why choose MI AAC Access?
Sophia Stevens and MI AAC Access offer unparalleled expertise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), making us the ideal choice for your communication needs. Here’s why you should choose us:
Diverse Experience with AAC Users: Sophia has extensive experience working with AAC users of all ages, from 5 to 35 years old, and with a wide range of disabilities. Her comprehensive background ensures she is well-equipped to address various communication challenges.
Passionate and Empowering: Sophia is deeply passionate about empowering individuals and their families to find their unique voice. Her commitment to neurodiversity-affirming care means she approaches each case with empathy and dedication.
Understanding Barriers: Sophia recognizes the barriers faced both at home and in educational settings. She works collaboratively as a part of your team to seamlessly integrate AAC into daily routines, ensuring effective and consistent use across all environments.
Personalized Support: At MI AAC Access, we prioritize finding the perfect AAC solution tailored specifically to your child’s needs. Sophia provides hands-on support every step of the way, from evaluation to implementation and ongoing adjustment.
Flexible Service Options: While Sophia offers virtual consultations, she prefers to work face-to-face with teams. She provides on-site support at your clinic, school, or home, ensuring that you receive personalized, direct assistance where it's most needed.
Diverse Experience with AAC Users: Sophia has extensive experience working with AAC users of all ages, from 5 to 35 years old, and with a wide range of disabilities. Her comprehensive background ensures she is well-equipped to address various communication challenges.
Passionate and Empowering: Sophia is deeply passionate about empowering individuals and their families to find their unique voice. Her commitment to neurodiversity-affirming care means she approaches each case with empathy and dedication.
Understanding Barriers: Sophia recognizes the barriers faced both at home and in educational settings. She works collaboratively as a part of your team to seamlessly integrate AAC into daily routines, ensuring effective and consistent use across all environments.
Personalized Support: At MI AAC Access, we prioritize finding the perfect AAC solution tailored specifically to your child’s needs. Sophia provides hands-on support every step of the way, from evaluation to implementation and ongoing adjustment.
Flexible Service Options: While Sophia offers virtual consultations, she prefers to work face-to-face with teams. She provides on-site support at your clinic, school, or home, ensuring that you receive personalized, direct assistance where it's most needed.
who benefits from using an AAC?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can benefit anyone who, at some or all times, cannot rely solely on verbal speech. AAC is a valuable tool for individuals across a spectrum of ages and communication needs.
Who Can Benefit from AAC?
Individuals with Communication Disorders: AAC is beneficial for those with a range of communication and language disorders. This includes people with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, aphasia, apraxia of speech, and other speech and language deficits.
Variety of Ages: It is never too early or too late to explore AAC. Whether you’re supporting a young child or an adult, AAC can be adapted to fit different stages of life and varying needs.
Those with Temporary or Permanent Communication Challenges: AAC can assist individuals who face temporary communication challenges due to illness or injury, as well as those with long-term or permanent communication difficulties.
Sophia Stevens has extensive experience in implementing AAC for individuals with diverse communication and language deficits. Her expertise ensures that AAC solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each person, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively. Whether you're considering AAC for yourself or a loved one, exploring its benefits can make a significant difference. Contact us to learn more about how AAC can be tailored to support a variety of communication needs and to start your journey toward effective communication.
Individuals with Communication Disorders: AAC is beneficial for those with a range of communication and language disorders. This includes people with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, aphasia, apraxia of speech, and other speech and language deficits.
Variety of Ages: It is never too early or too late to explore AAC. Whether you’re supporting a young child or an adult, AAC can be adapted to fit different stages of life and varying needs.
Those with Temporary or Permanent Communication Challenges: AAC can assist individuals who face temporary communication challenges due to illness or injury, as well as those with long-term or permanent communication difficulties.
Sophia Stevens has extensive experience in implementing AAC for individuals with diverse communication and language deficits. Her expertise ensures that AAC solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each person, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively. Whether you're considering AAC for yourself or a loved one, exploring its benefits can make a significant difference. Contact us to learn more about how AAC can be tailored to support a variety of communication needs and to start your journey toward effective communication.
will AAC inhibit my childs speech?
- A common concern among parents and caregivers is whether using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) will inhibit a child’s ability to speak or slow down their language development. Research consistently shows that this concern is unfounded. In fact, evidence indicates that AAC can support and enhance both speech and overall language development.
- Our goal at MI AAC Access is to ensure that AAC enhances your child’s overall communication abilities, rather than limiting them. Understanding the Impact of AAC:
- Supports Speech Development: AAC does not hinder speech development; rather, it complements and supports it. Studies have shown that children using AAC often improve their verbal communication skills alongside their use of AAC tools.
- Encourages Language Growth: AAC provides additional ways for children to express themselves, which can promote more robust language development. By using AAC, children can build their vocabulary and communication skills more effectively.
- Comprehensive Communication Toolbox: At MI AAC Access, we focus on developing a complete communication toolbox for each client. Our approach includes:
- Encouraging Verbal Communication: We emphasize the importance of verbal speech and provide strategies to support and enhance spoken language.
- Incorporating Sign Language and Gestures: We integrate sign language and gestures into our communication strategies to offer a holistic approach to language development.
- Effective Use of AAC: We teach team members how to use AAC in a way that supports and complements other forms of communication, ensuring that AAC is a helpful addition rather than a replacement.
Is my child ready for an AAc?
One common question parents ask is whether their child needs to reach a certain age or specific milestones before starting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The answer is clear: AAC can benefit individuals of all ages, including those younger than 3 years old.
Key Points About AAC Readiness:
No Age Restrictions: Research indicates that AAC is effective for people of all ages, including toddlers and young children. It is never too early to explore AAC if it could support your child's communication needs.
No Prerequisite Skills Required: There are no specific prerequisite skills, test scores, or developmental milestones required before starting AAC. AAC can be introduced and adapted based on your child's unique needs and abilities.
Early Intervention Benefits: Introducing AAC at an early age can provide significant benefits, such as promoting early communication skills and facilitating better interaction with family and caregivers.
Personalized Support: At MI AAC Access, we tailor our AAC solutions to fit each child's current abilities and needs, regardless of their age or developmental stage. Our approach ensures that AAC is integrated effectively into your child's daily life. If you’re considering AAC for your child, there’s no need to wait for specific milestones. Contact us today to learn more about how AAC can be a valuable tool for enhancing your child's communication skills at any age.
No Age Restrictions: Research indicates that AAC is effective for people of all ages, including toddlers and young children. It is never too early to explore AAC if it could support your child's communication needs.
No Prerequisite Skills Required: There are no specific prerequisite skills, test scores, or developmental milestones required before starting AAC. AAC can be introduced and adapted based on your child's unique needs and abilities.
Early Intervention Benefits: Introducing AAC at an early age can provide significant benefits, such as promoting early communication skills and facilitating better interaction with family and caregivers.
Personalized Support: At MI AAC Access, we tailor our AAC solutions to fit each child's current abilities and needs, regardless of their age or developmental stage. Our approach ensures that AAC is integrated effectively into your child's daily life. If you’re considering AAC for your child, there’s no need to wait for specific milestones. Contact us today to learn more about how AAC can be a valuable tool for enhancing your child's communication skills at any age.
WHAT IS Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to all forms of communication used in addition to or instead of verbal language. AAC is designed to support individuals who have difficulty with speech or language skills, regardless of their age.
Definition of AAC: AAC encompasses any method or tool that helps individuals communicate when verbal speech is not sufficient. This includes a range of methods from simple gestures to sophisticated electronic devices.
Augmentative vs. Alternative: The term augmentative refers to strategies that enhance or add to existing speech, while alternative refers to methods that replace speech when it is not possible. AAC can include both augmentative and alternative approaches.
Types of AAC: There are various types of AAC, each tailored to different needs and preferences. These can range from non-verbal methods like sign language, picture boards, and gestures, to high-tech options such as speech-generating devices and communication apps.
Importance of Professional Guidance: With so many AAC options available, it’s crucial to work with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to identify and implement the most effective AAC solution for each individual. An SLP can help determine the best match based on personal communication needs and preferences. Explore AAC Options with Us:
At MI AAC Access, we specialize in helping individuals find the right AAC tools and strategies to enhance their communication. Contact us to learn more about how AAC can support your communication goals and to get expert guidance from our experienced team.
Definition of AAC: AAC encompasses any method or tool that helps individuals communicate when verbal speech is not sufficient. This includes a range of methods from simple gestures to sophisticated electronic devices.
Augmentative vs. Alternative: The term augmentative refers to strategies that enhance or add to existing speech, while alternative refers to methods that replace speech when it is not possible. AAC can include both augmentative and alternative approaches.
Types of AAC: There are various types of AAC, each tailored to different needs and preferences. These can range from non-verbal methods like sign language, picture boards, and gestures, to high-tech options such as speech-generating devices and communication apps.
Importance of Professional Guidance: With so many AAC options available, it’s crucial to work with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to identify and implement the most effective AAC solution for each individual. An SLP can help determine the best match based on personal communication needs and preferences. Explore AAC Options with Us:
At MI AAC Access, we specialize in helping individuals find the right AAC tools and strategies to enhance their communication. Contact us to learn more about how AAC can support your communication goals and to get expert guidance from our experienced team.
How Do I get started with AAC?
Starting with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can be a simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can begin the process:
Schedule a Free Consultation: Book a free 30-minute consultation to initiate the process. This initial phone consultation is designed to understand your specific needs and explore how AAC can support you or your loved one.
Discuss Individual Needs: During the consultation, we will discuss the unique communication needs of the individual seeking AAC support. This is a crucial step in identifying the most effective AAC solutions tailored to those needs.
Explore Options: We will review various evaluation options, including comprehensive AAC assessments, to determine the best approach. We will also discuss team coaching opportunities to ensure that everyone involved in the individual's care is aligned and equipped with the necessary skills.
Address Your Questions: We’ll answer any questions you may have about AAC, our services, or the process. Our goal is to provide clear, helpful information to make your journey with AAC as smooth as possible. Ready to Start?
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards enhancing communication with AAC. We are here to guide you through every stage of the process and ensure that you receive the support you need.
Schedule a Free Consultation: Book a free 30-minute consultation to initiate the process. This initial phone consultation is designed to understand your specific needs and explore how AAC can support you or your loved one.
Discuss Individual Needs: During the consultation, we will discuss the unique communication needs of the individual seeking AAC support. This is a crucial step in identifying the most effective AAC solutions tailored to those needs.
Explore Options: We will review various evaluation options, including comprehensive AAC assessments, to determine the best approach. We will also discuss team coaching opportunities to ensure that everyone involved in the individual's care is aligned and equipped with the necessary skills.
Address Your Questions: We’ll answer any questions you may have about AAC, our services, or the process. Our goal is to provide clear, helpful information to make your journey with AAC as smooth as possible. Ready to Start?
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards enhancing communication with AAC. We are here to guide you through every stage of the process and ensure that you receive the support you need.
DoES MI AAC ACCESS Take insurance?
MI AAC ACCESS does not currently accept insurance for evaluations and coaching services. However, we do accept HSA and FSA funds for these services. For obtaining an AAC device, we collaborate with your insurance provider to facilitate the process, though coverage may vary. Additionally, we have partnerships with community resources that might offer financial assistance or support. For more information please give us a call/ book online to schdule your free consultation today!
How to make an Appointment
To schedule an appointment, call us at 616-466-4361 or visit our Services page to book online.
CONTACT ME WITH MORE AAC QUESTIONS!
Learning Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can feel overwhelming, but asking questions is key to building confidence. Remember, if you have a question, chances are others do too!
Fill out the contact form below.
My child has a school SLp why has AAC options not been explored?
It's common for parents to wonder why Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) options may not have been explored, even with a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) involved. Here are some key reasons:
Limited Training: Many school SLPs may not have received specialized training in evaluating and implementing AAC. AAC requires specific knowledge and expertise that may not be covered in all SLP training programs.
High Caseloads: School SLPs often manage large caseloads, which can limit the time available for in-depth AAC evaluations and individualized support. This can make it challenging to fully explore and implement AAC options.
Resource Constraints: Schools may face budgetary and resource constraints that restrict their ability to trial and provide specialized AAC devices. Limited resources can impact the availability of necessary tools and support for effective AAC implementation.
Expert Support with MI AAC Access: At MI AAC Access, we specialize in AAC evaluation, implementation, and coaching. Our focused expertise ensures a thorough and personalized approach, addressing the aspects of AAC that may be less familiar to many school-based SLPs.
Contact us today to learn how our specialized services can provide the comprehensive AAC support your child needs.
Limited Training: Many school SLPs may not have received specialized training in evaluating and implementing AAC. AAC requires specific knowledge and expertise that may not be covered in all SLP training programs.
High Caseloads: School SLPs often manage large caseloads, which can limit the time available for in-depth AAC evaluations and individualized support. This can make it challenging to fully explore and implement AAC options.
Resource Constraints: Schools may face budgetary and resource constraints that restrict their ability to trial and provide specialized AAC devices. Limited resources can impact the availability of necessary tools and support for effective AAC implementation.
Expert Support with MI AAC Access: At MI AAC Access, we specialize in AAC evaluation, implementation, and coaching. Our focused expertise ensures a thorough and personalized approach, addressing the aspects of AAC that may be less familiar to many school-based SLPs.
Contact us today to learn how our specialized services can provide the comprehensive AAC support your child needs.
Do you provide Direct Therapy?
MI AAC Access does not currently offer direct therapy services. Our primary focus is on empowering families to independently implement Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies. Although we aim to offer in-home treatment in the future, our current services emphasize comprehensive coaching and support.
How We Support Families:
Coaching Sessions: We provide personalized coaching sessions with families, typically without the child present. This ensures that our discussions and strategies remain focused and confidential, allowing for effective planning.
Basics of our Coaching Methodology: We use the "I Do, We Do, You Do" method to guide families through the AAC implementation process:
I Do: An expert therapist demonstrates how to integrate AAC into your existing routines. We model effective techniques for using the AAC system and vocabulary, helping you become proficient in its use.
We Do: We work together to help you become comfortable with the AAC system. We answer your questions and integrate AAC into daily activities at home and in the community as a team.
You Do: You practice using the AAC system independently, applying what you’ve learned. Our expert SLP remains available to answer questions and assist with problem-solving.
Contact us to learn more about our coaching services and how we can support your AAC implementation journey.
Coaching Sessions: We provide personalized coaching sessions with families, typically without the child present. This ensures that our discussions and strategies remain focused and confidential, allowing for effective planning.
Basics of our Coaching Methodology: We use the "I Do, We Do, You Do" method to guide families through the AAC implementation process:
I Do: An expert therapist demonstrates how to integrate AAC into your existing routines. We model effective techniques for using the AAC system and vocabulary, helping you become proficient in its use.
We Do: We work together to help you become comfortable with the AAC system. We answer your questions and integrate AAC into daily activities at home and in the community as a team.
You Do: You practice using the AAC system independently, applying what you’ve learned. Our expert SLP remains available to answer questions and assist with problem-solving.
Contact us to learn more about our coaching services and how we can support your AAC implementation journey.
What are mi AAC access hours?
- Feel free to reach out to us anytime of day with your questions or inquiries. If we are unable to answer your call or respond to your email immediately, please allow us up to 24 hours to get back to you. Scheduling Information:
- Evaluations and Coaching Sessions: We schedule evaluations and coaching sessions during after-school hours and weekends to accommodate your needs.
Contact Us
Learning Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can feel overwhelming, but asking questions is key to building confidence. Remember, if you have a question, chances are others do too!