{"id":110,"date":"2025-07-02T18:45:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T18:45:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/mu-speech-and-hearing-center\/?page_id=110"},"modified":"2026-09-29T19:10:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T19:10:36","slug":"speech-generating-device-evaluations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/mu-speech-and-hearing-center\/speech-generating-device-evaluations\/","title":{"rendered":"AAC and Speech-Generating Device Evaluations"},"content":{"rendered":"\t
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Pediatric AAC and Speech-Generating Device Evaluations<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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Helping Every Child Have a Way to Communicate<\/h2>\n

Every child deserves a reliable way to express their wants, needs, thoughts, feelings, and ideas.<\/p>\n

For some children, spoken language may not fully meet their communication needs. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can provide additional ways for children to communicate, participate in school, develop relationships, make choices, and become more independent.<\/p>\n

The Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center provides comprehensive AAC and speech-generating device (SGD) evaluations for children and adolescents<\/strong> with complex communication needs.<\/p>\n

Our goal is not simply to find a device. We work with children, families, and other members of the child’s team to identify a communication system that matches the child’s individual strengths, abilities, environments, and communication needs.<\/p>\n

What Is AAC?<\/h2>\n

Augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC<\/strong>, includes the many ways people communicate in addition to or instead of spoken speech.<\/p>\n

AAC may include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Gestures and facial expressions<\/li>\n
  • Pictures and symbols<\/li>\n
  • Communication boards and books<\/li>\n
  • Tablet-based communication applications<\/li>\n
  • Speech-generating devices<\/li>\n
  • Typing or written communication<\/li>\n
  • Eye-gaze technology<\/li>\n
  • Switch-access communication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    AAC does not have to replace speech. Many children use a combination of speech, gestures, signs, pictures, and technology to communicate.<\/p>\n

    The goal is to give each child access to the communication methods that allow them to express themselves as effectively and independently as possible.<\/p>\n

    Who Can Benefit from an AAC Evaluation?<\/h2>\n

    AAC may be appropriate for children whose spoken communication does not consistently meet their needs.<\/p>\n

    Children referred for AAC evaluations may have communication challenges associated with:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Autism spectrum disorder<\/li>\n
    • Cerebral palsy<\/li>\n
    • Childhood apraxia of speech<\/li>\n
    • Developmental disabilities<\/li>\n
    • Genetic conditions<\/li>\n
    • Neurological conditions<\/li>\n
    • Motor impairments<\/li>\n
    • Significant speech sound disorders<\/li>\n
    • Developmental language disorders<\/li>\n
    • Other conditions affecting speech and communication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      A child does not need to have a specific diagnosis to benefit from AAC.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Children also do not need to demonstrate a particular set of skills before AAC can be considered. An evaluation helps determine what types of communication supports may be appropriate<\/p>\n

      Will AAC Keep My Child from Talking?<\/h2>\n

      This is one of the most common questions families have about AAC.<\/p>\n

      AAC is intended to support communication\u2014not discourage speech<\/strong>. Children can continue using speech, gestures, signs, facial expressions, and other forms of communication while also learning to use AAC.<\/p>\n

      We encourage children to use whatever communication method is most effective for them in a given situation.<\/p>\n

      The goal is not to replace a child’s voice. The goal is to make sure the child has a way to communicate.<\/p>\n

      What to Expect During an AAC Evaluation<\/h2>\n

      Every AAC evaluation is individualized to the child.<\/p>\n

      Our clinicians begin by learning about your child’s current communication skills, strengths, challenges, daily routines, and communication needs. We also want to understand how your child communicates with different people and in different environments.<\/p>\n

      The evaluation may consider:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Current speech and communication abilities<\/li>\n
      • Understanding and use of language<\/li>\n
      • How your child currently expresses wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas<\/li>\n
      • Symbol and vocabulary needs<\/li>\n
      • Literacy skills, when appropriate<\/li>\n
      • Vision and hearing<\/li>\n
      • Fine and gross motor abilities<\/li>\n
      • Ability to directly touch or select items on a screen<\/li>\n
      • Potential need for eye gaze, switches, or other access methods<\/li>\n
      • Communication needs at home, school, and in the community<\/li>\n
      • Positioning and seating<\/li>\n
      • Individual interests and preferences<\/li>\n
      • Family priorities and goals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        The evaluation is designed to identify your child’s strengths and determine which communication supports provide the best opportunity for successful, independent communication.<\/p>\n

        Trying Different Communication Systems<\/h2>\n

        There is no single AAC system that is right for every child.<\/p>\n

        Whenever possible, children have opportunities to try different communication systems and access methods<\/strong> as part of the evaluation process.<\/p>\n

        Depending on your child’s needs, we may explore:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Different speech-generating devices<\/li>\n
        • Communication applications<\/li>\n
        • Symbol-based communication systems<\/li>\n
        • Text-based communication<\/li>\n
        • Direct touch<\/li>\n
        • Eye-gaze access<\/li>\n
        • Switch scanning<\/li>\n
        • Keyguards or other access supports<\/li>\n
        • Alternative pointing methods<\/li>\n
        • Low-tech communication boards or books<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          We consider not only whether your child can<\/em> operate a system, but whether the system allows your child to communicate effectively and efficiently across everyday activities and environments.<\/p>\n

          A Team Approach to AAC<\/h2>\n

          Successful AAC requires collaboration.<\/p>\n

          Depending on your child’s needs, the evaluation process may include input from:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Parents and caregivers<\/li>\n
          • Speech-language pathologists<\/li>\n
          • Occupational therapists<\/li>\n
          • Physical therapists<\/li>\n
          • Teachers and school-based speech-language pathologists<\/li>\n
          • Physicians and other healthcare providers<\/li>\n
          • Assistive technology professionals<\/li>\n
          • Speech-generating device representatives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Physical or occupational therapy consultation may be particularly helpful when a child has motor, positioning, or access needs.<\/p>\n

            Device representatives may also participate when appropriate to provide access to equipment and demonstrate device-specific features. Recommendations are based on your child’s clinical and communication needs<\/strong>, rather than a particular manufacturer or product.<\/p>\n

            Working With Your Child’s School<\/h2>\n

            Children communicate in many different environments, and school is an important part of that picture.<\/p>\n

            When appropriate and with family permission, our clinicians can collaborate with school-based professionals to better understand the child’s communication needs and support successful use of AAC across environments.<\/p>\n

            This may include communication with:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • School-based speech-language pathologists<\/li>\n
            • Teachers<\/li>\n
            • Special education professionals<\/li>\n
            • Occupational and physical therapists<\/li>\n
            • Assistive technology specialists<\/li>\n
            • Other members of the child’s educational team<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              A child’s AAC system should provide access to more than requesting preferred items. Children need opportunities to ask questions, participate in classroom activities, socialize with friends, express opinions, advocate for themselves, and communicate what matters to them.<\/p>\n

              What Happens After the Evaluation?<\/h2>\n

              If a speech-generating device is recommended, our team will help families navigate the next steps.<\/p>\n

              The process may include:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Completing a comprehensive AAC evaluation report<\/li>\n
              • Documenting medical necessity<\/li>\n
              • Identifying the recommended communication system and access method<\/li>\n
              • Coordinating with the device company<\/li>\n
              • Completing required insurance documentation<\/li>\n
              • Communicating with the child’s physician when additional documentation is needed<\/li>\n
              • Assisting with the device funding process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Obtaining a communication device is only the beginning.<\/p>\n

                After a child receives a device, continued speech-language therapy may be recommended to help the child learn to use the system and to help parents, caregivers, teachers, and other communication partners learn strategies for supporting AAC throughout everyday activities.<\/p>\n

                Insurance and Funding<\/h2>\n

                The Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center bills insurance for AAC and speech-generating device evaluations.<\/strong> Coverage and individual out-of-pocket costs vary by insurance plan.<\/p>\n

                If a speech-generating device is recommended, the device itself is typically billed separately through the device provider. Insurance requirements and coverage vary depending on the child’s plan and recommended equipment.<\/p>\n

                Our clinicians work with families, physicians, device companies, and funding sources to complete documentation needed to request coverage for medically necessary speech-generating devices.<\/p>\n

                Schedule a Pediatric AAC Evaluation<\/h2>\n

                If your child has more to communicate than they can currently express through speech, AAC may provide another way for their voice to be heard.<\/p>\n

                You do not have to wait until your child stops speaking or exhausts other therapy options before exploring AAC.<\/p>\n

                Contact the Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center at 304-696-3641 to learn more about pediatric AAC services, physician referral requirements, insurance billing, or scheduling a comprehensive AAC and speech-generating device evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t

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                Adult AAC and Speech-Generating Device Evaluations<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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                Helping Adults Maintain Communication and Independence<\/h2>\n

                When speech becomes difficult, communication should not stop.<\/p>\n

                The Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center provides comprehensive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and speech-generating device (SGD) evaluations for adults<\/strong> whose natural speech no longer fully meets their communication needs.<\/p>\n

                AAC can provide additional ways to communicate when speech becomes weak, slow, difficult to understand, unreliable, or no longer possible.<\/p>\n

                Our goal is not simply to identify a device. We work with each individual to find a communication system that matches their abilities, needs, preferences, environments, and goals\u2014while supporting as much independence as possible.<\/p>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                What Is AAC<\/h2>\n

                Augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC<\/strong>, includes the many ways people communicate in addition to or instead of spoken speech.<\/p>\n

                AAC may include:<\/p>\n