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Understandings the referral process for the NHSE Specialised AAC Service

Ace Centre is one of the national services funded by NHS England (NHSE) to carry out Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessments across the North West and Thames Valley and Wessex regions. These services are for children and adults who need AAC and meet the NHSE eligibility criteria.

The primary aim of referrals to a specialised AAC service must be related to a significant difficulty communicating through speech. Should your client need environmental controls and/or computer access, including email, messaging, or phone access, you are advised to refer your client to your regional Environmental Control Service.

You can check the NHS Service Finder to find the Specialised AAC Service and Environmental Control Service in your area.

What we do as an NHSE Specialised AAC Service:

• Specialised AAC assessment, prescription and set up of AAC systems and initial training.
• Support the establishment, training and development of Local AAC Services (LAACES). For more information please see our LAACES page.

Who is eligible for an NHSE Specialised AAC Assessment?

Please refer to the decision chart and guidance document prior to making a referral to this service. This decision chart (below) and the Eligibility Criteria guidance document are designed to support the decision-making process regarding eligibility.

To be eligible for the NHSE Specialised AAC Services, a person must:

• be a resident in England
• be registered with a GP practice in England
• have a severe/complex communication difficulty associated with a range of physical, cognitive, learning, or sensory deficits
• have a clear discrepancy between their level of understanding and their ability to speak
• be able to understand the purpose of a communication aid
• have developed beyond cause and effect understanding
• have experience in using low-tech AAC that is insufficient to enable them to realise their communicative potential

Who can refer?

Referrals can be made by health, education and social care professionals employed and/or funded by a statutory body or local team. We are unable to accept referrals from individuals, family members or independent therapists.

The referrer should have prior and regular ongoing involvement with the person being referred and be prepared to support that person through the NHSE Specialised AAC Service assessment.

Steps for submitting a referral:

1. Download and read the Eligibility Guidance Document
2. Download the referral form- please note all referrals should be made on this latest referral form.
3. Fully complete all sections of the Referral Form electronically with detailed information and supporting evidence. Incomplete Referral Forms will not be accepted.
4. Email the completed referral to [email protected] along with any other client information.
5. Consider sending screenshots, photos and videos to support the evidence you are submitting. This will help our team plan for the assessment and determine what equipment may be required.
   • Upload your evidence to this folder
   • Please email [email protected] immediately after you have uploaded the evidence so we can add it to the individual's referral.

What happens when I refer?

All referrals will be acknowledged within ten days of receipt. Responses will state whether the referral has been accepted or not accepted due to the referral having insufficient evidence of the individual meeting eligibility criteria for the NHSE Specialised AAC Service.

Please note that should your client’s referral be accepted for a specialised assessment, this does not guarantee that AAC equipment will be provided. At the point of assessment, in the event of your client being assessed as not meeting eligibility for the NHSE Specialised AAC Service, the Service Delivery Team will offer you guidance on how you can seek alternative funding routes.

If you have received a letter stating your referral has been accepted you and your client will be offered a date for an assessment appointment by email and letter. A remote appointment may be offered to discuss your client’s communication needs which will assist the team in preparing for a follow up face to face appointment.

Please note that the date offered will depend on NHSE Prioritisation criteria.

If you have received a letter stating your referral has not been accepted this will include information about why the referral has not been accepted and provide guidance on how, as a local service, you can support your client in developing their use of AAC. The letter will also advise how you can speak with a member of the screening team should you wish to discuss this further.

As the referrer, you will be the main contact. It will be your responsibility to disseminate information from Ace Centre to the client, parent/carer/significant other and relevant professionals, and to co-ordinate their attendance and/or contribution to the assessment process.

What do I do if my client does not meet the NHSE Specialised AAC Service eligibility criteria?

A person may not meet the eligibility for an NHSE Specialised AAC Service assessment. This does not mean they should not have access to AAC.

Ace Centre have produced a bank of resources which support continued development and understanding of using AAC. Be sure to check out the Resources area of our website for the full range but here are some ideas to get started:

• Getting Started eBooks: covering a range of topics to help families and professionals develop robust paper based AAC symbol and text-based resources using a range of access methods.
• Symbol Charts: a wide range of topical symbol charts offered in five layouts to support different access methods designed to work on communication skills in fun and motivating activities.
• Alphabet Charts and Books: a wide range of books and charts with varying layouts and using different access methods.