Based on information provided about the child’s functional profile, rehabilitation workers of the AAC Program conduct a thorough assessment. With their in-depth knowledge on different communication aids along with their technical and clinical expertise, they determine the child’s abilities and limitations so that the most appropriate aid is recommended.
The AAC team also gives advice and provides guidance to other rehabilitation workers. When an assistive communication aid is recommended, the team may be called in to take part in the funding request application, delivery, programming and installation of the device. They may also take part in the introductory training session and in followup appointments.
Service Delivery
The AAC team will make an initial appointment with the referral rehabilitation agent for a second-expert professional consultation to:
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Support the referral rehabilitation agent in completing the assessment and in the identification of an assistive communication aid;
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Guide the referral rehabilitation agent in the attribution and relevance of an assistive communication aid;
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Propose clinical strategies.
Only the referral rehabilitation agent is required to attend such professional consultations. The referral rehabilitation agent must complete a program registration questionnaire prior to the appointment.
A number of solutions may be offered to the referral rehabilitation agent following the professional consultation:
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Establish clear clinical objectives and schedule a second professional consultation appointment;
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Loan a device on a trial basis;
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Hold a teleconference consultation with the child;
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Complete the referral rehabilitation agent’s assessment along with the child.
If a one-on-one assessment with the child is recommended, individuals in the child’s different everyday environments are invited to attend the assessment process (school, rehab centre, parents, etc.).