How does ITS differ from other service providers?

In order to be effective, it is necessary to realize that every client is different. Though their problems may have common issues, they also have differences. One approach will seldom be sufficient. Thus for the best results it usually requires a blend of different approaches tailored to the specific client. At Integrated Therapy Services this is our hallmark. We have the depth of knowledge and experience needed to best implement an effective solution.

What is AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is the general term for the method used by people who have difficulty communicating or understanding spoken or written language. It is used to either supplement (augmentative) or replace (alternative) spoken/written language to aid in a persons ability to express themselves as well as to comprehend what is being said to them. AAC includes both aided and unaided communication systems. Unaided systems use the person's body to communicate such as through sign language, gestures, facial expressions, body movements, etc. Aided systems include various tools or equipment that range from simple pictures boards to sophisticated speech generating devices. Generally, a person uses a combination of unaided and aided methods to create a multimodal communication system. AAC is and should be a multimodal approach as all people communicate with multiple modalities. No person uses speech alone. In addition to speech, we all use some or all of the following: gestures, written language (e.g., email, texting, facebook, twitter), pictures (e.g., facebook), facial expressions, body movements, etc.

Types of AAC:
• Sign Language
• Facial Expressions
• Communication Boards
• Voice output devices
• Non-speech vocalizations
• Gestures

Who is a candidate for AAC?

AAC is for any person who cannot communicate using speech alone. It is appropriate for children with a disability that makes it difficult for them to speak (e.g., cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, autism) or adults who have sustained an injury or illness that has left them without speech either temporarily or permanently (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, ALS).

I know someone who cannot speak, what should be my first step?

The first step is to schedule a speech-language evaluation with a speech-language therapist who specializes in AAC.

What Assistive Technology Tools are helpful for individuals with Learning Disabilities?

Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or system that helps individuals work around or compensate for learning difficulties.

Examples of Assistive Technology:
• Spell checkers
• Talking word processors
• Word prediction
• Organizers (palm pilots)
• Speech recognition
• Outlining programs
• Alternative keyboard
• Talking calculators