Speech Language
and Literacy Center
We are a team of speech-language pathologists working in the areas of Augmentative and
Alternative Communication (AAC), Assistive Technology (AT), and dynamic literacy instruction.
Our team is transdisciplinary and we combine our knowledge and expertise to develop new and
innovative ways to support the evolving needs of individuals with different learning and access
needs, their teams, and their communities.
Tate’s Speech Language and Literacy Center (SLLC) Team offers a range of services including
assessments, intervention, consultation and customizable trainings. We work with individuals of
all ages, and their teams.
Assessments
Our clinicians offer comprehensive AAC and AT evaluations that follow Medicare standards for insurance coverage for durable medical equipment (DME). We work collaboratively with our own interdisciplinary team, as well as members of the individual’s team to offer comprehensive assessments. Our assessments include a chart/IEP review and/or interview with pertinent team members, direct evaluation time, generation of a report with detailed and practical
recommendations, as well as a follow up meeting to review the results of the evaluation. We will work to support a team through a funding request, as well as look into alternative forms of funding if necessary.
Intervention
Our clinical team offers direct AAC services and academic intervention embedding evidence-based strategies. We customize our treatment plans to meet the unique needs of the individual. We also have a strong focus on generalization and work collaboratively with team members to support skill advancement across multiple environments and settings.
Consultation
We join teams on site, and remotely, to offer consultation regarding AAC, AT, and differentiated instruction. We work collaboratively to develop creative, innovative, and customized implementation plans, supports and strategies grounded in research and progress outcome measures that are tailored to support the success of an individual, a classroom, and/or an organization.
Training
Our clinicians have developed a number of half-day and full-day trainings on AAC, AT,
implementation, and differentiated instruction. We can tailor our trainings to meet a specific need, and can also offer recorded trainings to have as a resource for teams to view at a later time.
AAC Camp
We understand that individuals who use AAC may often be the only one in their entire class, or even school, to be using it. At Camp, we seek to enrich the lives of all individuals by providing a safe and fun environment where camp goers are surrounded by others who communicate in a similar way. Camp is a 5 week, immersive experience where every activity and academic initiative is modeled with AAC to help create independence and confidence in communication.
Visit our camp site here!
Tele-ACC
By connecting with teams and individuals through telepractice we can make sure that those who
need support with AAC are able to get it. Tele-AAC is the use of online tools and video-conferencing supports to provide the AAC services remotely to an individual or team at a different location. We offer tele-AAC assessments, intervention and consultation. We are also
available to help teams develop their own tele-AAC practices.
Publications
Members of our team have worked together to author journal articles, as well as chapter and textbook publications.
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Tele-AAC: Augmentative and Alternative
Communication Through Tele-practice:
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Fundamentals of AAC: A Case-based Approach to Enhancing Communication: