Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our step by step guide here!

• • Staff should ensure parents sign the Home Use Agreement and upload it into SSM before sending the CPS-owned device home. 

  • This agreement will come with the device; if it has been misplaced, please reach out to your ATRC itinerant for another copy.

• • The student’s teacher and speech-language pathologist are required to attend our dynamic device training in order to begin a dynamic device trial. 

  • If the student already has a communication device, all staff should be trained in programming and implementation. 

  • Parents and paraprofessionals are encouraged to attend

  • The training consists of two portions. These are MANDATORY in order to begin an AAC trial. 

    • AAC Basics via Google Classroom

    • OSD Augmentative and Alternative Communication Interactive LIVE webinar 

      • To "test out" of the AAC Basics course, you must pass the AAC Basics Quiz with 80% or higher. 

  • Click here for more information on training or check out our training flyer

    • CPDUs will be available through the Learning Hub

• • Your ATRC evaluator will complete an AAC report in SSM and will contact you with further instructions. 

  • The device must be included in the student’s IEP in order to allocate a system. An IEP revision must be completed to include the device within AM Special Factors, as well as the academic goals

• • Complete an incident report 

  • Contact your ATRC itinerant to let them know

  • Ship the device to our central office location for repair (via Warehouse Services, not the regular CPS Mail-Run)

• • Please check everywhere it could be located (e.g. closets, backpacks, school bus). You’d be surprised how many turn up! If it still cannot be found:

  • Contact your ATRC itinerant as soon as possible

    • A police report will need to be completed and sent to ATRC assistivetech@cps.edu (cc your ATRC Itinerant) before replacement equipment will be shipped

    • Here is the online police report link to use: Online Police Report

• • Complete the same process for a lost device

• • Check out the ATRC Equipment Return website: ATRC Equipment Return Website 

  • Determine where your equipment needs to be shipped (either the Loop Office if it is high-tech AAC or the Warehouse Office if it is Lite or Mid-Tech AAC). If you are unsure, please ask you your ATRC Itinerant. 

    • ATRC Warehouse Office Return Label

    • ATRC Loop Office Return Label

  • Complete the Warehouse Services document and scan to: warehouseservices@cps.edu

  • Pack your equipment securely in a box or padded envelope and attach Warehouse Services label to the top of the package

  • Leave the package in the school office and let office staff know it is for Warehouse pickup

• • Repairs depend on how the device was damaged and if our technicians can repair it. Sometimes, equipment must be sent back to the manufacturer for repair, which will take longer.

  • We do not provide loaner equipment during the repair process; please use a paper-based system during this time.

  • Please do NOT send the equipment directly to the manufacturer; please send it to the ATRC first, and we will ship it.

  • Always contact your ATRC Itinerant in order for a repair request to be made.

• • Objective data is needed to determine if the device is appropriate for the academic setting.

  • The student may bring their device to school at their parents’ discretion; however, it will not be supported by the ATRC for repairs until the trial is completed and data is collected.

  • Once a trial is completed and the device is determined to be appropriate for the academic setting, our recommendations will be included in the IEP, and the device will be supported.

    • ATRC will support the repair of parent-provided AAC devices for CPS students when there is data/evidence supporting successful implementation and usage by the student and school.

  • Submit an ATRC referral in SSM and complete a formal trial using the device within the academic setting.

    • The team will need to attend training

• • We need data to support including the device in the IEP for academics. 

  • Submit an AT/AAC Referral to start the process of an AAC trial, as data is necessary to support the need for an AAC device.

• • If the student is new to the school, please contact their previous school to see if the equipment is still there. It can be sent between locations using Warehouse Services. If you need assistance with this, please contact your ATRC Itinerant. 

• • CPS-provided systems are owned by the district and must be returned.

  • Reach out to your ATRC itinerant regarding options for post-graduation at least a year in advance

• • Of course! Please submit the ATRC referral in IMPACT-SSM. A parent's signature is required each time a referral is submitted. 

  • Within the referral, please include what AT/AAC is currently being utilized and why it is no longer a good fit.

• • Start by implementing core communication boards. 

    • For SLPs, these are available on the Speech Drive. 

    • A PDF is available on our website

  • Use aided language stimulation to model core language as you are talking

  • The Project Core Universal 36 is a great starting point for choosing therapy targets

    • Take a look at the PD modules too! 

  • Complete an Assistive Technology Referral in SSM; be sure to check “AAC.” 

• • Visit our website for contacts per network: ATRC contacts

  • If you are unsure of who to contact, please email: assistivetech@cps.edu

• • The ATRC processes referrals in the order they are received. Referrals are assigned by date. Some networks have influxes of referrals that require multiple itinerants to complete.