AT includes software, hardware, and equipment that help a person accomplish a task that otherwise would be difficult or not possible. People of all ages and abilities use AT to increase their access to, and independence with, completing activities in their home, education, work, and community settings.

• To learn more, click here to view the U.S. Dept. of Ed. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

AT includes tools to support:

• Environmental access for people with mobility challenges, cognitive impairments, hearing loss, etc. (e.g. smart home technology such as smart assistants, lights, alarms, and fall detection sensors)

• Computer/tablet access (e.g. stylus, ergonomic keyboard, eye gaze, head tracking)

• Digital access for people with vision challenges or other print disabilities (e.g. screen reading tools to engage with websites)

• Literacy access for people with learning disabilities (e.g. speech to text, text to speech)

• and so much more!

To learn more, click to view information from the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)

AAC is a type of AT. It provides a person with verbal speech challenges or receptive/expressive language disorders with access to communication.

"Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) means all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. People of all ages can use AAC if they have trouble with speech or language skills. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of speech."

-American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

People of all ages can benefit from using AT and AAC, including kiddos in early intervention, school age students, transition-age young adults, adults, and the aging population. AT and AAC can support independence in a variety of settings including home, education, employment, and hobby/leisure.

AT and AAC can be helpful for people with developmental disabilities (e.g. autism, cerebral palsy) and people who acquired disabilities from an accident, injury, or medical incident (e.g. aphasia following a stroke).

AT is not always complex and expensive. Some tools are simple to use and can be purchased for a low price. Tools are available along a continuum of intricacy and cost, ranging from low/lite tech, mid tech, and high tech options. A speech-language pathologist from Village Voices Speech Therapy can help you explore options and come up with the best system.

The cost for an AAC device can often be covered by medical insurance companies following an AAC evaluation completed by an SLP.

A person does NOT need to demonstrate any prerequisite skills (e.g. cause/effect, 1:1 correspondence) before AAC is introduced. Consult a speech-language pathologist to explore appropriate AAC options.

Read the research compiled by TobiiDynavox here.

Communication partners such as parents, siblings, spouses, caregivers, teachers, etc. must receive training about the AAC device in order to best support the individual using it.

Communication partners who model the reasons and the ways to use an AAC device put the individual at an advantage for communicating efficiently and effectively.

Service fees and quotes will be provided once we chat about your goals and needs.

Currently, Village Voices Speech Therapy does not have a physical clinic space. We enjoy working with clients in natural environments such as home and community locations. Teletherapy is also available.

SLP services can be provided in CT and MA.

Speaking engagements and trainings can be provided worldwide.

Let's chat! Contact us to set up a time to talk about the current communication challenges you or someone you know is facing. We'll explain our approach to advancing communication, share details about our professional experiences, and answer any questions you may have.

Then, we will either discuss next steps for starting our services, or refer you to another SLP or agency who may be a better fit. Either way, we are here to help!

Yes! We love working with schools, agencies, community groups, and other unique entities to bridge our work with yours. Reach out to discuss the endless possibilities!