Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Clinic

Many of our patients have experienced an injury or illness, such as brain injury, stroke, ALS or Parkinson's disease, that affects their ability to communicate. Others were born with disorders like cerebral palsy or have developmental challenges. 

At the AAC clinic, we believe everyone has:

• The right to communicate
• The right to share in decisions about their care
• The right to develop and maintain social relationships

We are an expanded level clinic designated by the Ministry of Health's Assistive Devices Program (ADP). 

What to expect

Before your appointment, it is a good idea to think of one person who can be responsible for helping with your new communication system. They can help you make appointments, come with you to the clinic and continue to help you afterward. This should be a friend, family member or caregiver who you see regularly. 

Our team also recommends looking over the vocabulary inventory form (PDF) ahead of your appointment and thinking about which personalized phrases and questions you would like to be able to say.  

At your first appointment, you will meet the health professionals who may be involved in your care, including an occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, technologist and communicative disorders assistant. 

We will go over the vocabulary inventory form together and assess your physical, speech and language abilities. 

Together, we decide on which AAC tools and strategies best meet your needs. For example, we may recommend using: 

• Communication boards
• Gestures
• Speech-generating devices
• Special computers
• Spelling boards and books
• Adaptive keyboards and mice
• Partner-assisted strategies

Our team will teach you and your caregivers how to use the new communication tools and strategies. This may occur over several appointments.

Fees and funding

Patients with a valid Ontario health card can apply for funding for their equipment through the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP). 

The occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists in the clinic are registered authorizers for this program and will complete the forms with you. 

We can also help you apply for other funding which may offset the cost of your equipment. 

What to bring

• Health (OHIP) card or valid health-care coverage (needed for every visit) 
• Reading glasses and hearing aids
• A support person to help you communicate and assist with your new tools
• Completed vocabulary inventory form
• Any communication aids you currently use

How to access our services

We accept referrals from Hennick Bridgepoint inpatient units and external health-care providers. Visit our referral criteria for more information.