About This Funding Program
Communication Intermediary services are an accessibility accommodation that may be arranged for individuals with speech, language, cognitive, or other communication disabilities participating in legal proceedings. This is not a conventional funding program or insurance benefit. Instead, the appropriate court or justice organization may authorize and pay for assistance on a case-by-case basis. Requests are generally coordinated through the individual's lawyer and are subject to the relevant court's procedures and approval.
How Allied Therapy Can Help
Allied Therapy's trained Communication Intermediaries help facilitate effective, impartial two-way communication between individuals with communication disabilities and legal professionals. Services may include assessment of communication needs, recommendations for accessible questioning, the use of plain language or visual supports, assistance during interviews or court proceedings, and communication accessibility reports. Communication Intermediaries are neutral communication professionals, not legal advocates or representatives.
How Funding Works
If you believe you require communication assistance during a legal proceeding, speak with your lawyer about requesting a Communication Intermediary as an accessibility accommodation. Your lawyer can contact Allied Therapy to discuss the service, clinician availability, and anticipated requirements. The lawyer can then bring the request to the appropriate court or justice authority. Authorization, responsibility for payment, and any required documentation should be confirmed before services begin. Funding is not automatic and depends on the circumstances and applicable procedures.
Who Can Access or Refer
Lawyers, legal representatives, court personnel, and justice organizations may contact Allied Therapy regarding Communication Intermediary services. Individuals, family members, and caregivers are also welcome to inquire; where legal proceedings are involved, we encourage requests to be coordinated through the person's lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions​​
Q: What is a Communication Intermediary? A: A specially trained Speech-Language Pathologist who helps make communication accessible between a person with a communication disability and professionals in legal or formal proceedings.
Q: Who can request this service? A: If you have a lawyer, ask them to request a Communication Intermediary as an accessibility accommodation. Lawyers and justice professionals can also contact Allied Therapy directly.
Q: Who pays for the service? A: The court or responsible justice organization may cover the service when approved. Funding and authorization must be confirmed in advance.
Q: Do I need a formal diagnosis? A: Communication support needs can arise from many different conditions. The court or responsible organization determines whether a requested accommodation is authorized.
Q: Can a Communication Intermediary help during police interviews? A: Communication assistance may be appropriate for interviews and other formal justice interactions, subject to the responsible organization's approval and arrangements.
Q: Is a Communication Intermediary the same as a lawyer? A: No. Communication Intermediaries provide neutral communication support and do not offer legal advice, represent clients, or advocate for a particular legal outcome.
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.