LONG ISLAND AAC AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
AAC AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
As Featured In:
In-Home AAC Support on Long Island | Communication and School Readiness Support | Remote Options When Appropriate
We provide in-home AAC support across Long Island, with remote options available when appropriate.
Many Long Island families begin support early rather than waiting. AAC support can help children strengthen communication skills, participate more fully in learning, and build confidence across home and school environments.
Long Island Letters focuses on speech language, literacy, and math intervention that is proactive, early, and enrichment oriented academic and speech language support.
Families in communities such as Muttontown, Old Westbury, Laurel Hollow, Brookville, Sands Point, Roslyn Estates, and Upper Brookville often seek in-home support that can be delivered directly within familiar home environments.
We also provide AAC therapy in NYC for children who benefit from augmentative and alternative communication tools, strategies, and individualized speech-language support.
Licensed Speech Therapists Provide In-Home Services on Long Island! | Top In-Person & Remote Private Pay AAC Augmentative and Alternative Therapy | Free Consultation and the Professionals We Work With
WE TRAVEL TO THE FOLLOWING LONG ISLAND NEIGHBORHOODS:
Speech-language pathologists and therapists we work with travel throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties such as Baldwin, Bellmore, Bethpage, Brookville ,Carle Place, Cedarhurst, East Meadow, East Williston, Elmont, Farmingdale , Floral Park, Franklin Square, Freeport, Garden City, Garden City Park, Glen Cove, Glen Head, Great Neck, Hempstead , Hewlett, Hicksville, Island Park , Inwood, Jericho, Lake Success, Lattingtown, Lawrence, Levittown, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Malverne, Manhasset, Manorhaven, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Merrick, Mill River , Mineola, Muttontown, New Hyde Park, North Bellmore, North Hempstead , North Massapequa, North Merrick, Oceanside, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Plainview, Plandome, Port Washington, Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Sea Cliff, Seaford, Stewart Manor, Syosset, Uniondale, Valley Stream, Wantagh, West Hempstead, Westbury, Williston, Woodbury, and Woodmere. In Suffolk County, the towns include Amagansett, Babylon, Bayport, Blue Point, Bohemia, Brookhaven, Centereach, Deer Park, East Hampton, East Islip, Eastport, Farmingville, Greenport, Hauppauge, Huntington, Islip, Mattituck, Medford, Montauk, Nesconset, Northport, Oakdale, Patchogue, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Riverhead, Sayville, Selden, Setauket, Shelter Island, Smithtown, South Setauket, Southampton, Southold, St. James, Westhampton Beach, West Islip, and West Sayville.
In-home services are also provided in the Hamptons (summer speech-language therapy)
Speech-Language Pathologists and Therapists We Work With
Services are available in-person at your location, and remote services are also offered. Some licensed speech-language pathologists we work with Orton Gillingham approach. Many licensed speech-language pathologists we work with work with decoding, spelling and reading fluency services. Licensed speech-language pathologists and therapists we work with have expertise in supporting babies, toddlers, school-age students, and adults with expertise in:
- Pronunciation/Enunciation
- Articulation
- Expressive Language Disorder
- Writing & Speaking Therapy
- Comprehension- Listening & Reading
- Listening Comprehension
- Auditory Processing
- Vocabulary
- Teens – Language Therapy
- Stuttering
- Feeding
- Oral Motor
- Voice
- AAC
- Adult Speech Therapy
- Public Speaking
- Accent Reduction Modification Speech Therapy
Speech-Language Pathologists and Therapists We Work With
Services are available in-person at your location, and remote services are also offered. Some licensed speech-language pathologists we work with Orton Gillingham approach. Many licensed speech-language pathologists we work with work with decoding, spelling and reading fluency services. Licensed speech-language pathologists and therapists we work with have expertise in supporting babies, toddlers, school-age students, and adults with expertise in:
What AAC Support Is
AAC support helps children use tools and strategies that strengthen communication and participation.
AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, includes communication systems that support speech, language development, classroom participation, and social interaction. Support may include communication devices, visual systems, communication boards, and structured language-building activities delivered in the home.
When Families Seek This Support
Many families explore AAC support when communication skills are not progressing as expected.
Families typically seek support in three situations:
• Early concerns about communication development or school readiness
• Proactive support to strengthen language and communication before gaps emerge
• Enrichment-focused support for children who are ready for more advanced communication instruction
Proactive support helps prevent gaps from developing. Families often seek to maintain strong academic progress over time.
How AAC Support Works
In-home AAC support allows communication strategies to be practiced in real-world environments.
Services are delivered in the home whenever possible, allowing specialists to work directly with families in Long Island homes. Children practice communication skills in everyday routines while parents receive guidance on supporting communication throughout the week.
In-home support often creates stronger carryover between sessions and daily life.
When Children Benefit
AAC support can benefit children with emerging, developing, or advanced communication goals.
Children may benefit when:
• Early signs of communication difficulty are present
• Language development is progressing more slowly than expected
• Families want to begin support early
• Parents wish to prevent future academic or communication gaps
• Children are ready for more advanced instruction and enrichment-focused support
This section is designed to help families determine whether support may be appropriate now or whether monitoring development remains sufficient.
Why Long Island Families Choose AAC Support
Many Long Island families prefer in-home support that integrates communication development into daily routines.
Families across Long Island often seek structured support delivered in the home rather than waiting for concerns to become more significant. Working directly with families in Long Island homes allows communication goals to align naturally with school readiness, classroom participation, and long-term academic development.
Training/Certifications
Training/Certifications
Long Island Letters is owned and operated by Brooklyn Letters.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to the methods an individual uses to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings without speaking. Some of the most common examples of AAC are gestures, text-to-speech software, or using a pen and notepad to write down responses.
AAC is used when speech is not an adequate means of functional communication. The augmentative refers to any devices, methods, or systems used for communication. AAC can also be a tool to help facilitate expressive language when young children are learning how to communicate.
The alternative refers to any devices, methods, or systems used for communication when speech has not developed or has been lost. Many devices or systems can be both. AAC devices are used by many individuals, including those with autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, dysarthria, aphasia, and for children with significant speech language delays. Project Relate is a communication app for people with non-standard speech. Use it to transcribe text, repeat speech, or engage Google Assistant.
TYPES OF AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION
Augmentative and Alternative Communication is divided into two main types: unaided and aided systems. Individuals who need AAC typically use a combination of both types to communicate.
Unaided Systems: This refers to modes of communication that use nothing but your own body. Unaided systems include gestures, facial expressions, body language, manual signs, and sign language. When using this type of AAC, an individual must have adequate motor control and a communicative partner to help relay and interpret the message.
Aided Systems: This type of AAC refers to methods requiring external support or communication tools and devices. Aided AAC systems are further divided into basic and high-tech tools. Examples of basic tools are pen, paper, or boards with photos, letters, and symbols. High-tech tools include computers, tablets, and handheld devices that contain speech-generating applications or software that “speak” for the individual.
AAC devices, like the clients who use them, come in all shapes and sizes! Low or no-tech systems include the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), single-cell switch devices (Big Red Switch, Jelly Beamer, Big Mac), multi-switch devices (Step-by-Step, Multi-Step Big Mac), and static communication devices (GoTalk devices). Hi-tech devices include Dynavox products (Tango, Maestro, V), Tobii software and devices, PRC Unity devices (ECO, Vantage Lite), and iPad applications (TouchChat, SceneSpeak, Look2Learn, Sonoflex, Proloquo2Go).
To help parents understand the evaluation and intervention process for their child’s communication needs, we’ve created a useful guide into what an early language assessment is, how a speech pathologist evaluates children, the role of play in understanding communication, and when you should consider professional early intervention.
HOW TO CHOOSE AAC SYSTEMS
The aim of all AAC devices is to increase functional communication. Whether this means teaching clients how to request a desired item with one word or comment on their surroundings, AAC devices facilitate individuals in getting their needs met and allow them to be participants in social situations.
Everyone is a candidate for AAC. There is no cognitive prerequisite, and accommodations can be made to all systems and devices. Additionally, choosing the type of AAC depends on the needs of the individual. In many instances, a combination of both is necessary to suit different situations. AAC does not hamper speech language development; it only aids in communication!
Some individuals may be more comfortable with unaided methods like signing and gestures when speaking with family members. On the other hand, they may require a speech-generating device in social situations outside the home. There are several factors to take note of when deciding which AAC system to use. This includes the individual’s skills, strengths, and needs. The following are also considered during the assessment process:
- available options for symbols, systems, and access modes
- situations and contexts wherein the individual must communicate
- skills and support available to communicative partners
- the individual’s profile, including hearing, sensory-motor skills, motivation, methods of communication currently being used, and literacy, cognitive, and linguistic skills
The Role of a Speech-Language Pathologist in AAC
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is best equipped to determine the appropriate AAC system for an individual. During the evaluation, an SLP will test and observe one’s ability to speak and understand. SLPs at Brooklyn Letters assess individuals to determine if there is a need for AAC and which device or system would best suit that individual.
Specialists we work with collaborate with families to help individuals develop independence. Clients are supported in overcoming their particular difficulties. Assistive technology recommendations are reviewed, augmented, and implemented following an evaluation. AAC therapy is also conducted to familiarize clients with their AAC device or system. Additionally, communicative partner training is provided to ensure generalization.
Specialists are also available to consult with schools about adapting curriculum, integrating assistive technology, and training teaching staff on how to work with assistive technology tools.
FAQ
AAC systems can support communication, learning, and participation across home and school settings.
Q: What is AAC?
A: AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication and includes tools and strategies that support communication.
Q: When do families begin AAC support?
A: Many families begin when they notice early signs of difficulty, while others seek proactive support before concerns become significant.
Q: Is AAC only for children with significant communication challenges?
A: No. AAC approaches can support a wide range of communication needs and developmental profiles.
Q: Are services provided in the home?
A: Yes. In-home support is available across Long Island, with remote options available when appropriate.
CONNECT WITH LONG ISLAND LETTERS SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPISTS AND PATHOLOGISTS WHO TRAVEL TO YOUR HOME
Ewa D.
M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist
Danielle
M.S., CCC-SLP, TSSLD, Speech Language Pathologist
Nicole S.
M.A., CCC-SLP, TSSLD, Speech Language Pathologist
Annie Rose
M.A., CCC-SLP, TSSLD, Speech Language Pathologist
Nicholas
M.S., CCC-SLP, TSSLD, Speech Language Pathologist
Shoshana
Master of Science, Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)
FREE CONSULTATION!!!
Call & Text: (917) 426-8880
Email: longisland@brooklynletters.com
(we respond to email right away!)