Rehab Department

One Perkins Square

Akron, Ohio 44308

Dear Patient, Parents, and Caregivers,

Thank you for allowing us to work with you to determine possible communication solutions for your child. These instructions will tell you what to expect and what is needed during the Augmentative/Alternative Communication evaluation. If you have any questions prior to your visit, please contact Amy Sonntag at 330-543-8794 or .

Our services require a prescription from a physician and a questionnaire completed by you before an evaluation can be provided. Please fill out the questionnaire included in this packet and return it to us as soon as possible. Your evaluation will be scheduled once we receive the completed questionnaire. There is a self addressed stamped envelope for your convenience. It is very important that you fill out the questionnaire completely so that we can have trial equipment available at the time of the evaluation.

PREPARING FOR THE AUGMENTATIVE/ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION EVALUTION

  1. Pre-Registration (Complete these steps prior to the appointment)
  2. Check your health care coverage to see if a referral from you primary care physician is required.You can call Akron Children’s Hospital ARC Center prior to your evaluation at 330-543-4300 if you need assistance with determining this information.
  3. Ask your primary care physician for a prescription that reads: Augmentative Communication Evaluation and treatment with Speech and Occupational Therapy. The wording is very important. A sample Rx is included if you wish to use it.
  4. Please bring your child’s most recent IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and ETR (Evaluation Team Report).
  5. Registration (Day of Appointment)
  6. Please allow additional time for parking and registration prior to the appointment time.
  7. Due to the amount of time required for the evaluation, if you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your appointment you may be asked to reschedule for another day.
  8. Take the orange elevators to the 2nd floor and register at the Rehabilitation Services Registration Desk.
  9. Bring your insurance cards, letter of insurance authorization (if required) and doctor’s prescription with you if you have not sent it to us ahead of time.

To assist us in providing you with the best possible services:

  • Invite your child’s speech/language, occupational, physical therapist or other pertinent caregivers to the evaluation or bring input/evaluations/IEPsfrom them if applicable.
  • Please bring any braces, splints, walkers, crutches, wheelchair, stroller, laptray, and/or current augmentative communication device (low tech or high tech) that you are currently using to the evaluation.
  • Please bring eyeglasses and hearing aids if normally worn by the child.
  • Please bring a favorite toy or snack(s).
  • Please leave other children at home so we can provide our full attention to the person being evaluated.

We welcome the opportunity to work with you.

Sincerely,

The AAC Team of Akron Children’s Hospital

Amy Miller Sonntag, M.A., CCC-SLP, Stacey Fernstrum, M.A., CCC-SLP, Christine Hurtubise, M.S., CCC-SLP, Mary Beth Doerr, OTR/L, and Lindsey Ripple, MOT, OTR/L