FAQ
How do I get an appointment for an evaluation with Augmentative and Alternative Communication services at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center?
Your physician or speech therapist can help you determine whether it’s the right time to seek AAC solutions. A physician can refer you for an evaluation with Ohio State’s AAC services by faxing this information to 614-293-9002:
- Primary and speech therapy medical diagnosis
- The need for AAC equipment
- The most recent office notes
- Any medication lists
The referring physician doesn’t need to be a specific type of doctor or specialist, but he or she does need to be able to sign off on necessary equipment for insurance purposes.
What’s involved in an assessment or evaluation to find the best communication tools for me?
An AAC evaluation will begin with an initial appointment to assess speech, language and cognition.
Our specialists use in-depth interviews and dynamic assessment to understand any physical, sensory, cognitive, or linguistic challenges you may have, as well as how independently you’re able to communicate verbally.
At this initial appointment, members of our team also provide more information about what augmentative and alternative communication tools are and what devices may be available for your particular circumstances. This is an opportunity for you to ask as many questions as you need and to help us learn where and how these tools might be used in your everyday life.
Following the evaluation appointment, a speech-language pathologist will work with you to decide what types of tools may be best. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to demonstrate the devices, let you test multiple types of equipment and train you on how to use the equipment. The speech-language pathologist will collaborate with occupational therapists, physical therapists and rehabilitation engineers as needed to ensure that all of your assistive technology needs are met.
How much independence can I expect to gain with my new Augmentative and Alternative Communication tool(s)?
Each person’s level of independence varies based on what tools they’re willing to use, the type of disorder or physical challenges they may have, and what their everyday life looks like. However, the tools we match with patients can provide independence in more than just communication – they can help people change the channel on their TV or turn on lights and fans, for example. Many people use their AAC devices to help them gain and maintain employment.
A wide range of tools can help reduce the burden of care both inside and outside the home.
Your physician or speech therapist can help you determine whether it’s the right time to seek AAC solutions. A physician can refer you for an evaluation with Ohio State’s AAC services by faxing this information to 614-293-9002:
- Primary and speech therapy medical diagnosis
- The need for AAC equipment
- The most recent office notes
- Any medication lists
The referring physician doesn’t need to be a specific type of doctor or specialist, but he or she does need to be able to sign off on necessary equipment for insurance purposes.
What’s involved in an assessment or evaluation to find the best communication tools for me?
An AAC evaluation will begin with an initial appointment to assess speech, language and cognition.
Our specialists use in-depth interviews and dynamic assessment to understand any physical, sensory, cognitive, or linguistic challenges you may have, as well as how independently you’re able to communicate verbally.
At this initial appointment, members of our team also provide more information about what augmentative and alternative communication tools are and what devices may be available for your particular circumstances. This is an opportunity for you to ask as many questions as you need and to help us learn where and how these tools might be used in your everyday life.
Following the evaluation appointment, a speech-language pathologist will work with you to decide what types of tools may be best. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to demonstrate the devices, let you test multiple types of equipment and train you on how to use the equipment. The speech-language pathologist will collaborate with occupational therapists, physical therapists and rehabilitation engineers as needed to ensure that all of your assistive technology needs are met.
How much independence can I expect to gain with my new Augmentative and Alternative Communication tool(s)?
Each person’s level of independence varies based on what tools they’re willing to use, the type of disorder or physical challenges they may have, and what their everyday life looks like. However, the tools we match with patients can provide independence in more than just communication – they can help people change the channel on their TV or turn on lights and fans, for example. Many people use their AAC devices to help them gain and maintain employment.
A wide range of tools can help reduce the burden of care both inside and outside the home.
