Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
The Autism Society Inland Empire has been working in this field since 2012. According to the 2017 Autism and Heath Report, an estimated one-third of people with autism are nonverbal. However, many can communicate nonverbally to some degree, sometimes with the help of visual support and assisted communication devices.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to communication methods that help or replace speaking or writing for individuals who struggle to production or comprehend spoken or written language. AAC includes simple systems such as pictures, gestures, and pointing and more complex techniques involving computer technology. The goal of AAC is to achieve the most effective communication possible for the individual to maximize their potential and lead the highest quality of life possible.
Individuals with autism tend to use “Aided AAC” or AAC that uses tools or materials, including Symbol boards, Choice cards, Communication books, Keyboards and alphabet charts, Speech-generating devices, communication devices, or AAC apps on mobile devices.
Look for our annual AAC Workshop!
More Information:
“AAC and Autism: Using Communication Devices for Non-Verbal Children” – https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/giving-voice-non-verbal-children-autism-aac-autism/
ASHA: “Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)” https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAc/
Augmentative Communication Therapies
625 Fair Oaks, Ave., Suite 101 South Pasadena
(626) 427-1425
https://www.cacottier.com/
Cynthia, A. Cottier, M.A., M.Ed., CCC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist who has been working in the field of Augmentative and Alternative, Communication (AAC) since 1980. She has extensive experience working directly with individuals ranging in age from 2 to 75+ years and of all disabilities. In addition, Ms. Cottier has vast knowledge of a wide variety of state-of-the-art augmentative and assistive systems, techniques and strategies.
Communication Basics
Loren Chris M.S. CCC-SLP, ATP, CLC
2377 W Foothill Blvd., Suite 15 Upland, CA 91786
(909) 936-2377
https://www.communicationbasics.org
loren@communicationbasics.org
Loren Chris of Communication Basics is a licensed bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Professional. She provides AAC assessment, programming, training, and therapy services to individuals and their families. She works with clients of all ages and skill levels to create robust communication systems to encourage independence in communication. Communication Basics provides superbills for insurance reimbursement and accepts private pay.
Kindred Communication
Darlene Hanson, MA – CCC
www.gokindred.com
We provide speech and language services to children and teens of all ages, disabilities, and severities. Speech therapy addresses the development of articulation through the use of oral motor skills and dynamic, interactive practice. Language therapy addresses the individual’s understanding and use of language. In-Person & Virtual Services. Online S2C and RPM Coaching for Families with Unreliably- and Non-Speaking Children with Autism.
Lucid Speech and Language Center
Megan McCann, M.A., CCC-SLP
25102 Jefferson Avenue, Suite D, Murrieta (951) 461.1190
11870 Pierce Street, Suite 150, Riverside (951) 808.5850
27192 Newport Rd, Suite 1, Menifee (951) 566.4444
www.lucidspeech.com
This clinic has speech therapists who practice in the area of augmentative and alternative communication and who can perform AAC assessments for a wide range of devices. The clinic accepts most major forms of health insurance and payment by credit card.
Resource for Education, Advocacy, Communication and Housing (REACH)
7200 Greanleaf Ave Suite 140 Whittier, CA 90602
505 South Myrtle Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016
(562) 946-0467
http://reach.services/services/communicationnpa/
Augmentative and Alternate Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) evaluations include: Interview, ObservationAssessment of low tech, mid tech, and high tech systems and Reporting. We provide AAC/AT support by teach people how to use their equipment more efficiently.
Sensibilities Therapy Group
6800 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506
951.779.1966
9050 Pulsar Court, Suite A, Corona, CA 92883
(951) 603.3119
https://senseabilitiestherapygroup.org/
Full-service clinics in Riverside, Corona and Plam Desert equipped with the expertise to work with the developmentally disabled. We provide services in the areas of speech and language, occupational therapy including feeding therapy. We are also able to target behavior management concerns within the therapeutic environment and outside consulting. AAC services (including evaluations/device placement) and social groups for a variety of ages.
Speech and Language Development Center
43385 Business Park Dr, #140 Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 383-8505
8699 Holder Street, Buena Park CA 90620
(714) 821-3620
www.sldc.net
The Speech and Language Development Center has speech therapists on staff who do AAC assessments for children and youth who have communication disabilities. The center offers a school of its own, but it also contracts with many local schools, families, and regional centers. The center provides services for children from six months of age up to individuals who are 21 years old.
Technology Voices
(510) 295-2287
tiffany@technologyvoicesAAC.com
https://technologyvoicesaac.com
Technology Voices is a small speech-language pathology practice specializing in providing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services to people of all ages in Oakland, CA. We offer AAC assessment, trial, training, therapy, and consultation in-person in the East Bay, CA and virtually in all of CA.
Wings Speech and Language Services
1500 S Haven Ave Suite 190, Ontario
(909) 390-1313
12021 Jacaranda Ave. Suite #301 Hesperia CA
(760) 981-1069
https://www.wingsspeech.com/
Speech pathologist can perform AAC assessments and PPO private health insurance, Healthy Families and private pay.
Villa Esperanza Services
2116 E Villa St, Pasadena
(626) 449-2919
http://villaesperanzaservices.org
Offers a variety of services including functional Communication Training; Intro to Augmentative and Alternative Communication; Visually Supports for Communication; iPads for Autism – Communicative, Educational, and Recreational Benefits of Mobile Technologies.
Autism Society Options Policy
This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to autism in the Inland Empire in one place.
All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.
