AAC aSSESSMENT AND suPPORT
Transforming Communication Together
Empowering Your Child's Voice: AAC Device Assessment at Creating Communicators Rocky Mountain
Located in Southeast Aurora, CO, and Here for Kids of All Ages
We believe every child deserves to share what they're thinking and feeling. Whether you're just learning about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, including assessments, or want to get better at using them, we're with you at every step.
What Are AAC Devices?
AAC devices are amazing tools that help kids communicate when it's tough for them. They can be as simple as picture boards or as high-tech as speech-generating devices and software. These tools are all about helping your child tell you what's on their mind or how they feel.
If You're New to AAC:
Starting out with AAC can feel big, but don't worry, we're here to help. We'll show you all about AAC, how they work, and how they can help your child chat more, join in with others, and even help them grow with language skills. We specialize in hands-on personalized assessments to find the perfect fit for your communicator.
If Your Child Already Uses AAC:
If your child is already using AAC devices, we can assist you in maximizing their effectiveness. Amy Black-Ryel has extensive experience in aiding children with these devices. She can guide you and anyone interacting with your child on how to utilize these tools to their fullest potential. Amy employs effective modeling techniques to enhance both you and your child's proficiency with the talker.
Looking for the Right Communication Support?
Discover Our Top Picks! View product recommendations here.
AAC Myths and Facts
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Fact: Research shows that abstract symbols and iconic symbols are perceived by children in early phases of development
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Fact: Many parents and some clinicians of individuals with complex communication needs believe that AAC will become the individual’s main communication method and that it will decrease their motivation to use their speech. However, many empirical research studies have shown that AAC IMPROVES speech skills.
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Fact: AAC is for everyone regardless of age and sensorimotor skills.
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Fact: It is crucial that AAC is explored and introduced to children who have communication and/or language deficits as early as possible. Remember that clinicians are not “giving up” when they recommend AAC for a child when they use it during treatment: they are in fact doing quite the opposite!
Success Stories
Our son is medically complex with ventilator dependence and hearing/vision impairments. Ms. Amy, tailored our activities / stimulation during our session based on how alert our son is. She worked collaboratively with other therapists to find the right Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices that fits our son’s ability to activate the devices and to customize the AAC IPad based on what our son may prefer with his vision/ hearing abilities. She continuously performs assessments on our son’s progress and creates therapy care plans. Aside from being knowledgeable on AAC devices, Ms. Amy also gives our son some oral sensory stimulations during our session. We’ve been noticing improvements in our son’s jaw strength and our son is now developing a bite reflex.
We would highly recommend Ms. Amy to anyone who has a child with SLP and AAC device needs.
— Client
Why Choose Us for Your Child’s Communication Help?
Amy Black-Ryel, MA, CCC-SLP, is well known for her expertise in AAC. She provides compassion while understanding what each kid and family needs. Amy makes sure they get just the right help. Her knowledge of how to apply the best tools from high-tech AAC to low-tech AAC.
At Creating Communicators Rocky Mountain, we do more than hand out tools. We help your child feel more confident, learn new skills, and make connections. We care a lot about helping your child communicate their thoughts and feelings.
Let us partner together to help your child’s communication. We love seeing how happy and confident they get when they can share their thoughts.