Considering, Assessing and Funding AAC
Considering, Assessing and Funding AAC
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When considering AAC it is the responsibility of the SLP and CSC to: seek out, learn techniques, strategies and approaches that will maximize the potential of an AAC user. It is important to remember that there are no complete formal assessment tools or battery of tests for AAC assessments. An AAC evaluation involves more than assessing the individual, it looks at the potential AAC user, the environment and the communication partners. The resources below are intended to help collect trial data, consider AAC features, plan interventions and document AAC within the IEP.
Getting Started with a Trial: Teams are encouraged to use the Core Word Starter Set, which is a group of lesson plans to help get started with a beginning communicator. The lessons are based on a 20 Core Word Starter Set. The vocabulary selected covers a variety of parts of speech in order to support production of phrases and simple sentences for students who are ready. Included in this resource are data collection sheets, objectives, smart charts and a variety of lesson ideas for speaking, reading, and writing. Data from the Core Word Starter Set can be used with other implementation resources to document the effectiveness of the AAC device trial. Teams are encouraged to take time looking over additional resources in the AAC Assessment and AAC Implementation section of this website.
When beginning to implement AAC has the team:
Identified the target goal/behavior/skill…?
Collected baseline data through direct observation…?
Established a target goal or outcome that clearly states when the behavior will occur, what the target goal or outcome is, and how team members and/or observers will know when the skill is mastered…?
AAC Profile
AAC Profile
The AAC Profile is an assessment tool that measures subjective, functional skills for developing communicative competence using AAC systems; re-evaluates skill level; and monitors progress.
The AAC Profile allows a team to:identify areas of strength and those that need intervention and instruction determine functional, long-range outcomes and the steps toward achieving them compare individual performance over time toward desired outcomes identify ways that AAC support team members can define and coordinate their roles for intervention and instruction programs identify and provide optimal learning environments
The AAC Profile allows a team to:identify areas of strength and those that need intervention and instruction determine functional, long-range outcomes and the steps toward achieving them compare individual performance over time toward desired outcomes identify ways that AAC support team members can define and coordinate their roles for intervention and instruction programs identify and provide optimal learning environments
Contact AT POC to access.
Interactive Continuum of Language Expression (COLE)
Interactive Continuum of Language Expression (COLE)
Google spreadsheet providing observable language development benchmarks. Useful for AAC data collection and planning. Make a copy of the sheet to use. Do not list student names within Google!
AAC Language Sample Data Sheets
AAC Language Sample Data Sheets
Useful data collection tools to record language samples, prompt levels, language function etc.
Dynamic AAC Goals Grid-3 (DAGG-3)
Dynamic AAC Goals Grid-3 (DAGG-3)
Design an intervention plan for those using augmentative and alternative communication with DAGG-3, short for Dynamic AAC Goals Grid (edition 3). This tool helps speech-language therapists collaborate with their patients’ support team (such as educators and family members) to assess and progress their current communication abilities. It then guides SLTs in choosing and tracking appropriate AAC goals. DAGG-3 can be used for all ability levels – from early learners to more advanced communicators. DAGG-3 is available free of charge.
AAC Report and Funding Guidance
AAC Report and Funding Guidance
If a student is successfully using a loaned AAC device the team should collaborate with parents to investigate options for acquiring a personal AAC device through insurance. While this process can be intimidating, it is an essential step to enable student access to AAC over extended breaks and frequent moves.
AAC Goal Setting Resources
AAC Goal Setting Resources
DAGG-3 and COLE
DAGG-3 and COLE
While the DAGG-3 and COLE are useful assessment tools for AAC, they are also helpful in identifying potential goals and objectives.
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