SGD/AAC Evaluation Protocols:  This is a set of protocols aligned to AAC-RERC's Medicare requirements for a Speech-Generating Device evaluation (AAC Evaluation).  These are the result of a project I completed with Dynavox during the development of their Funding Toolkit.  These protocols are useful for any type of communication device being recommended although some of the documentation favors Dynavox products.  Protocols are aligned with Dynavox Funding Manager software and can be used in conjunction for report writing.

	AAC/SGD Evaluation Step 1-2:  Client Information Form-  to be completed by the patient's team prior to the AAC/SGD evaluation
	AAC/SGD Evaluation Step 3-4: Hands-On AAC/SGD Evaluation Protocol-  to be completed during the course of the AAC evaluation with the patient and patient's family/team.

Dynavox Funding Manager:  Dynavox is offering this free software to assist professionals in managing the multiphase AAC funding process.  The software provides the therapist with a format for tracking the funding process for multiple patients in one place.  I have tracked as many as 18 patients at once on this software and found it invaluable.  There is a quick glance main page that lets you see at once the stage each individual is in of the funding process.  Within each patient's file is a checklist of all components necessary for funding a device.  A report writer assistant is also included that helps the therapist include all necessary information in the AAC Evaluation.  Available from Dynavox- call (800) 344-1778, you can go through Customer Support or press 0 and ask the operator to send you a copy of the Funding Manager CD.

EvaluWare (Assistive Technology Inc.):  EvaluWare is extremely affordable software ($125/user) that helps therapists and AT professionals assess a consumer/students computer access and AAC skills needed for device use.  I've just started playing around with this software but so far am impressed by its potential to ease the workload of the AAC/AT evaluator.  The software lets you look at a patient's motor access, symbol comprehension (size, type, number on a page etc.), preferences for feedback and voice, use of on-screen keyboad and word prediction skills.  There is a report feature that will generate a report on the patient's performance.  Very handy piece of software- In one of our counties, we're looking at this as a potential means for paraprofessionals, teachers and on-site SLPs to begin the process of looking at AAC/AT prior to the AAC/AT specialist coming out to the school.

Dynavox Exploratory Pages (Series 4 & Series 5):  This is a page set that comes standard on all Series 4 Dynavox devices (DV4 & MT4).  This page set allows the evaluator to look at 

Access- range of motion, scanning, accuracy and method of selection;

Language Skills- color, letter and number recognition; categorization, associations, same & different; reading comprehension, object & word  identification, and writing with pictures/words;

Leisure Skill Communication- basic popups for evaluating a patient's AAC skills in the context of functional communication using single activity boards on topics of interest (bubbles, book reading, makeup, photo album etc.)  Activities are included for children and adults

Communication Page Links- links to popular page sets such as Gateway 12, 8 Button Auditory Scanning, Gateway Pro; with additional buttons to put links to your favorite page sets.

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II.  Intervention Planning: (Vicki Clarke, MS CCC-SLP) Tools to help team members customize an AAC system and target measurable goals for an individual AAC user- these forms were revised as part of a presentation for Closing the Gap, 2007, presented with Holly Schneider, Dynavox Technologies. 

Intervention Planning Forms (click here)

	Step 1& 2:  Vocabulary Selection - selection of vocabulary for specific AAC users.  This form helps cue partners/team customize a new users communication device to include core vocabulary and specific fringe vocabulary that is important to an individual AAC user.  Step One = Core Vocabulary, Step Two= Fringe Vocabulary
	Step 2:  Schedule Analysis- Analysis of routine daily and weekly activities and special events to assist partners/team in prioritizing key teachable moments for communication goal selection.
	Step 4:  Target Selection-  Priority activities are selected from the Schedule Analysis and specific communication goals are determined within these activities.

AAC Goals Grid (click here)  (Holly Schneider, MA CCC-SLP and Vicki Clarke, MS CCC-SLP, Closing the Gap Conference, October 18, 2007)  This is a valuable tool to help team members determine current level of communication skills and goals for the future for an AAC user.  Goals are targeted for the four basic AAC competencies:  Strategic, Operational, Linguistic and Social. (print on legal paper)