Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is defined as the use of other methods to replace or support verbal communication.
Links to lots of other sites, including grant resources compiled by a parent, an adult with autism, and a speech language pathologist.
With so many AAC apps available through the App Store, the Spectronics Consultancy Team would like to provide you with some tips and tools to help you find the right app.
iTaalk educates on the beneficial uses of assistive technology and includes specific advice about trying to get insurance to cover iPads.
Verizon Wireless has information and a list of apps for children with autism.
AAC devices aid communication for people with severe expressive communication
impairment due to developmental and acquired conditions including, but not limited
to, cerebral palsy, autism, aphasia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This FAQ will
focus on non-dedicated devices.
Courtesy of the Autism Society’s contact center, Autism Source, the list below includes organizations that offer grants and other assistance for children with autism:
These programs are for children with autism and often with language delays.
Other people with autism and their parents may want to contact their state’s Assistive Technology program. You may find these by searching the Autism Society’s resource database. Once on the search page, choose your state and click on Assistive Technology; your state agency will come up.Assistive technology programs may have a borrowing program for the iPad. They also offers very low interest loans with reasonable payment plans for many devices and iPads may be covered.They also can search for an alternative device that serves the same purpose and may be covered through them.
If you have any questions, please call the AutismSource contact center.
Phone: 800-328-8476
Flutie Foundation will grant a limited number of iPads to schools and organizations for programs specifically serving individuals with autism that have an established technology program in place utilizing the iPad, or have expressed an interest in starting a program using the iPad. One school per public school district is eligible to be awarded an Allison Keller iPad grant annually. Applications are usually due in January and February each year.
The Flutie Foundation also offers the Joey’s Fund Family Grant Program which accepts grant applications from families in New England (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire & Maine) that are in need of financial assistance for their family member(s) with autism. Families can apply for up to $3,000 through the program. Each year the Joey’s Fund application is available on their website in early February and is due by early March. Grant recipients will be notified in early to mid-April.
Oracle Health Foundation provides pediatric grants that cover a wide variety of clinical, equipment, travel and lodging, and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs. Grants include assistive technology equipment.
Funding criteria (from website):
Fact Sheet last updated on: 9/13/2024
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: INDEX is pleased to provide you this information. Please note, this information is not comprehensive, nor is it intended to take the place of professional advice. We encourage you to check other resources of such information. No endorsement by the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, DisabilityInfo.org, INDEX, or affiliates, should be inferred. We reserve the right to remove, to modify, or to add any information at any time, for any reason, and without notice.