social, recreational, or vocational spaces
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Ordering food, shopping, and accessing community resources
Funding Options & Self-Determination Program (SDP)
Our core goal is to increase communication access, self-determination, and quality of life across all environments while honoring each individual's unique neurotype. These services may be funded through private pay or the California Regional Center Self-Determination Program (SDP) when authorized by the participant’s planning team and consistent with their Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals for community integration, autonomy, and independence. If you are an SDP participant, we are happy to provide an overview of our services to your Independent Facilitator or Service Coordinator to ensure alignment with your budget and goals.