Augmentative Communication
2008 Chit - Chat ACAT Summer Camp
Session 1: August 11-15, 2008
Session 2: August 18-22, 2008
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Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology (ACAT) Clinic
The Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology Clinic at Franciscan Hospital for Children provides services to children and adults who are functionally non-speaking or whose speech is severely impaired.
A child or adult who has difficulty communicating due to severe disorders of speech-language production and/or comprehension can gain increased independence for active participation and engagement with augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) systems and assistive technology equipment.
ACAT Team
The ACAT Clinic is staffed by a team of specialists with expertise in the area of augmentative communication and assistive technology. The team is led a speech-language pathologist and an occupational therapist. The ACAT team:
- Evaluates a child’s current communication skills and needs.
- Assesses a child’s physical capabilities and functional visual/perceptual abilities.
- Identifies augmentative/alternative communication aids, strategies, and techniques to meet the child’s needs.
- Assesses computer access and environmental control needs
- Assists in AAC system design and training for both the AAC user and his/her family members, educational team, and other communication partners.
- Monitors the child’s progress.
- Assists in identifying funding sources.
Services are offered in the ACAT clinic with follow-up in the school setting as needed. Referrals can be made by a physician, parent, school personnel, or therapist. We accept a wide variety of insurance plans as well as school district funding.
Scheduling an Appointment
The Speech-Language-Hearing Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:30 pm. To schedule an appointment, please call 617-254-3800, extension 5220.
When you call you will be asked for some background information which will help us determine if our clinic is best suited for your needs.
You will also be asked to fill out the ACAT Clinic intake questionnaire which asks for specific information regarding medical, communication, and education history. As soon as this information is received and reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment date. Appointments are typically scheduled on Wednesdays at 1:00pm.
What should I bring to the appointment?
If possible please bring the following equipment:
- Communication books, displays and devices
- Manual wheelchair or stroller with laptray
- Positioning supports (AFO's, trunk support, wrist supports, etc.)
- Current eyeglasses and hearing aids
- Preferred toys, foods, and/or other motivating materials
- Favorite computer software and videos
- Medical and educational reports from outside of Franciscan Hospital for Children
- Current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and progress notes
ACAT Clinic clinicians welcome input from and collaboration with care providers, Early Intervention and school personnel, local professionals, and private therapists. All are encouraged to attend the appointment.
Chit-Chat ACAT Summer Camp
Chit-Chat ACAT Summer Camp is a unique program also offered by the ACAT Clinic to help children who use AAC improve their social communication skills through intensive group services. The camp also assists family members/caregivers in gaining the necessary skills to encourage their child’s functional use of AAC at home and in the community.
For further information, please contact Latrisha Lamanna, M.S.,CCC-SLP,
ACAT Clinic Coordinator at (617) 254-3800, extension 5350.
What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines AAC as an area of clinical practice that attempts to compensate (either temporarily or permanently) for the impairment and disability patterns of individuals with severe expressive communication disorders (i.e., the severe impairments in speech-language, reading and writing). AAC incorporates the individual's full communication abilities and may include any existing speech or vocalizations, gestures, manual signs, and aided communication. AAC is truly multimodal, permitting individuals to use every mode possible to communicate.
AAC Information Web Resources
AAC Intervention.com
AAC RERC
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Apraxia Kids
Augmentative Communication, Inc.
Simplified Technology, Linda Burkhart
Design to Learn
ISAAC
USSAAC
University of Nebraska at Lincoln Barkley AAC Center
YAACK: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Connecting Young Kids