Ruling Out Alternative Communication Methods: A Guide for QuickTalker Freestyle

By ruling out other methods of communication, you are further supporting your recommendation for a high-tech device, specifically the QuickTalker Freestyle (QTF). Within your evaluation, you will need to explain to insurance why other, less-costly, methods of communication do not meet your client's needs.

Natural/No Tech Communication Methods

Natural/No Tech Communication Methods	Sample Reasons Why These Methods Do Not Meet Your Client's Functional Communication Needs
Verbal Speech	No verbal speech/minimally verbal communicator Poor intelligibility Not sufficient to express functional communication needs
Writing	Fine motor difficulties Difficult to gain listener attention Not sufficient to communicate basic wants and needs
Sign Language	Fine motor difficulties Not a universal language Communication partners not always familiar with use

Within every evaluation, you must select 2 additional examples of AAC (low, mid, high) that do not meet your client's needs. Please view the following examples below. If you have other AAC methods you are considering, feel free to discuss those options as well.

Please refer to your email to view your client's specific insurance requirements for further explanation which methods can be ruled out. Take note if methods of communication must be trialed or if they can be merely considered and ruled out without attempting them. Base this on your client's specific insurance requirements and your clinical judgment.

Low Tech AAC Communication Methods

Low Tech AAC Communication Methods	Sample Reasons Why These Methods Do Not Meet Your Client's Functional Communication Needs
Core Board	No voice output; hard to gain listener attention Limited access to vocabulary/minimal utterances produced Poor engagement/motivation to communicate Time consuming to customize (print, laminate, etc.) Difficult to implement across various activities
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)	Often only allows for requesting, limited functions of communication Does not support motor plan Time consuming to customize and add new vocabulary Cumbersome and bulky to transport
Alphabet Board	Time consuming for communicator and listener Relies on ability to spell Difficult to express longer messages

Mid Tech AAC Communication Methods

Mid Tech AAC Communication Methods	Sample Reasons Why These Methods Do Not Meet Your Client's Functional Communication Needs
Page Overlay Mid-Tech device (e.g., QuickTalker Feather Touch)	Limited access to vocabulary/minimal utterances produced Difficult to customize and add new vocabulary Often requires assistance from caregiver to swap out page overlays which can reduce independence and motivation to communicate Requires recorded voice that may not be age appropriate Cumbersome to carry
Single Button Mid-Tech Device (e.g., BigMack, Step by Step, etc.)	Limited access to vocabulary/minimal utterances produced Only able to access preprogrammed messages Difficult to customize; requires pre-recorded voices Difficult to implement across various activities

Other High Tech AAC Communication Methods

Other High Tech AAC Communication Methods	Sample Reasons Why These Methods Do Not Meet Your Client's Functional Communication Needs
Physical High-Tech Devices From Other Manufacturers	Not an IOS based product; different chargers and device specifications that may be unfamiliar for users Inadequate size or weight Limited warranty; delay in replacements
School/Clinic Owned iPad	Not a dedicated device used solely for communication Unable to travel with client for consistent communication Unable to be personalized for individual client Must rely on tech department or Apple Store for repairs
Speech Applications	Rule outs are specific to each speech app. Reasoning for ruling out one speech app over another can include: Type of language system (e.g., motor plan, category based, combination) Need for alternative language options Ability to customize icons and images Client's motivation to communicate effectively

Within the evaluation, you must explain how the QuickTalker Freestyle is the only recommended device to meet your client's needs, as other methods of communication (listed above) do not.

Justification For the QuickTalker Freestyle (QTF)

Sample Reasons Why the QuickTalker Freestyle Best Meets Your Client's Functional Communication Needs

Client's functional communication has improved with use of the QTF. Reasoning can include:
Client has access to express medical needs. [reference link]
Increased participation in educational, social and vocational settings
Enhanced interactions with caregivers, peers, etc.
Improved overall quality of life
Reduced maladaptive behaviors
Expanded utterances produced/decreased prompting; (include specific messages created within your evaluation)
Dedicated device used solely for communication
Allows for constant and accessible communication across all settings (e.g., home, work, school, community, etc.)
Portable and durable; easy to transport
High quality voice output; appropriate for client's age and native language / dialect
Allows for vocabulary growth and expansion
Allows for alternate speech applications and device size swaps if needs change after funding
Easy to customize; constant access to ableCARE team for tech support and assistance with device implementation
5 year warranty; unlimited repairs

Support Information

Our ableEXPERIENCE Support Team is ready to assist with any questions about meeting data requirements. Contact us today!

Schedule a Meeting: https://go.oncehub.com/abledata

Email: fundingservices@ablenetinc.com

Phone: 651-401-1269

	Quick Start Guide for Parents and Caregivers of QuickTalker Freestyle A guide for parents and caregivers on getting started with the QuickTalker Freestyle, including device setup, app usage, and support resources.
	AAC Practice: Activity Ideas for Families \| AbleNet QuickTalker Freestyle Guide Explore practical activity ideas for families to use the AbleNet QuickTalker Freestyle AAC device during daily routines like play, mealtimes, and transitions to enhance communication.
	QuickTalker Freestyle & Freestyle Mini: Instructions for Use \| AbleNet Comprehensive instructions for using the AbleNet QuickTalker Freestyle and QuickTalker Freestyle Mini speech-generating devices, covering setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
	AbleNet QuickTalker Freestyle Funding Process Learn about the streamlined and stress-free funding process for the AbleNet QuickTalker Freestyle speech device, managed by AbleNet to help students access communication tools.
	AbleNet QuickTalker FT Series Quickstart Guide A quickstart guide for AbleNet's QuickTalker FT series (FT 7, FT 12, FT 23) detailing how to power on, select levels, record messages, play messages, erase messages, and use advanced features. Includes warranty and care information.
	AbleNet LITTLE Step-by-Step: Instructions for Use and Product Guide Comprehensive instructions and guide for the AbleNet LITTLE Step-by-Step communication aid, covering setup, usage, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Learn how this device assists individuals with verbal communication.
	Medical Justification Guide for QuickTalker Freestyle A guide for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) on providing medical justification for the QuickTalker Freestyle (QTF) Durable Medical Equipment (DME) to insurance companies, detailing essential client information needed for approval.
	Ablenet Product Catalog and Pricing Index - US Computers Inc. Explore the comprehensive pricing index from US Computers Inc., featuring a detailed catalog of Ablenet assistive technology products, including communication devices, adaptive hardware, and specialized software.

Ruling Out Other Methods of Communication