Augmentative Communication Program

Our services

The Augmentative Communication Program focuses on identifying communication options for persons with communication impairment and determines the most appropriate high-tech, low-tech and/or no-tech solutions. The Augmentative Communication Program also develops and assists in the creation of new applied technologies.

Who We Serve

Some of the persons seen at our center present with the following conditions:

• autism spectrum disorders
• cerebral palsy
• developmental delays
• metabolic and genetic conditions
• neuromuscular conditions
• traumatic brain injury
• spinal cord injuries
• acquired language disorders
• apraxia of speech
• dysarthria
• mitochondrial diseases
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease)

Services

An interdisciplinary team provides the following services:

• Evaluation: Speech, language, positioning and gross/fine motor skills are assessed.
• Determination of Need: Feature match a person's strengths and needs to available or potentially available augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) solutions

How Our Program Works

ACP staff includes speech language pathologists and occupational therapists with expertise in the area of augmentative communication. Based upon intake information, a child or adult is scheduled with the appropriate clinician(s). The following areas of functioning are typically considered within an evaluation:

• speech
• language
• other means of communication
• vision and visual processing
• physical movement abilities
• seating and positioning

Following an evaluation, clinician(s) recommend appropriate communication approaches and systems, which are customized to meet individual needs. Recommendations typically include low-tech solutions, which may be combined with a speech generating device, computer software, and/or an alternative keyboard or mouse. ACP clinicians welcome input from and collaboration with care providers, early intervention and school personnel, local professionals, and private therapists

Affiliations

The Augmentative Communication Program staff works closely with other hospital and community resources to provide optimal services for each individual.

Through the Robert Charm Fund, the Augmentative Communication Program is able to assist in the purchase of assistive technology for individuals who have sustained brain injury.

The Mary Kaye Fund supports the Augmentative Communication Program to purchase simple augmentative communication tools for qualifying children who live in Massachusetts.