Children's Emergency Department is now located in Children's Tower: 1001 E. Marshall Street.

Learn more
View alerts close
Augmentative and alternative communication

Augmentative and alternative communication 

We use augmentative and alternative communication evaluations to assess your child’s communication needs and help identify the best ways for them to share their voice.  

Aiming to achieve the most effective communication possible for your child, we might use picture-based supports, lite-tech supports or dynamic speech-generating devices. Our therapists have access to the latest communication devices and evidence-based AAC practices. We provide patient and caregiver training and on-going support tailored to each child and the severity of their speech or language disorders. 

Parents are an essential part of successful use of AAC. But you’re not in this alone. Our team has developed caregiver activities to support AAC at home and in the community: 

  • Bubbles 
  • Cars 
  • Crayons 

Referrals and contact 

We receive a majority of AT referrals from physicians, school systems and employers, but families can also make a self-referral. Call 804-228-5985 to register. We’ll send you an intake packet to complete. We need important information including medical and educational history, as well as your child’s applicable home, school and work environments. We also will want to know if your child already is using or has used AT, then we’ll schedule an evaluation.  

Additional resources 

This program is accredited by The Joint Commission as part of an ambulatory survey process.

 

Meet the team

View all providers
Samantha K Burch, MEd, CCC-SLP
Samantha Burch MEd, CCC-SLP Speech therapy
Assistive technology
Read more
Michelle L Froede, DPT
Michelle Froede DPT Physical therapy
Assistive technology
Read more
Andrea Ralston Harris, MOT
Andrea Harris MOT Occupational therapy
Assistive technology
Read more

Locations

View all locations