Should I Consider a Device For My Child's Speech & Language Development?

When you come to SAGE Speech, you can expect more than just traditional therapy sessions. We pride ourselves on offering specialized care tailored to each child's specific needs. Our therapists take the time to assess every aspect of your child's communication challenges and work closely with your family to develop a treatment plan that is as unique as your child. This includes working alongside specialists, including those from Certified Seating and Mobility, to integrate technology like SGDs into therapy.

SGDs: More Than Just Tools"”They're Lifelines

Speech Generating Devices are not just helpful; they are life-changing for many of our clients. These devices are designed to help children with speech impairments communicate with the world around them. Whether it's through touch, eye gaze, or head movements, SGDs offer multiple access methods tailored to the individual's needs. But what sets SGDs apart at SAGE Speech is the fact that the devices are owned by the family, ensuring that the child has consistent access to them at home, school, and beyond.

Insurance Coverage and Device Ownership

One of the biggest barriers to access for many families is the cost of technology like SGDs. At SAGE Speech, we make it easier for families by ensuring that these devices are covered by your insurance plan. This means that you don't have to worry about the financial burden of buying and replacing devices every year. Plus, once your family receives the device, it belongs to you"”there's no need to return it at the end of the school year, unlike many school-based programs. This ensures that your child's device is always available when they need it, providing continuity in their therapy and communication.

Full Support from Our Partners

The SAGE Speech team doesn't just provide the device and call it a day. We partner with experts like Ashley Risner from Certified Seating and Mobility to provide full support for programming and maintaining the device. Our team ensures that your child's SGD is set up for success, continually fine-tuned to meet their evolving needs, and always working when they need it most. If there's ever a technical issue or a change in the device's configuration, our partners are just a call away to help ensure that the device is working properly"”giving your child the support they need to thrive.

Improving Verbal Output and Speech: The Evidence Behind SGDs

Most people are surprised to learn that Speech Generating Devices can actually improve verbal output and speech"”a key benefit that is backed by research. Studies have shown that when children use SGDs, their ability to produce more verbal speech improves over time. The devices allow for more consistent communication, helping children build confidence and develop their verbal skills. At SAGE Speech, we are proud to incorporate this evidence-based technology into our therapy plans, knowing that it is proven to support verbal communication development in a way that traditional methods sometimes cannot.

Taking the Next Step: Overcoming Fear

One of the biggest hurdles for families considering SGDs is fear of the unknown"”whether it's fear of technology, fear of not seeing results, or fear of taking that next step in therapy. We completely understand that feeling, and we are here to help ease that fear. Our team takes a compassionate, supportive approach to introducing SGDs, working with families every step of the way to ensure that both parents and children feel confident in using the devices. Whether it's through training, answering questions, or providing ongoing support, we are committed to making sure the device becomes a tool that empowers the child and family, not a source of stress.

Why SGDs are a Key Part of SAGE Speech Therapy

At SAGE Speech & Learning Associates, we believe that technology and personalized care go hand in hand. SGDs are just one of the many tools we use to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed in communication. Our team of skilled speech-language pathologists works closely with families to ensure the devices are programmed correctly, used effectively, and continuously monitored to meet the child's growing needs.

If you believe your child could benefit from a Speech Generating Device or if you're curious about how we can incorporate these tools into your child's therapy plan, please reach out to us today. We'd be happy to discuss your options and create a plan tailored to your child's unique needs.

To learn more about SGDs and how they can support your child's speech development, contact SAGE Speech & Learning Associates today. We're here to help you take that next step toward better communication.