Same Chance to Communicate
AsIAm are delighted to be supporting individuals and families to make communication systems more accessible and provide an alternative pathway for Autistic people who may benefit from AAC. The AAC Support Programme aims to provide high tech communication devices as well as supports, information and guidance on AAC devices to the Autism community and their families.
Criteria to access this programme:
- Your child has been diagnosed as Autistic
- Your child is living in Ireland
- Your child is under 18 years of age
- Your child has a communication difference and could benefit from a high-tech communication device.
- Your child is non-speaking OR uses minimal words or phrases AND relies on non-speaking forms of communication as their primary way to communicate (i.e. vocalisations, gestures, facial expressions, sign, visuals)
- Your child does not currently have access to a high tech communication device.
The AAC support programme will run three separate referral processes:
- AsIAm's AAC Support Programme is for families who are not currently working with a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). Here families attend a series of live webinars and 1:1 sessions with our AAC Team to better understand their child's communication preferences, and to support in setting up their chosen AAC device.Families are provided with a managed Communication device and are supported to choose and trial a communication app.
- AsIAm’s Device Funded Scheme is for families already engaged with a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), who has supported the child and their family with AAC assessment and AAC device trial. AAC assessment, feature matching and device trials have been completed and there is clear rationale and evidence for which communication device is the best fit for the child.
- AsIAm’s Trial and Keep Scheme is for families who ARE working with a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and do not know what communication device or app their child needs. The child can trial our communication device with the communication app of the families/SLT’s choice. If the trial goes well, the child can keep the device.
**For both Trial and Keep and the Device funded Schemes, the families' Speech and Language Therapist is responsible for supporting the family on their AAC Journey**
How do I know which stream is right for my child?
Answer these simple questions to find the right referral stream for your child:
If you feel your child meets the criteria for the AAC Support programme and would like to take part, please get in touch with us at aac@asiam.ie for more information. '
