For individuals that may benefit from Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), AZA United is one of the only providers in Arizona approved by the DDD healthplans to offer communication device evaluations. The purpose of this program is to identify the best device option for the client and then to help the family obtain the device through the DDD approval process.
Once the device has been delivered and programmed, we then provide up to 12 months of customized ongoing AAC training to update the device to match the client’s developing communication skills, and to ensure that all family members, providers, educators and caregivers understand how to use it to support the client throughout their day.
Program Highlights
- Available for individuals of any age who are enrolled with DDD/ALTCS
- Evaluations and training take place at an AZA United clinic or in the home & community
- A variety of devices are tested to identify the best option for the client’s individual needs
- The evaluating Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) submits the request to the healthplan
- Once the device is successfully obtained, we program it and provide ongoing training
Program Overview
Many families are unaware that AAC communication devices can be funded by the individual’s DDD healthplan. There are only a handful of approved providers in Arizona that may conduct the required evaluation in order to get a customized AAC communication device funded and delivered. AZA United is an approved provider for the DDD healthplans and has a team of Speech Therapists that specialize in AAC device evaluations and training for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
AZA United provides AAC services through individualized evaluations and a collaborative, family-centered approach. Our team of specialized Speech Therapists match each person with the most appropriate AAC system for their communication needs. Once received, we program the device to match the client’s vocabulary and current communication level. We then provide extensive training for parents and caregivers to ensure that everyone in the individual’s day-to-day life knows how to support their communication needs with the device.
This service supports individuals with communication, especially those who are minimally speaking or difficult to understand. The focus is on helping individuals express their wants, needs, and self-advocacy through alternative communication methods. A common myth is that communication devices reduce an individual’s language development. However, that is not true. Research and practice have clearly demonstrated that using a communication device can actually increase the development of spoken language and other forms of communication, sometimes serving as a bridge to future language skills. The purpose of the AAC evaluation is to understand family preferences and determine the best path forward for the client.
Unlike many other AAC evaluators, AZA United specializes in ongoing caregiver training to support use across daily environments. There is no point in getting an AAC device if it is not consistently used and updated, but unfortunately that is a common result for many families. It is critical that caregivers and anyone else who works with the child consistently supports the use of the device so that the child develops confidence and experiences success with all attempts to communicate. For this reason, our unique training model spans a full 12 months and focuses on practical, functional communication, with an emphasis on caregiver involvement and real-world application to ensure long-term success.
AZA’s Model of Care
AZA United’s AAC program is grounded in evidence-based, family-centered practices that support functional communication, self-advocacy, and participation across daily environments. Evaluations are individualized using a feature-matching approach to identify the most appropriate AAC system based on each person’s unique strengths and communication needs. The service emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration among speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, caregivers, educators, and other team members to ensure comprehensive support. In addition to expert AAC assessment and device recommendations, caregiver training and communication partner coaching are provided to promote successful implementation and consistent use across settings. This model aligns with current AAC research and best practices by focusing on meaningful communication outcomes, ongoing support, and access to reliable communication tools that increase independence and quality of life.
