AAC Funding
The possibilities and process for getting your speech generating device (SGD), also called augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device or voice output communication aids (VOCA) differs from country to country.
Who gets funding, how much, for how long and for which devices vary depending on where you live. In some countries, you will even see differences in AAC funding between regions and states.
Who pays for the AAC device?
Depending on where you live, different organizations or agencies may pay for your device. In the US, Medicare, Medicaid, insurance or the department of Veterans Affairs may fund your device.
In other countries, like Sweden, your municipality may pay for the device.
Crowd funding AAC
In countries where AAC funding is non-existent, scarce or limited to a few conditions and level of disability, you may need to arrange your own crowd-funding campaign. This is what was done for James in the UK.
Buying the AAC device privately
With the rise of more consumer oriented devices like the iPad, with an app such as Snap Scene or the PCEye Mini eye tracker, there are increasing opportunities for users to buy their own device.
The process of getting a device funded
Regardless of the source of funding, it is necessary to do a proper assessment to ensure the intended user gets a device that best suits his or her needs, skills and abilities.
Again, this varies depending on where you live, but the first step usually involves a meeting with your speech and language pathologist (SLP) or speech and language therapist (SLT)
Practice eye tracking before an assessment
For an eye tracking device, our experience shows that a better assessment is made if you have first familiarized yourself with an eye tracker. It does not necessarily have to be in the context of communication, but also by using simple applications such as cause-and-effect or simple games.
You may be able to try, rent or buy the PCEye Explore, which is our entry level eye tracker that helps you get used to eye tracking in a no fail way. You may also want to take a look at Tobii Dynavox Gaze Viewer which records real eye tracking data and provides proof of a person’s ability to use and eye tracker.
More information and help
For more information about specific countries, please visit our other web sites or any of our resellers who will be able to assist you with the process and necessary paperwork.
We also recommend that you get in contact with other users to see how they went about funding their devices.