Augmentative and Alternative Communication is: Communication strategies for addressing the expressive language needs of people with speech disabilities. AAC interventions range from no technology (gestures and signs) to low technology (communication boards, symbol exchange) to high technology (voice output communication devices).

Mark R. Hammond Associates, Inc. provides augmentative communication evaluations and consultations.

Things you should know about preparing for an Augmentative and Alternative Communication evaluation:

Plan on 6-10 hours/included in this is:
Chart & video review
1 or 2 visits & travel if necessary
Scoring tests and reporting

Mark likes to have all of the following information previous to scheduling the appointment:
Most recent speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological reports
Hearing and vision screening
20 min. video of client in their environment using their current communication in VHS or DVD format
Physician referral if needed for insurance funding

Funding checklist:

Required Documents:

Following is a list of documents needed to pursue funding through an insurance company or MaineCare. (all evaluations must have been completed within the last year and all reports must be signed and dated)

1. Copies of front and back of insurance cards (Insurance and MaineCare)
2. Letter and prescription from your primary care physician indicating that the device and accessories are medically necessary (Insurance and MaineCare)
3. AAC evaluation (completed by the speech-language pathologist) (Insurance and MaineCare)
4. Plan of Care (completed by the speech-language pathologist) involves communication goals and objectives related to the AAC program (MaineCare only)
5. Letter of Assurance (children only) a letter signed by the school's special education director or CDS site director stating that they will ensure that the proper programming and plan of care will be carried out by their school or agency (MaineCare only)
6. Cognitive evaluation (MaineCare only)
7. Audiological Evaluation (MaineCare only)
8. Vision Evaluation (MaineCare only)
9. Physical therapy evaluation (MaineCare only)
10. Occupational therapy evaluation (MaineCare only)