Slide 8 of 10
Notes:
Paying for a device is another critical element of setting-up and AAC system. Once the appropriate device has been identified, the question of how it can be paid for becomes paramount. Some manufacturers provide direct help to help people through funding sources, although they cannot submit funding proposals themselves for obvious reasons. Because the funding process can be complex, time-consuming and tedious, having the support of a communication aid manufacturer through the various steps can be of great benefit to an intervention team. Larger companies have full-time specialists whose function is to expedite funding request. And as funding requirements can vary from state to state, communication aid manufacturers typically keep information on these differences.
Many manufacturers also offer rental, or even loaner, programs. This can be valuable in the evaluation process allowing for a "try-before-you-buy" approach. The period of loan or rental will vary from company to company, but it is always worth asking them individually what they can offer. Of course, once a company has allocated its loaner units, there may well be a waiting list, so sometimes trial units may be unavailable.
