About This Funding Program
There is no single universal AAC device funding program for every Nova Scotian. Possible pathways include individually authorized supports such as Jordan's Principle for eligible First Nations children, private insurance in limited circumstances, charitable equipment programs and publicly funded AAC assessment or consultation services. The IWK's Augmentative Communication Consultative Service supports children and youth and accepts referrals involving a local speech-language pathologist; Nova Scotia Health also has adult augmentative communication and access-to-technology referral pathways. Each organization has its own eligibility and device rules.
How Allied Therapy Can Help
Allied Therapy's Speech-Language Pathologists can assess functional communication needs, discuss no-tech to high-tech AAC options, recommend strategies, collaborate on suitable systems, and support vocabulary selection, modelling, training and everyday implementation.
Occupational Therapy may assist with positioning, access, sensory considerations and functional use where appropriate. With consent, our clinicians can provide relevant assessment reports or recommendations for funding applications within professional scope. We do not guarantee device approval or act as the granting organization.
How Funding Works
Start with an AAC consultation or ask us about an existing recommendation. Together we can identify whether the immediate need is clinical assessment, a device, training or ongoing support. Before purchasing technology, check the requirements of any potential payer or program, including required assessments, professional prescriptions, quotes, prior authorization and eligible vendors. Device costs and Allied Therapy's clinical fees are separate unless a funder explicitly authorizes both.
Please note that some private insurance will cover the cost of AAC as it is a medical device. Our Speech-Language Pathologists can write a letter for support for this funding for your provider.
Who Can Access or Refer
AAC users, family members, caregivers, teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, case coordinators, First Nations community representatives and other healthcare professionals can inquire. Public programs may have their own referral pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions​​
Q: Does Allied Therapy sell or fund AAC devices?
A: We provide clinical AAC services; device purchases and grants are arranged separately unless expressly agreed.
Q: Can you help choose an AAC system?
A: Yes. Our SLPs can explore appropriate communication systems and implementation supports.
Q: Can Jordan's Principle fund AAC?
A: Some eligible requests for First Nations children may be considered; approval is specific to the request.
Q: Are public AAC services available?
A: Yes. IWK and other Nova Scotia public-sector AAC services have their own referral processes.
Q: Will funding cover assessments and training as well as a device?
A: Not necessarily. Each expense must be checked against the specific funding approval.
Let's Explore Your Funding Options
Not sure whether your funding can be used for therapy?
Our team is happy to discuss your goals, explain our services, and provide information you may need when speaking with your funding coordinator or insurance provider.
We'd love to help you explore your next steps.