AAC & AT
SPG’s AAC & AT mission
SPG’s highly trained AAC/AT team supports students with complex communication needs and their IEP Teams. Our specialists work within the educational setting to provide sound AAC and AT services for communication and technology needs. Students are matched to the most effective systems and IEP teams are provided with consultation time and trainings to ensure continued success. SPG’s AAC and AT models and strategies allow students to access and participate in the curriculum. We are continually expanding our AAC & AT services through our AAC Mentorship Program. SPG’s ultimate goal is to build capacity and sustainability of AAC/AT services within individual school districts.
Our educationally-based AAC & AT Services include:
- Assessment, implementation, and documentation using the principles of evidence-based AAC & AT practices with a multimodal approach (high tech, low tech, no tech)
- Trainings, demonstrations, and supports to develop the skills and AAC/AT competencies of students, IEP Teams, families, and other communication partners
- Incorporation of functional and meaningful goal/objectives that effectively integrate AAC/AT into all educational settings
- Technical assistance and support with selecting, set-up, programming, customizing, and troubleshooting AAC & AT equipment
What is the difference between AAC & AT?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is provided by Speech-Language Pathologists with expertise and training in the area of AAC. They analyze the communication needs of students with disabilities and assist in the selection and implementation of a variety of communication tools and strategies. Only a licensed SLP may submit for third-party funding of AAC devices. They provide training for the communication partners to facilitate communicative success in the educational setting. AAC is a subset or one type of AT. Learn more about AAC (pdf) >>
Assistive Technology (AT) may be provided by an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, SLP, Teacher of Special Education, or Rehabilitation Engineer with specialized training from an accredited AT program. They analyze the technology needs of the student with disabilities and assist in the selection, customization, and use of adaptive devices to improve functional capabilities. The solutions provided, whether low- or high-tech, are usually designed to enhance communication, mobility, and access to computers, curriculum, and educational materials. Learn more about AT (pdf) >>