AAC Funding Information

This webpage serves as a hub for resources and provides answers to commonly asked questions about funding Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. If you have additional questions, please contact Averie Lucas, Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Device Demonstration and Device Loan Program Manager, at averie.hinchey@okstate.edu or 405-744-5170.

Oklahoma ABLE Tech – Vending iPad Program for eligible SoonerCare members

As of June 24, 2026, Oklahoma ABLE Tech will NOT be able to vend iPads, AAC apps, keyguards, or cases for individuals. 

The following vendors should be able to assist you:

  • PRC-Saltillo vends
    • iPads with Unity, LAMP WFL, TouchChat, and Dialogue.
    • The device is called a “Via.”
  • Tobii Dynavox vends
    • iPads with TD Snap, TD Talk, and SnapScene.
    • The device is called a “Navio.”
  • AbleNet vends
    • iPad with other AAC apps including Proloquo2Go.
    • The device is called a “Quicktalker Freestyle.”

What funding options are available for AAC devices?

Funding options are typically determined by the age, disability, and income of the individual/family needing AAC. Common funding sources include:  

  • Insurance
    • Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA)
    • Private Insurance
  • Public Schools
  • Oklahoma Human Services-Developmental Disability Services (OHS-DDS)

Check out other funding potential sources in the Assistive Technology (AT) Funding Guide.

Insurance

Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) – SoonerCare

The following requirements are needed to request ANY high-tech, speech-generating device (SGD) from SoonerCare (including those from Apple (iPad and app), Prentke Romich Company (PRC), Saltillo, and Tobii Dynavox, etc.). NOTE: Oklahoma ABLE Tech is only a vendor for iPads, AAC apps, and accessories. More information is available in the Oklahoma ABLE Tech – Vending iPad Program for eligible SoonerCare members section.

  1. An evaluation completed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who recommends an SGD.
  2. Signed and dated order, referral, or prescription stating the device name, communication app if the device is an iPad, and specific accessories (straps, keyguards, cases, tempered glass screen protector, etc.) written by an OHCA-contracted qualified medical professional (Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)). The order must be signed within 90 days of the evaluation.
    • Vendors may have specific templates and/or information that needs to be included. Check with the vendor of the device you are requesting.
    • The signed and dated order, referral, or prescription must state the exact name of the device being requested. It cannot only say “AAC device”.
  3. A letter of medical necessity if the statement of medical necessity is not in the prescription.
    • Vendors may have specific templates and/or information that needs to be included. Check with the vendor of the device you are requesting.
  4. Clinical documentation that is relevant to the request and supports medical necessity for this evaluation. Examples include, but are not limited to documented:
    • Absence of natural speech 
    • Extremely limited natural speech 
    • Treatment history reflecting little to no progress in acquiring functional speech 
    • Progressive or degenerative disease or condition, which will result in deterioration or loss of speech
    • Illness or injury resulting in loss of speech
  5. Release of Liability form signed by the parent/guardian, or user of the device.
    • This will be provided by the vendor if they require it.
  6. Information regarding any/all insurance plan(s) the individuals has (i.e., copy of  private insurance card).

Effective 8/2/2024, the OHCA NO longer requires a video to be submitted for review with a Prior Authorization request for an AAC device.

Private Insurance

Start a benefit check with a private insurance company (some vendors might be able to assist with this) for health care common procedures coding system (HCPCS) communication devices. Below are commonly billed codes, but the list is not exhaustive:

  • E2510: Speech-generating device, synthesized speech, permitting multiple methods of message formulation and multiple methods of device access
  • E2599: Accessory for speech-generating device, not otherwise classified
  • E2512: Accessory for speech-generating device, mounting system
How to submit documentation for insurance to fund an AAC device

Documentation is submitted to the vendor of the device. The vendor will then submit the device to insurance. SLPs in the school do NOT have to bill insurance for Evaluations/Assessments for a device to be funded through insurance.

Check with the vendor of the device company to see if they have a funding portal where you can write and submit the required documents.

Public Schools

If the individualized education program (IEP) team determines that an assistive device and/or service is needed for the child to successfully meet the goals and objectives of the IEP, the school system MUST provide the individual with the AT device and/or service at no cost to the parents, as part of the student’s free and appropriate public education (FAPE). For more information, check out Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Special Education Services Division local education agency (LEA) funding webpage.

Oklahoma Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division (OHS-DDS)

Individuals with the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Services Division waiver have SoonerCare.  If a communication device is recommended, the team must go through the process to get a communication device funded through SoonerCare. OHCA, which manages SoonerCare benefits, has a specific process that must be followed to be considered for coverage. Visit the OHCA – SoonerCare Funding Information section for more information. DDS will need a denial from SoonerCare before they will consider funding a communication device.

Other Potential Funding Resources

Interested in learning about other funding sources for AAC devices and/or other AT? Check out Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s AT Funding Guide.

What companies vend high-tech AAC devices?

Required documentation is sent to companies, which then submit the required documentation to funders. If approved by the funder, the vending company will provide the requested device. Some high-tech AAC device companies are listed below:

PRC – Saltillo

Tobii Dynovox

AbleNet

Lingraphica

NOTE: Oklahoma ABLE Tech staff will update this list as we are apprised of information; however, all information regarding other companies is subject to change from what is listed.

AAC apps with free trials

Review information before submitting to Oklahoma ABLE Tech

Where can I find more information about AAC funding?

Find resources for no-, low-, light-, mid-, and high-tech AAC report writing and trialing options in this section.

Funding options for no-, low-, mid-tech AAC devices

Most companies that vend no-, low-, light-, and mid-tech devices are not in network/do not bill insurance for mid-tech devices. This means an alternative funding source will probably need to be used to fund the purchase of a mid-tech device. Check with the device vendor to confirm. Check out alternative funding sources in Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s funding guide.

Report writing information

Many funders will require a report with information about why a certain device is recommended. Even if a funder does not require a report, it is best practice to document the assessment process and recommendations.

AAC reports commonly include information regarding

  • Natural Speech 
  • Language (expressive, receptive) 
  • Symbol Representation 
  • Literacy 
  • Cognition 
  • Motor (includes positioning, seating) 
  • Sensory/Perceptual (vision, hearing) 
  • AAC Device Trials
    • Document the trials with three different language systems. Include why two language systems were ruled out and why one language system’s features were recommended.
  • Goals
  • Prognosis 
  • Why no-, low-, or light-tech will not meet the individual’s needs 
  • Device Necessity
    • Why it is a medical necessity (if trying to get a device funded by insurance)
    • Why it is an educational necessity (if trying to get a device funded by insurance)
  • SLP Statement: The SLP performing this evaluation is not an employee of and does not have a partnership with the supplier of any SGD.

AAC report templates

The following resources include AAC report examples. CAUTION: These examples provide sample language that may not apply to the individual you are serving. You know your individual best and need to make sure you are documenting what is true for that individual.

Commonly Requested Information Regarding eye-gaze and headtracking AAC devices

When requesting funding for an SGD with eye-gaze, most insurances require different access methods to be trialed, ruled out, and documented in the report.

  • Direct selection with a finger and/or stylus 
  • Scanning with a switch at different switch sites 
  • If switches do not work during trials due to mobility impairments, include details in the report regarding why switches are not effective in meeting the individual’s needs.  
  • If an individual can activate a switch, however, it is not an effective way to consistently access the SGD; include those details in the report. Examples include:
    • Fatigue over time
    • Switches in the morning
    • Cognitive demand is too high
    • Speed

Information for trialing AAC systems

Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Device Loan Program

Oklahoma ABLE Tech and other companies provide devices for trial purposes. Device loans  are available for FREE and for up to six weeks (short-term). The loans are available to all Oklahoma residents with disabilities, their family members, and the professionals who support them. Check out Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Device Loan Program webpage for more information.

Oklahoma ABLE Tech has many communication devices and other AT devices to borrow. Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s online inventory system allows users to search by the name of the device or by category.

  • Search the category “Speech Communication” for communication devices and speech communication mounts.
  • Search the category: “Environmental Adaptations” for switches and switch mounts.
No-, low-, light-, and mid-tech communication devices

Oklahoma ABLE Tech has more than 30 no-, low-, light-, and mid-tech communication devices available to trial. Borrowers will need to create their own visual supports for most mid-tech communication devices.

Dedicated devices

Oklahoma ABLE Tech has more than 50 dedicated devices available for trial. Dedicated devices are followed by a number which typically indicates the screen size of the device (i.e., Accent 1400 – 14 inch screen, TD – I13 – 13 inch screen, NovaChat8 – 8 inch screen).

iPads

Oklahoma ABLE Tech has more than 100 iPads available to trial with an AAC app. iPads with an AAC App come in a variety of sizes and models. Apple periodically changes the screen size when new models are released, so sizes may vary slightly from what is currently available to purchase new.

  • iPad Mini – typically around a 6-inch screen 
  • iPad – typically around an 11-inch screen 
  • iPad Pro – 11-inch or 13-inch screen (put in notes section of application what size iPad Pro to be borrowed.)
AAC apps

Oklahoma ABLE Tech has licenses for more than 20 AAC apps to deploy. At this time, Oklahoma ABLE Tech can only deploy AAC apps to Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s iPads. When you request an iPad, in the notes section of the application, include the names of the AAC apps requested to be borrowed.  Multiple AAC apps can be downloaded on an Oklahoma ABLE Tech iPad at one time if app licenses are available.

Download the AAC Apps Available through Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Device Loan document for the full list of available apps.

Mounts

Oklahoma ABLE Tech has the following mounts to trial with dedicated devices:

  • ClampOnMount 
  • TableTop Mount 
  • RM-2 Wheelchair Mount-Borrower
    • The requester will need to provide more information regarding wheelchair dimensions before Oklahoma ABLE Tech is able to send this mount.  
  • RM-3 Wheelchair Mount-Borrower
    • The requester will need to provide more information regarding wheelchair dimensions before Oklahoma ABLE Tech is able to send this mount.

Mounts are included for all dedicated eye-gaze and head-tracking device loans. If the borrower wants to trial a mount for a dedicated device that does not have eye-gaze, please include that note in your request.

Switches

Oklahoma ABLE Tech has more than 50 switches available to trial. The borrower will need to submit a request for a switch to trial it with a communication system.

Borrow a Saltillo AT Device

Visit AAC Funding’s Borrow AT webpage.

Rent a Tobii Dynavox AAC device

Visit Tobii Dynavox’s Device Rentals webpage.

Borrow an AT Device from Lingraphica

Visit Lingraphica’s website to start a free trial.

Speech Communication AT Discovery 

Check out Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Speech Communication Discovery webpage for commonly asked AAC questions, resources, case studies, and info sheets.

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