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Communication aids

Electronic communication aids are operated by pointing to or pressing a key or area on a screen containing a picture, symbol or word. Children or young adults with very little movement may use an alternative means of access such as using a switch with any part of their body or eye gaze technology.

What is a communication aid?

Communication aids are support systems to enable a young person to communicate using alternative means.  These aids can range from low tech support, which is usually paper based and accessed using a point to high tech; which is electronic based and operated using selection of a symbol via hand or eye movements.  These are often accessed as a result of a physical or learning disability (LD).  

 

Funding for communication aids

If a communication aid is recommended at the SCARC assessment:

  • Communication aids costing less than £1000 are allocated to the child/young person following assessment.
  • Communication aids costing more than £1000 are presented to the SCARC Management Group for funding agreement. 

 

SCARC Support

When a communication aid is introduced it is important that everyone involved with the child or young person knows how to operate and support the use of the communication aid. 

  • SCARC provides a training session for everyone involved when the communication aid is introduced. 
  • We additionally maintain and repair the communication device if something goes wrong. 
  • SCARC also provides bespoke training sessions for parents/carers and settings on a range of subjects relating to AAC.