Alternative Access Methods

While many children are able to access devices through direct, manual selection (using finger to activate screen), some children have unique needs due to motor, visual, and sensory system limitations. This can be achieved through the use of switches or buttons paired with a selection style, providing choices with less motor demand. Our comprehensive assessment process combined with our multidisciplinary approach ensures maximal accuracy and efficiency of access while limiting fatigue, errors, and frustration. This process can be applied to both AAC and power mobility systems, as well as environmental controls.

Power Mobility

The most current literature published over the past five years emphasizes the importance of "On Time" mobility as a key to developmental achievement in areas including cognition, social engagement, and communication. We are proud to be leading the industry in power mobility trials with intentional focus on developmentally appropriate self-initiated movement timeframes. Power mobility is combined with other mobility interventions including standing and gait training to provide children frequent, varied, and self-initiated movement opportunities. We do not allow fear, outdated practice, or bias decide what even our youngest bees are capable of. We believe they will be more than happy to show us if given the right tools and environment. 

Mounting & Collaboration

For children with more complex gross motor needs, mounting systems are required to ensure access to AAC devices across a variety of developmentally appropriate positions, environments, and activities. In order to ensure that devices grow with children, all surfaces, positions, mobility preferences, and environmental setups must be considered. Justifying equipment such as switches, switch mounts, or device mounts is a critical component of access, and requires documentation of medical necessity. Therefore our team trials, documents, and leverages data to show how the device will grow through multiple developmental stages over the next five years. This requires continuous collaboration amongst the team, with the caregiver(s) centralized as captain, and the child at center stage when completing trials and selections. This requires a comprehensive, well-defined procedure with clearly defined roles and highly trained professionals, ensuring the BEST outcomes possible.