Computer based technologies can be used to enable persons who are nonspeaking to communicate with family, educators, employers, and significant others. The ability to speak intelligibly and effectively can be impaired for many different reasons. For individuals who are nonspeaking augmentative and alternative (AAC) methods of communicating should be considered a first line of intervention for teaching language to beginning communicators. AAC should also be considered for individuals who have lost the ability to communicate secondary to a cardiovascular accident, diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, or other condition.
The T.K. Martin Center specializes in the evaluation of persons with communication disorders to determine the appropriateness for augmentative and alternative communication technologies. Services may result in the recommendation of the necessary equipment as well as the setup of the communication system once it is purchased by the client, insurance or referral source. While training in the use of this technology is an on-going, often lifelong process, the T.K. Martin Center provides the initial orientation and the necessary instruction to the device user and significant others regarding the constant learning process equated with this technology.
For more information, call (662) 325-1028.