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Getting AAC in Michigan

AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) means tools that help a person communicate when speech is hard: picture boards, apps and devices that speak. It is for children and for adults. This guide shows you who to ask, what is free, what gets paid for, and what you can start doing today.

Last updated September 20, 2026

What to do, in order

  1. Ask for an evaluation

    A speech-language pathologist does the evaluation, and there are two ways in. For a student, write to the school’s IEP team and ask them to consider assistive technology for communication. For anyone, child or adult, ask a doctor for a referral to a speech-language pathologist for an AAC evaluation.

  2. Borrow a device before you choose

    The Michigan Assistive Technology Program lends communication devices free of charge, usually for 14 to 45 days, so you can see what works at home. The program serves people of every age. School teams can also borrow devices to try with a student from the Alt+Shift lending library.

  3. Get it paid for

    If a student’s IEP says they need a device to learn, the school must provide it at no cost to the family. For a device the person owns and takes everywhere, Michigan Medicaid covers speech-generating devices when the evaluation shows medical need, and the clinic or supplier handles the prior authorization. Medicare covers them as durable medical equipment. Private insurance varies, so ask for the durable medical equipment benefit in writing.

  4. Start modeling today

    You do not have to wait for any of this. Modeling means pointing to words on a board or app while you talk, so the person learning sees how it works. You can begin with a free app now and carry on with whatever device comes later.

    Open MoCo and try it now

If you are an adult, or supporting one

Ask a doctor for a referral to a speech-language pathologist for an AAC evaluation. Hospital outpatient rehabilitation departments are a common place to find one. The device loan program on this page serves adults too, and Medicare covers speech-generating devices. If you need a device for work, ask your state vocational rehabilitation agency.

Find your vocational rehabilitation agency

If your child is under 3

Early On Michigan offers free evaluations and early intervention for babies and toddlers. You can refer your own child. You do not need a diagnosis or a doctor’s referral.

Early On Michigan, 1-800-EARLY-ON

Find a speech-language pathologist

Search for a licensed speech-language pathologist near you, and filter for AAC experience.

ASHA ProFind

Loans and funding at a glance

  • Borrow a device first

    The Michigan Assistive Technology Program offers free demonstrations and short-term loans of AAC devices to anyone in the state.

    MATP: AAC

  • Through your school

    Ask for assistive technology to be considered in the IEP. Public school teams can borrow equipment and software from the Alt+Shift lending library for students from birth to age 26.

    Alt+Shift lending library

  • Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance

    A speech-language pathologist’s evaluation documents medical need. The device supplier or clinic then submits the prior authorization request.

    Michigan Medicaid prior authorization

Borrow and try devices

  • Alt+Shift

    Statewide education project funded through the Michigan Department of Education. Its lending library lets public school teams borrow AAC devices and software to try with students who have an IEP.

    altshift.education

  • Michigan Assistive Technology Program

    East Lansing

    Michigan’s Assistive Technology Act program, run by the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition. Free device demonstrations and 14 to 45 day loans, including AAC devices.

    mi-at.org

Help with school and your rights

Your regional education agency

Your local school district works with one of these agencies. Many employ an assistive technology consultant, and you can ask the student’s school team who that is.

Show all 56 agencies

Common questions

Will using AAC stop someone from learning to talk?
No. Studies have found that AAC does not hold back speech. Many children speak more after they start using it.
Is AAC only for children?
No. Adults use AAC after a stroke or brain injury, and with conditions such as ALS, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy. Many autistic adults use it too. For an adult, an evaluation usually starts with a doctor’s referral to a speech-language pathologist.
Is there an age or a skill someone needs first?
No. There is no minimum age, no upper age, and no skill a person has to show first. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association advises against asking anyone to prove they are ready before they get a way to communicate.
What is the difference between an app and a dedicated device?
Both speak words aloud when a button is touched. A dedicated speech-generating device is medical equipment that insurance may pay for after an evaluation. An app runs on a tablet or computer you already own. Many people start with an app while they wait for an evaluation. MoCo is a free app, so you can begin today.
What can we do while we wait for an appointment?
Open MoCo and try it. If you are supporting someone who is learning language, start modeling: touch words as you say them during everyday routines, without asking them to copy you. People learn AAC the way they learn speech, by seeing it used around them for a long time before they use it themselves.