Technology Access Clinic

TAC accepts referrals from parents or caregivers, clinicians and physicians for clients with face-to-face and/or written communication needs. Referrals must meet specific readiness criteria to ensure appropriate service.

Pediatric Face-to-Face Communication Readiness

A child is ready for the face-to-face communication pathway if they meet the following:

• Current (not future) unmet home or community communication needs (not only school) PLUS ONE of the following:
  • Non-speaking or limited speech but independently communicates using at least 10 symbols (e.g. pictures, signs) across 3 topics (e.g. food, people, shows, toys) with 2 people
  • Speaking but speech is rarely understood due to a speech sound disorder. Their understanding of language is good (mild receptive language impairment or better).
  • Physical or visual impairment(s) that limit their ability to use a communication aid e.g. cannot see pictures/words easily, cannot physically point to pictures or press buttons

Children who do not meet these criteria will be offered a workshop for caregivers and up to 3 virtual or in-person clinic follow ups. Once this service is complete, the child will be discharged for home practice. They can be referred to TAC again if they later meet the criteria above.

Required referral form: Face-to-Face Communication Referral Form

Consultation for Community Speech Language Pathologists

A consultation with a TAC Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) is available for community SLPs to discuss communication skills and potential next steps. This is available for children who are not current TAC clients and are not on the waitlist for TAC.  Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend these consultations if they wish.

Reasons for consultation could include:

• Client previously seen by TAC and discharged, and their SLP would like a consultation regarding next steps
• Community SLP would like consultation regarding AAC options, program editing, goals or implementation of client’s communication system (including at school or in therapy only)
• Client does not meet pediatric face-to-face communication readiness criteria (see above) and community SLP is seeking guidance

Required referral form: Consultation Referral Form

Adult Face-to-Face Communication Readiness

An adult is ready for face-to-face communication services if:

• Their spoken communication is unreliable, insufficient, or not well understood by others
• They anticipate a decline in speech due to progression of illness (could include voice messaging/voice banking)

Required referral form: Face-to-Face Communication Referral Form

Written Communication (pediatric and adult)

To be ready for a written communication assessment:

• The client is not able to write or type due to a long-term physical disability – they have great difficulty with paper and pencil activities and are not able to use a standard keyboard and mouse with functional speed or accuracy.
• The client requires an augmentative or alternative communication aid to enhance or replace written output required to perform activities of daily living for a period of six (6) months or longer
• The client has regular and ongoing needs at home to independently perform writing related tasks (i.e. homework, email, texting, internet access, computer access for work)
• The client has the literacy skills to write and has a demonstrated need and potential to transfer ideas to written form*

*Eligibility may be extended to children under the age of six with severe physical limitations who:

• Recognize some letters
• Have some sight words
• Have great difficulty with age-appropriate pen and paper tasks (coloring, drawing)

And

• Have difficulty accessing a standard keyboard and mouse

Required referral form: Written Communication Referral Form

Face-to-Face AND Written Communication Readiness (pediatric and adult)

See above descriptions.

Required referral form: Face-to-Face and Written Communication Referral Form

Re-Open Referral (pediatric and adult)

A re-open referral is for a client that has been previously involved at TAC. The following are possible reasons for a re-open referral.

• Replacement of existing TAC equipment.
• Support for new goal(s) using current equipment. The goal must be related to client functioning at home/community and cannot be exclusively at school.
• Previously seen at TAC and is now meeting readiness criteria for the pediatric face-to-face communication pathway

Please complete the appropriate referral form above.

Family participation and engagement throughout the AAC journey is essential for the successful use of AAC. Research shows that active participation and consistent practice by caregivers are crucial for AAC users to reach their communication goals. TAC will ensure families feel informed, supported and empowered to use AAC strategies at home. Strategies will be discussed and modeled in therapy, however most of the work happens at home with regular practice. 

TAC’s multidisciplinary team includes: occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, communicative disorders assistants, bio-medical technologists and administrative staff. Referrals are reviewed to confirm readiness for services and to determine the most appropriate service pathway. The following applies to clients who are ready for the face-to-face, written or combined face-to-face/written pathways. Pediatric clients referred for face-to-face communication who are not ready for the pathway (see referral readiness section above) will be offered a workshop for caregivers and up to 3 virtual or in-person clinic visits.

Initial Assessment: Information gathering and service introduction via virtual or in-person visit.

Assessment Visits: Assessment can include both formal and informal assessment activities and hands-on trials of AAC systems, typically in 2-4 visits, to determine the most suitable communication system.

Dispense Visit: Receipt of ADP –funded systems (if applicable) with orientation and set up. Payment and paperwork completed at this visit.  

Treatment/Training Phase: Training with the client and communication partners to ensure effective use of the system.

Self-Reliance Phase: The client and their communication partners are comfortable using their AAC system. The family can contact their TAC team for further support if needed.

Discharge: Once the client has completed the self-reliance phase, they will be discharged. Clients can be re-referred for new goals or equipment replacements. Depending on length of time since original prescription, the client may not be immediately eligible to access Assistive Devices Program (ADP) funding.

The Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) partially funds communication systems, though client co-payment is often required. Funding assistance may be available through other programs such as Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), extended benefits, and various organizations such as Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy, Ontario Autism Program and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Canada.

Will AAC prevent my child from talking?

AAC does not prevent speech development. Research shows that AAC may enhance speech skills and improve overall communication by reducing frustration.

All AAC users rely on a variety of ways to communicate. They will use their AAC system, facial expressions, vocalizations, signs, and gestures and they will also use whatever speech they are able to produce.

Why is using 10 symbols for 3 topics with 2 people important?

This demonstrates that the child understands symbols as a means of communication and highlights the need for a more complex communication system.

What types of AAC communication systems are available?

AAC systems vary, including:

• Speech-generating devices (tablets, dedicated devices)
• Recorded speech devices (Go Talk, BigMack)
• Paper-based communication systems
• Specialized software for writing tasks
• Voice amplifiers
• Alternative access systems (e.g. switch scanning, eye gaze device, adapted keyboard and mouse)
• Mounting for communication systems (if applicable)

If you purchase a communication device (including an iPad with a communication app) before your TAC assessment, you will not be able to receive reimbursement for it through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).

ADP requires that an individualized assessment is completed to determine the most appropriate technology and vocabulary layout in order to access funding for a communication aid. Your TAC clinician may recommend something different than the device you have purchased prior to coming to our clinic. TAC can only recommend funding for communication systems approved by ADP.

Can I get an iPad for communication?

An iPad with an appropriate speaking app may be recommended for communication but requires a thorough assessment. TAC can only recommend funding for an iPad or other communication systems that meet ADP guidelines.

If you purchase a communication device (including an iPad with a speaking app) before your TAC assessment, you will not be able to receive reimbursement through ADP.