Medicare Approved iDevice for Communication

Here is a tip offered by Assistive Technology Daily in a recent post that caught my attention due to the difficulty with getting funding for Apple based products for communication devices.

FRS Custom Solutions (Forbes Rehab Services), a Ohio based business offers devices for individuals with communication disorders that are Apple based with a choice of adding your own communication app that is Medicare approved.

The Com Link ProSlate 10, is an AAC device advertised by FRS as an Apple based AAC device Medicare approved as a speech generating device.

Here is what they list as included with this AAC device:

ProSlate™ 10D
SoundPOD™ Wearable
Speaker
FlexABLE™ Handle & Stand
Choice of AAC App (Proloquo2go, Gridplayer, Sonoflex, etc.)
ProSlate™ &
SoundPOD™ Charger
Soft Carry Case
Shoulder Carry Strap
Quick Start
Guide
Stylus

An interesting possibility to check into when considering funding of an Apple device for AAC. Has anyone had experience with this service or device?

Carol

About Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

OTR/L with more than 35 years experience in pediatrics, school based therapy and adult rehabilitation. Masters of Science in Adaptive Education/Assistive Technology with 20 years experience in AT in education of elementary, middle school, secondary, post secondary students and work environments for adult clients. A RESNA Assistive Technology Practitioner with ACVREP CATIS credentials, AOTA Specialty Certification in Low Vision, USC Davis Executive Certificate in Home Modifications, servicing adults and students with disabilities in employment, education, and home environments. A 2020 graduate of the University of Alabama Birmingham Low Vision Certification Program.

View all posts by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS →

3 Responses to Medicare Approved iDevice for Communication

Michael De Jesus says:

February 22, 2013 at 7:55 am

I am very interested insane ing more about this device. I think it is great to have access to these kind of communication apps on something that can be utized solely as a communication device without the other “distractions” of other educational apps that are often on the iPad.

nancy vandam says:

February 27, 2013 at 12:11 am

My daughter nicole has down syndrome and she needs a communication device like this please email us more info thank you the van dam family

- Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP says:
  
  February 27, 2013 at 3:44 pm
  
  Nancy VanDam,
  Thank you for visiting OT’s with Apps and responding with your inquiry. My blog is to share information that I find. This is the first time I have seen Medicare providing approval for such dedicated devices and is great to see. Perhaps we will see more of this as a possibility to those who need this type of device for communication. As any other Medicare or Medicaid device this typically would need a physician’s or professional recommendations to go through approval and funding eligibility. I would suggest that you contact your daughter’s speech and language pathologist if she has one or find out from her special needs teachers if currently in school to determine what her needs are and what device might be recommended for her. If not in school seeking out a professional communication evaluation might be considered to establish the need. Easter Seals, UCP Centers and universities with speech and language programs sometimes have AAC clinics that will evaluate individual needs.
  Other agencies that might help with funding as is appropriate for a client might be through local agencies such as Kiwanis, Lions Club,etc. Justification is typically needed first by professional prior to seeking funding. The company listed is in Ohio, and am unsure whether they work only with individuals in their locale, but you might want to contact them if you want more informatuion about the qualifications and the funding process:
  http://www.frs-solutions.com/
  iPads are a great device but they are not always a one size fits all.
  
  Good luck!
  Carol