Augmentative Communication Team Evaluation

The Augmentative Communication Team was formed at Forsyth Rehabilitation Center in 1997. It is led by a speech therapist, and includes an occupational therapist, physical therapist, psychologist and a representative from Assistive Technology. Team members are involved in the evaluation based upon needs identified in information provided by the client prior to evaluation. The team evaluates the need for devices and techniques to communicate more effectively.

Admission Criteria:

• The person must be 16 years old or older
• Other treatments for communication improvement, such as speech therapy, have been attempted without success, or
• The person needs an augmentative communication system or device upgraded

The first step is to mail the patient and family or responsible party a data collection form that collects medical history and information on why the person may need an augmentative communication device. Recent physician and therapy treatment notes are also collected.

The date collection form is received to determine whether there is a need for an augmentative communication team evaluation. A person may not be a candidate for this service if:

• they do not need a team evaluation, but merely a single discipline evaluation
• they already have an augmentative communication system in place and only need a slight modification to their wheelchair
• they have no identifiable support system in place

After the evaluation, a preliminary report with recommendations is given to the family, but a formal, more detailed report is later written to help support the need for equipment purchase. If further training in use of the system is needed, a referral to the Martinat Outpatient Rehabilitation Center is made.