Augmentative Communication Aids and Systems Clinic
Referrals & Appointments
referrals call:
(608) 263-3301
Augmentative Communication
Aids & Systems Clinic
Welcome
The Waisman Center Clinics provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary, clinical care and support for infants, children and adolescents with, or at risk for, developmental disabilities. The Augmentative Communication Aids & Systems Clinic (CASC) is a partnership with UW Rehabilitation Department of the UW Hospital & Clinics (UWHC) that began over 30 years ago. CASC was one of the first clinics in the country to provide augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services and is pleased to continue to provide these important services for patients.
The CASC team, comprised of speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, partner with families and other team members to provide highly specialized, cutting edge augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and computer access services for children and adults who are experiencing significant communication difficulties. CASC provides services for people of all ages who have a range of disabilities that include: Amytotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), spinal cord injuries, aphasia, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), cerebral palsy (CP), autism, Rett syndrome, Down syndrome, and multiple disabilities. CASC's primary activities focus on providing outpatient services though bedside assistance is also provided for inpatients that require specialized communication services.
| Patients served by CASC access the expertise of highly specialized staff as well as a wide array of AAC and computer access technology, including: | |
| • | low technology AAC such as communication boards and books |
| • | high technology AAC including communication devices with voice output, often referred to as speech generating devices (SGD) |
| • | equipment that provides adapted access methods for operating AAC and computers (allowing the use of such options as switches, head pointing and eye gaze access) |
| • | adaptive communication applications for "off the shelf" technology, such as portable tablets and mobile media devices |
CASC services start with an initial evaluation session and often a series of follow up sessions are needed to determine appropriate AAC and to train patients and teams on how to functionally use AAC and computer adaptations. CASC provides documentation required by funding sources, including Wisconsin Medicaid and Medicare, to approve recommended equipment and needed services.
YOUR CLINIC VISIT:
To schedule an appointment, call the Waisman Center Clinic number at (608) 263-3301. Please indicate that you would like to arrange for an appointment in CASC.
| • | You will be provided with information that will help you obtain essential items prior to your initial evaluation at CASC, such as insurance or HMO referrals. |
| • | Prior to your initial appointment, a packet of materials will be sent to you including directions to the Waisman Center and a parking permit. |
| • | CASC is located on the third floor of the South Tower at the Waisman Center, 1500 Highland Avenue. When you arrive for your appointment, please check in at the clinic reception desk adjacent to the main lobby on first floor. |
| • | You will complete a 90-minute initial evaluation session with a CASC SLP and/or OT. Your communication skills and needs will be documented and you will have the opportunity to begin trying AAC and other adaptations that could be helpful for you. |
| • | CASC staff will generate an evaluation report and a plan of care (POC) if follow up services are recommended. CASC documentation will also be sent to your referring physician for signature approval and submitted for prior authorization (PA) to insurance if needed. |
| • | A four-week rental period using an SGD is commonly recommended and patients must return to CASC weekly during rental periods for the needed assessment of progress. |
| • | If acquisition of an SGD is recommended, CASC will assemble needed supportive documentation and collaborate with SGD venders related to prior authorization processes required to secure insurance funding for SGD. |
| • | Frequently patients must return to CASC for training related to how to functionally use their AAC system once low or high tech options are put into place. |
| • | Provide patients who have complex communication and motor needs with viable ways to effectively communicate to participate in their health care and in their community, and to support self-determination. |
| • | Support expressive and receptive language development of children by providing early access to communication. |
| • | Match patients with appropriate AAC options and teach them how to use them. |
| • | Provide documentation that is required for prior authorization (PA) for AAC services and equipment, including SGD, to assist patients to secure necessary funding. |
| • | Match patients with needed adaptations for computers and other "off the shelf" technology, such as portable tablets. |
| • | Partner with patients, families and other team members to efficiently and effectively transfer care to them as feasible. |
When
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.
Where
Waisman Center Clinics
Room 315
1500 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
Contact
Waisman Center Clinics: 608-263-3301
EZ Referrals encouraged
Meet the Team
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| Julie Gamradt, MS, CCC-SLP Director |
Abygail Marx, MS, CFY Speech-Language Pathologist |
Mary Locast, OTR Occupational Therapist |
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| Bobbi Johnson, MS, OTR Occupational Therapist |
Blair Panhorst, MS, CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist |
