AAC funding

 

Funding for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices

Children with complex communication needs may benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to support spoken communication and enhance their social and educational participation. Children are entitled to receive AAC devices that meet their individual needs through their health fund (Kupot Cholim) or the Ministry of Education.

 

 

Provision of AAC Equipment

  Ministry of Education Health Funds (Kupot Holim)
Age From age 3 to 21 years No age limit
Equipment • Speech-generating devices
• Switches
• Joysticks
• Switch interfaces
• iPad with a communication app

• Rugged Windows-based tablets (including access methods as needed, such as switches or joysticks)

• Eye-gaze systems

• EyeControl systems (eye-movement-based communication with voice output, independent of a computer)
Communication Software / Apps • Grid for iPad
• TouchChat		 • Grid 3
• TD Snap
Applicant Form 1: Parents
Forms 2 & 3: Speech-language pathologist in the kindergarten or school		 Speech-language pathologist
(For eye-gaze systems, an occupational therapist is also required)
Application Requirements Recommendation from a speech-language pathologist • Recommendation from a speech-language pathologist
• A trial period may sometimes be required
Equipment Ownership Ministry of Education (until age 21) Health Fund

 

Process for Requesting AAC Equipment Through Health Funds

The process for obtaining AAC equipment varies among the different health funds but generally includes the following steps:

  1. The treating speech-language pathologist submits a request to the Health Fund for approval of an AAC trial.

    • A functional report from the treating speech-language pathologist and a medical report from the treating physician must be attached.

  2. Approval is received from the Health Fund for a trial with the requested AAC system.

  3. The family contacts an AAC equipment lending center, such as ALYN Hospital or Ezer Mizion, to obtain the device for a trial period.

  4. Following the trial, the treating speech-language pathologist submits a request to the Health Fund for approval of a permanent AAC system.

  5. The permanent AAC system is provided.

Links

Detailed information about the process in each Health Fund:

AAC Equipment Loan Centers for Trial Use:

Additional Information

Guy Rudovsky
Director, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Center
Email: grudovsky@alyn.org
Phone: 02-6494266