Try, review and optimise your solutions
Once you’ve spent some time with our team to work out the best AT, AAC or access technology solution for your specific context, the next step is to trial the equipment.
We can provide ongoing support for your referring therapist and team during the loan via our support packages. Through the training packages, we walk with you every step of the way to customise or adjust equipment to suit you, so you get the most out of it.
Whether you need 2 hours of support, or 4 or 6 more, we can work with you to tailor the package to suit your needs. Here are some examples of packages we can provide for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Access Technology (accessing your communication device, computer, home environment etc.):
Support Packages for AAC
Level 1 support - BASIC
For therapists/team who are very familiar with the equipment, or for less complex equipment or applications. This may be a session on basic editing or implementation principles (2.25 hours)
Level 2 support – STANDARD (Recommended Minimum)
For therapists/teams loaning one or more AAC apps on an iPad, requiring support in editing of the software and/ or support in implementation (4.5 Hours)
Level 3 support – MODERATE
For therapists/teams wanting a higher level of support for a longer trial, e.g. trial of 1 or more communication apps for iPad, requiring support in editing the software, creating goals for the trial, principles of implementation/ teaching complex communication systems; team is looking for more regular support/ troubleshooting and check-ins throughout the trial process (7 hours)
Level 4 support- COMPREHENSIVE
Suitable for those with a longer-term loan of equipment, especially with complex communication systems (i.e. communication apps on iPad). Extended support is provided in editing the software, creating goals for the trial, principles of implementation/ teaching complex communication systems, troubleshooting and check-ins throughout the trial process (10 hours+)
Support Packages for Access Technology
Level 1 support - BASIC
For therapists/ team members who are familiar with the equipment, or it is less complex equipment e.g. learning how to customise apps with media for switch access or getting a specialised head operated mouse set up. This includes 1 session for up to 1 hour with the primary therapist, provided by a ComTEC Occupational Therapist. (2.25 hours)
Level 2 support - STANDARD
For therapists/team members wanting moderate support e.g. getting started with the set up and trial of voice recognition software or alternative access hardware and software, making adjustments/ maximising the use of an eyegaze system; basic support in implementation or a home visit to set up switches and mounts or specialised mice/keyboards for your loan. This includes 1 home visit in collaboration with the primary therapist (if within 30 minutes travel) provided by a ComTEC Occupational Therapist; preparation (duration will vary dependent on request) and 15 minutes for file notes (4.5 hours).
Level 3 support - MODERATE
For teams or therapists wanting support for a longer trial, e.g. of 1 or more customisable apps for switching, assistance with an eyegaze system set up or an environmental control set up; support in editing the software, or looking for more regular support/ troubleshooting and check-ins throughout the trial process. Depending on location, this could include a home visit/s; 2-4 sessions depending if they are face to face or via Telehealth, approximately 1.5 hour duration with the primary therapist, provided by a ComTEC Occupational Therapist. The full cost of the package includes preparation and planning (approximately 1 hour, however duration for preparation is dependent on the complexity of the request) and 15 minutes for file notes (7 hours).
Level 4 support- COMPREHENSIVE
Suitable for those with a longer-term loan of equipment, especially with complex systems (i.e. eyegaze access or environmental control. Depending on location, this could include additional home visit/s to assist with tweaking set ups . This can includes 3+ sessions of 1.5 hour duration with the primary therapist, provided by a ComTEC Occupational Therapist. The full cost of the package includes preparation and planning (approximately 1 hour preparation, dependent on complexity), follow up and 15 minutes per session for file notes (10 hours or more).