If your loved one’s speech-language pathologist (SLP) has suggested that they would benefit from an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, you’re probably full of questions. You might be thinking: “What’s an AAC device?” “How much does it cost?” “How will it help my loved one?”

The good news is that you’re not expected to figure it out on your own or all at once. Here at AbleNet, we have a team of parents, known as Parent Enthusiasts, who have been through the process already. This article will cover the basics: from what an AAC device is to the early stages of the insurance funding process.

What is AAC? 🔗

AAC or Augmentative and Alternative Communication is a tool or strategy that helps a person share their thoughts, feelings, and needs when spoken language is unavailable.

For many families, AAC is a dedicated device that allows an AAC user to express wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings, by selecting words, pictures, or symbols. The user pushes a button or types out a sentence, and the device speaks it aloud for them.

The QuickTalker Freestyle from AbleNet is a dedicated AAC device. If you’re exploring this option, you’re in good company. More than 80% of QuickTalker Freestyle families report big increases in communication after just one year:

• 89% of users make more requests.
• 73% express more feelings.
• 59% saw less frustration.
• 87% report a better understanding of language.

How Do I Get a QuickTalker Freestyle?🔗

One of the best parts of getting a device with AbleNet is that our team helps you get the device funded through your health insurance. The funding process, also known as the ableEXPERIENCE or ableExperience for Families, has several steps. Below, we’ll go over them!

Step 1: The Benefit Check🔗

What you might not realize is that your SLP has already submitted what’s called a Benefit Check, which looks at whether your insurance is likely to cover the device. If they haven’t, you’re able to submit one yourself!

AbleNet often completes this the same day it’s submitted, but the full insurance approval process can still take some time depending on your coverage. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the whole process to complete, and you can get a device in as little as two days!

Step 2: Parent/Caregiver Form🔗

Next, you’ll receive an email containing the Parent/Caregiver Form. The form gives AbleNet permission to contact your loved one’s SLP and primary care doctor to get the insurance process started.

Step 3: Receive a Device🔗

Once the benefit check is completed and you fill out the parent/caregiver form AbleNet sends to you, the QuickTalker Freestyle gets shipped out! Your SLP might call it a “loaner” or a “trial device,” but know that this is a fully functional, no commitment device ready for you to try out.

Step 4: Insurance Requirements🔗

While you’re getting to know the device, your SLP and AbleNet are working behind the scenes on the funding process.

Your SLP receives the specific insurance requirements that need to be documented in their speech evaluation to support keeping the device. Those requirements vary by state and insurance plan.

AbleNet also contacts your child’s doctor for medical documentation. Some insurance companies require that your child has been seen by their physician within the last six months, so you may be asked to schedule an appointment.

Once your SLP completes the speech evaluation, AbleNet reviews everything to make sure it meets the insurance company’s requirements before submitting the full packet for approval.

Keep an eye on your text messages, that’s how AbleNet keeps you updated throughout the process.

If your child is approved, the QuickTalker Freestyle you’ve already been using simply becomes their permanent device. No swapping devices. No starting over.

If the request isn’t approved, AbleNet will ask for the trial device back at no cost to you, and you can always revisit the process in the future.

Explore the QuickTalker Freestyle🔗

Once you have the device, you may have difficulty wrapping your head around it. It may look like a tablet, but it doesn’t function like one.

The device will come with a few apps preinstalled, but your speech app will be front and center. AbleNet doesn’t make its own speech app. Instead, you’ll receive the device with a speech app that you and your SLP decided was the best fit for your loved one.

You can also just explore the device. Push some buttons and learn where things are.

Most new users take to the device right away. They might not use it to communicate the way you’re imagining just yet, but that will come in time. They’ll likely start pushing buttons repeatedly, also called babbling, and that’s okay! Let them explore.

What If I Need Help?🔗

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your SLP for help. You can also find a lot of great resources on Support Hub like:

• Getting Started With QuickTalker Freestyle – a step-by-step guide for learning about your new device.
• Family & Caregiver Support Center – a central hub filled with resources about the funding process and strategies for implementing AAC.
• Speech Apps – our most popular speech apps have guides and support articles to help you learn.
• ableExperience for Families: Funding Process FAQ – a list of frequently asked questions about the process from documentation to device damage.

In addition, there are AbleNet teams available to help you including:

• Parent Enthusiasts – the ableFamilies team of parents of QuickTalker Freestyle users.
• SLP Empowerment – a team of speech therapists ready to help you with AAC!
• ableCARE Product Support – our technology support team available for device troubleshooting and more.
• Get Help – other teams are also available to help as needed!

Give Yourself Some Grace🔗

This is a new journey and a lot of new information. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first. Reach out to us, join ableFamilies, and know that you’re doing something amazing for your family.