Assistive Devices Resource Service (ADRS)

A face-to-face communication system is for individuals who struggle to communicate verbally. They may be non-verbal or they may be verbal, but their speech is very difficult for communication partners to understand, and so they need an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) system to help them communicate with others in face-to-face situations.

Referral Criteria for Face-to-Face:

• Little to no speech or speech that is very difficult to understand
• Communicate intentionally
• Use a minimum of 20 different symbols (e.g. picture symbols, consistent gestures, signs and/or words/word approximations) to communicate in more than one environment

Some individuals may need a writing aid to support their written communication needs. An AAC system for writing is for those who have difficulty using a pen or pencil to write due to a physical disability. Their handwriting might be illegible, or they may suffer from pain/fatigue with traditional handwriting and can’t keep up with the speed needed for every day writing tasks.

To be referred for writing aids, the client must have a documented physical disability. If their primary diagnosis is a learning disability (i.e. dyslexia or autism), wherein there is no definite physical component to the diagnosis, they are not eligible for ADP funding for writing aids.

The written communication assessment is for home-based writing needs. This service does not offer handwriting/typing training. In order to qualify for a writing aid system through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), client must be between the ages of 7 and 18, and the following: 

Referral Criteria for Writing Aids:

• Client is unable to use a pen/pencil and paper to write due to a long-term physical disability (not due to a primary learning disability.) 
• Client is unable to use a regular keyboard and mouse efficiently or does not have access to technology at home for written communication purposes. 
• Client must have home writing needs (other than homework.) 
• Client has ongoing, regular wrriting needs at home that are not being met. 
• Client must have basic literacy skills, such as: recognizing letters, spelling their name and creating simple sentences independently (copying text is not considered independent writing.) 
• Client must be able to communicate functionally (verbally, or through a symbol system), must be able to put words or symbols togeter to form basic ideas - misspelled words are acceptable. 

-OR-

Clients under six years old

• Client is unable to perform age-appropriate pencis and paper tasks due to a long-term physical disability (not due to a primary learning disability.) 
• Client is unable to use a standard keyboard and mouse.
• Client must be able to communicate functionally (verbally or through a symbol system) and know some letters and sight words.

Adapted access may involve using a switch, a joystick or eye scanning in order to activate desired keys/buttons/locations on a screen. Someone may require an adapted switch if they are not able to directly target keys on a keyboard with a finger (for example). There are adapted access options for face-to-face AAC systems, writing aid systems and even adapted access for toys (although not fundable through the Assistive Devices Program).

To be referred for adapted access, the client must have a documented physical disability. If their primary diagnosis is a learning disability (i.e. dyslexia or autism), wherein there is no definite physical component to the diagnosis, they are not eligible for ADP funding for adapted access.

The ADRS acdapted access assessment is for clients who cannot physically use a computer keyboard, or mouse or communicatino device with the regular set up that is provided. 

Referral Criteria for Adapted Access:

• Client has a diagnosis of a physical disability (not a primary learning disability.)
• Client has a need for a complex switch set-up at home to use a computer, adapted toys, small appliances or other technology.