The most common question asked by parents and caregivers about AAC relates to speech-generating devices. People are fearful of their child using a speech-generating device and then not developing speech. Research and experience has shown that this is an unwarranted fear. The truth is that children benefit from having another tool to help them communicate. Oftentimes, by using a tool to help them, like a speech-generating device, the pressure is taken off of them to be completely verbal. They also, then, get multiple, correct models of speech from the device and many times, they become more verbal themselves. 

Another common question is in regard to paying for speech-generating devices. High-tech, speech-generating devices are often very expensive. So, people wonder, how do you afford them? There are so many funding options for devices like these. One option is for a parent to use their private insurance, including SoonerCare or Medicaid, to cover the cost of the device. As long as the child is using that device, it is essentially the child’s. Schools are another great option as they are to insure assistive technology like AAC devices are available to the child or family. It is also an option for families to purchase the devices outright. This means the device will belong to the family to do with what they want and to transition with the child wherever he goes. If families need help, low-interest financing options are available through ABLE Tech.