ACS Care Journey

What to Expect

We are looking forward to working together! Here's what you can expect from us so that you and your child/youth can get the most from the different phases of our service.

 

Discovery Phase

  • Discovery Call: You’ll have a chance to talk with an ACS clinician about your hopes for your child’s communication.  We want to hear about what is working right now and what could be better. This phone call typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Sometimes the clinician will suggest a consultation to explore augmentative communication strategies to expand your child’s communication while you are waiting for assessment.
  • In order to learn more about our service and increase your understanding about augmentative communication possibilities, you’ll complete an online parent orientation session. 

Assessment Phase

  • After you’ve completed the parent orientation, your child’s name will be added to the list of children waiting for their assessment.
  • When ACS clinician(s) becomes available, they will contact you to get started. Together with you and your child’s team, we will talk about your child’s communication needs and learn about your child's communication goals. With your child’s goals in mind, ACS clinician(s) can begin a trial of strategies/equipment with your child.
  • If your child would benefit from specific equipment to improve their communication, the process to get funding from the Assistive Device Program will be reviewed. The suggested equipment will be reviewed by the ACS team and then funding can be authorized.

Training & Practice Phase

  • You and your child will practice using the augmentative communication strategies and/or equipment to help them achieve their goals.
  • The ACS team will provide training and technical support as needed. As your child achieves their current communication goals, your ACS clinician can help assist you to set new goals.

Self-Reliance Phase

  • You and your child’s team are now comfortable supporting current and new communication goals.
  • The ACS team is available for technical support as needed, and a person from ACS will continue to contact you annually to ensure that the equipment is meeting your child’s communication needs. If new needs are identified, please contact us. Depending on the needs identified, there may be a wait for an available clinician as we help other children get started with their journey through our service.