There is a wealth of information and materials for you on our website, so you may be asking yourself, "Where in the world do I start?" No worries, we've got you! This is the first stop in your training! In this unit we will be answering some primary questions to get you started!
Our specialized training hub dedicated to supporting communication success in Early Intervention in the home and our preschool classrooms
AAC Partner Strategy Kits are engaging posters/handouts, descriptions and short videos explaining and modeling techniques for you to use to help your student be willing, and able to communicate using their AAC system!
5 steps to move from training to talking, give you a clear path for you and your student learner. Learning to communicate is a shared journey between the learner and their partners, and that makes sense! Communication is a shared activity between two people. It is the means for us to make connections, meet our needs, engage socially, participate in shared experiences, and bridge the gap between our experiences and sharing these their partners.
Referral Process:
- IEP Team determines the need for additional information on communication needs.
- Referral is submitted to the Special Education Coordinator or Director of Special Education.
- Referral is assigned to DTA Schools for review and file setup.
Assessment Process:
- DTA School Team gathers input from relevant staff and family members.
- Current Speech, Language, and Communication Skills are determined through various methods.
- AAC Skills Assessment is conducted, including trials with appropriate equipment.
Findings Review:
- DTA Team develops a Preliminary AAC Assessment Report with potential AAC solutions.
- IEP Team meets to discuss findings and decide on AAC solutions to pursue.
- The family is informed of their rights to FAPE and private funding options.
Funding Process:
- DTA Schools prepares a Speech Generating Device Evaluation Report (SGD Report) for private funding.
- The student visits a family physician for discussion and prescription.
- Consent is given for the SGD manufacturer to apply for funding from insurance/Medicaid.
- The manufacturer applies for funding, and equipment is customized.
Customization of AAC Solutions:
- Information is collected from the IEP team and family to customize AAC solutions.
- Photos of important people are gathered for inclusion in the solutions.
Delivery of AAC Solutions:
- DTA Schools delivers the AAC solutions to the classroom.
- Parents and teachers receive basic operation training, while implementation training varies by district.
- Several training options are available, including webinars and manufacturer consultations.
Implementation Planning:
- A plan of action is developed, considering system details, customization, communication goals, and strategies.
- If needed, the assessment process is revisited.
Final Thoughts:
- The AAC process is ongoing, and support and training continue throughout the student's lifetime.
- Questions and clarifications can be addressed by contacting DTA Schools.
We are so happy to work with you on your student's AAC evaluation. This session is an introduction to our process, how we systematically ensure that we are using a collaborative team approach to choosing an AAC solution when needed.
Let's talk about the referral process for AAC advanced consultation and assessment from DTA Schools. In this video, we'll walk you through the essential steps involved in getting the necessary information to support students' communication needs.
This assessment process is a comprehensive approach that incorporates team input, records reviews, direct assessments, and AAC skills assessment to identify appropriate communication solutions for individuals with speech, language, and communication needs. Let's take a look!
The "Findings Review" process involves the DTA Team developing a Preliminary AAC Assessment Report to guide the IEP team discussion in determining suitable AAC solutions, a subsequent meeting with the IEP Team and family to discuss and decide on the desired AAC solutions, and communication of the outcome to the DTA Schools for further action.
The funding process for acquiring a speech generating device (SGD) at DTA Schools is a comprehensive and collaborative endeavor aimed at providing students with the necessary tools for effective communication.