Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

Therapy

Where does therapy take place?

Therapy can take place in your home, daycare, or an agreed upon community location.

How often is therapy?

Therapy sessions are available in 30-90 minute intervals. Session length and frequency will be discussed as part of your treatment plan and tailored to meet your child and family needs.

How long will my child need therapy?

The number of sessions required will vary based on the concern and the individual.

What areas do you serve?

I am Airdrie-based, but will service surrounding areas. A travel surcharge may be implemented for clients outside of a 30 km range..

Are you an approved provider for Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)?

Yes, I am an approved FSCD provider. Please note, my billing rate is higher than the FSCD reimbursed rate.

Payment

What payment methods are accepted?

Payment is due immediately post session. Accepted payments methods include cash, e-transfer, and credit card.

Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are subject to a 50% cancellation fee if a services cannot be rescheduled or provided in an alternate format (e.g., virtual session, home program). Missed appointments will be charged full service fee.

Will insurance cover your services?

Most extended insurance plans offer speech and language coverage up to a certain amount. It is recommended that you check directly with your insurance provider.

Do you direct bill?

Direct billing can be arranged for the following insurance companies:

Commerce Group Insurance Plan | CINUP | ClaimSecure | Cowan Insurance Group (managed by Express Scripts

Simply Benefits | TELUS AdjudiCare | Union Benefits | UV Insurance

For all other insurance providers, a receipt of services will be provided that can be used for reimbursement purposes.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

What is AAC?

AAC includes all modes of communication besides spoken words, including facial expression, gestures, signs, writing/typing, pointing to symbols on boards or books, and using Speech Generating Communication Devices such as iPads with communication apps, or dedicated communication devices.

Who might benefit from AAC?

AAC is a common tool used to support several conditions that can limit speech production across the lifetime.

If your child is having significant challenges with their speech production and/or language, AAC may benefit them to promote language development and reduce communication related frustrations. AAC supports those with several developmental or congenital conditions including:

Atrophy | Muscular Dystrophy | Rett syndrome | Other genetic and neuromuscular conditions

Other conditions may be acquired or present later in life that may limit speech or cause a decline in speaking ability. AAC offers the ability to stay connected, communicate their wants and needs, conserve energy, and/or save their recorded voice for later. AAC supports those with several acquired and degenerative conditions, including:

Aphasia | Progressive Supranuclear Palsy | Stroke | Traumatic Brain Injury | Other

Will AAC prevent my child from talking?

No. It is a common worry that AAC will prevent a person from talking or means that a family has given up on speech. In fact, the research shows the opposite. Participants in a study examining AAC and speech showed that 89% of participants demonstrated an increase in speech production after AAC implementation.

Similarly, many people who have some speech benefit from AAC to expand what they are able to say or clarify messages that are hard to understand due to speech production issues.

Click here to read more AAC myths and research.

My child can't point to pictures, can they still use AAC?

Yes! Many people who would benefit from AAC have complex bodies that need to access AAC systems through alternate means other than direct touch access. If you or your loved one has challenges accessing an AAC system directly, alternate access methods such as scanning or eye gaze may be explored. It may be recommended that you add an Occupational Therapist (OT) knowledgeable in the area of AAC access to your therapy team if exploration of alternate access is required.

My child is a Gestalt Language Processor, how will that impact AAC use?

Information on integrating AAC with Gestalt Language Processing is new and ever-evolving. I will work with you to explore strategies and suggestions of how to incorporate Natural Language Acquisition into an AAC device, while preserving the integrity of the AAC device for long term generative use.

I am located outside of the Airdrie/Calgary area. Can I access your support?

Travel for in-person AAC assessment may be arranged subject to availability. Ongoing consultation may be provided remotely if required.

Do you see adults for AAC support?

Yes. Assessment, consultation, and education is available for adults and their teams to support AAC use.

How do I get an AAC device?

As part of your assessment, options for procuring an electronic AAC device will be discussed. In Alberta, there are several options for funding electronic AAC devices including:

Alberta Aids to Daily Living
Private purchase
Alternate funding sources

I'm interested in an AAC service but don't see it listed?

Feel free to contact me and I will see if I can meet your need.