AAC Services in Chandler, Glendale & Mesa, AZ
Helping Individuals Find a Way to Communicate
Everyone deserves a way to express their wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas. When speaking alone doesn’t provide the communication tools someone needs, augmentative and alternative communication can offer another way to connect with the people around them.
At Arbor Therapy, our speech-language pathologists provide AAC evaluations for clients from birth through age 30, help clients and caregivers obtain recommended devices, and provide training to help them learn how to use those devices.
What Is AAC?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes tools and strategies that support or provide alternatives to spoken communication. AAC can include communication devices that allow individuals to select words, pictures, or symbols to communicate with others.
The right AAC system depends on the individual. Our goal is to find an option that fits each client’s communication, language, motor, and physical needs.
What Happens During an AAC Evaluation?
AAC evaluations are 90-minute appointments with a licensed speech-language pathologist and the client, along with a parent or caregiver when appropriate. An AAC device representative may also participate.
During the evaluation, we:
- Review the client’s medical and communication history
- Consider their current language and motor skills
- Trial different communication devices
- Explore software, vocabulary, and display options
- Consider the client’s physical abilities
- Determine which device best fits their needs
What Happens After the Evaluation?
If an AAC device is recommended, Arbor Therapy works closely with the device vendor to help clients and caregivers obtain it.
Once the device is received, we provide four training sessions for clients and primary caregivers. These sessions help participants learn strategies for introducing and using AAC consistently while building confidence supporting communication across everyday environments.
Reach Out Today to Get Started with AAC Services
Have questions about whether AAC could support communication for you or someone you care for? Contact Arbor Therapy to learn more or schedule an AAC evaluation at one of our Arizona clinics.