What happens during an AAC evaluation?

Nina conducts a comprehensive assessment examining your communication strengths, speech and language abilities, cognitive function, motor control, vision, and daily communication needs. She evaluates your environments, technology comfort, and support system. You'll trial different AAC tools during the evaluation to determine which systems feel most intuitive and effective. The evaluation typically takes 60-90 minutes and results in a detailed plan with specific AAC recommendations.

Can AAC help if I still have some speech?

Absolutely. AAC is often used to augment existing speech rather than replace it entirely. Many individuals use AAC as a supplement when fatigued, experiencing word-finding difficulty, in noisy environments, or when speech clarity is reduced. AAC can reduce communication frustration and actually support speech recovery by lowering stress during conversations. You can use AAC as much or as little as needed on any given day.

Will using AAC make my speech worse or prevent recovery?

No—this is a common myth. Research consistently demonstrates that AAC use does not hinder speech development or recovery. In fact, AAC often reduces frustration and provides successful communication experiences that can support language and speech improvement. Many people use AAC while simultaneously working on speech therapy exercises, gradually transitioning to more natural speech as recovery progresses.

Does insurance cover AAC therapy or devices?

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover AAC evaluations and therapy when medically necessary and prescribed by a physician. Coverage varies by plan and requires documentation demonstrating medical necessity. Speech-generating devices may be covered as durable medical equipment (DME) with proper authorization. Nina assists with documentation, prior authorization, and the funding application process to maximize your likelihood of coverage.

How long does it take to learn to use an AAC device?

This varies greatly depending on the complexity of the device, your cognitive and motor abilities, and your previous technology experience. Simple systems may be functional within a few sessions, while complex high-tech devices may require weeks or months of training. Most individuals begin communicating basic needs quickly and continue expanding their skills over time. Nina provides ongoing training at a pace that works for you.

What if my condition is progressive—is AAC still worth it?

Yes. For progressive conditions like ALS or dementia, AAC planning is crucial. Early implementation allows you to learn the system while you have maximum cognitive and physical abilities. Many devices can be adapted as your condition changes (adding eye gaze, switch access, etc.). Voice banking preserves your natural voice for future use. AAC provides communication access throughout the disease progression, maintaining quality of life and connection with loved ones.

Can I use my own iPad or tablet for AAC?

Many effective AAC apps run on standard iPads and Android tablets, which can be more affordable and less stigmatizing than dedicated devices. Nina helps you evaluate whether a tablet-based solution meets your needs or whether a dedicated device with specialized features (durability, mounting, access methods) would be more appropriate. Both options have advantages depending on individual circumstances.

What if I don't understand technology very well?

You don't need to be tech-savvy to benefit from AAC. Nina provides patient, step-by-step training tailored to your learning style and pace. For individuals uncomfortable with technology, low-tech options like communication boards may be ideal. For those willing to learn, Nina breaks down high-tech devices into manageable steps, and family members are trained to provide ongoing support.

iPad used as a communication device during AAC therapy sessions in Delray Beach, supporting functional everyday communication.

AAC & Speech Therapy in Delray Beach, FL

Finding Your Voice Again After Stroke, ALS, or Brain Injury

Losing the ability to speak doesn't mean losing the ability to communicate.

Nina Minervini, a licensed speech-language pathologist (M.S., CCC-SLP), brings AAC therapy and speech rehabilitation directly to homes across Delray Beach. Whether you're recovering from a stroke, managing ALS, or dealing with Parkinson's-related speech changes, Nina specializes in matching adults with the right communication tools, from simple boards to advanced speech-generating technology.

Contact Nina

Schedule Your Delray Beach AAC Consultation

Fill out the form below and Nina Minervini will reach out within 24 hours to talk about what you need.

Child enjoying a playful carousel scene, representing joyful communication and engagement during AAC therapy in Delray Beach.

Understanding AAC: More Than Just Technology

Augmentative and Alternative Communication isn't one thing; it's any method that helps someone communicate when speaking is difficult or impossible. That could mean gesture systems, picture boards, writing, or sophisticated devices that generate speech.

The goal isn't to replace your voice if recovery is possible. AAC gives you a way to communicate right now while you work on speech therapy. Research shows that using AAC actually helps speech recovery rather than preventing it. You stay connected to people, reduce frustration, and maintain independence while your brain heals or adapts.

Think of it as communication insurance. Some people use AAC temporarily during recovery. Others rely on it long-term as conditions progress. Either way, it keeps life moving forward.

Who Uses AAC in Delray Beach?

Nina works with adults across Delray Beach—from Atlantic Dunes to Seagate to the Marina District—who face communication barriers from:

After a stroke: Aphasia makes finding words nearly impossible. Apraxia means you know what you want to say but can't coordinate the movements. Dysarthria leaves speech slurred and hard to understand.

Progressive neurological conditions: ALS gradually takes away the physical ability to speak. Parkinson's affects vocal volume and clarity. Multiple sclerosis can impact both speech and voice strength.

Brain injuries: Traumatic brain injury disrupts language processing and speech production in unpredictable ways.

Degenerative diseases: Primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia slowly erode language abilities. Alzheimer's and Huntington's create different but equally challenging communication problems.

Medical complications: Cancer treatment affecting the throat or vocal cords. Tracheostomy tubes that temporarily prevent speaking. Vocal cord paralysis from surgery or illness.

The right AAC approach depends entirely on what's causing the problem, how severe it is, and whether it's temporary or progressive.

Sunrise over the ocean in Delray Beach, symbolizing hope, growth, and new communication possibilities with AAC therapy.

How Nina Approaches AAC Therapy

Every person's communication breakdown is different. Nina's job is figuring out exactly what's going wrong and what tools will actually help.

The evaluation comes first. Nina assesses how you currently communicate, what's physically possible (can you use your hands, your eyes, your head?), what cognitive abilities remain intact, and what you actually need to say in your daily life. She trials different systems right there to see what clicks.
Choosing the right system matters. An iPad app that works great for someone with strong hand control is useless for someone with ALS who can only move their eyes. A robust dedicated device makes sense for long-term progressive conditions. A simple alphabet board might be perfect for temporary post-surgical communication. Nina matches the tool to the person, not the other way around.
Training takes time. Getting a device is step one. Learning to use it effectively is where the real work happens. Nina teaches operation, builds custom vocabulary for your specific life, practices real conversations, and trains family members to be better communication partners. Most people don't just hand you a manual and wish you luck.
Speech therapy continues alongside AAC. If there's any chance of improving natural speech, Nina works on articulation, breath support, vocal strength, and language skills. AAC isn't giving up—it's giving you communication access while you work toward recovery.
Context matters more than features. Nina practices communication in the situations that actually matter to you. Ordering at restaurants. Talking to doctors. Handling emergencies. Calling family. Social conversations. The device that looks impressive in a clinic but fails at Publix isn't the right device.
Systems evolve. As conditions change, communication needs change. Vocabulary gets updated. Access methods adapt. Nina troubleshoots problems as they come up and coordinates with device companies when equipment needs upgrading.

Aerial view of Delray Beach shoreline, representing local, accessible AAC speech therapy services for children and adults.

Why Work with Nina for AAC in Delray Beach

She specializes in adult neurological communication disorders. Stroke recovery, progressive diseases, brain injuries—these are her focus areas. She understands how neurological damage affects communication and what actually helps.

Therapy happens at home. Nina comes to you in Delray Beach, whether you're in Tropic Isles, Lake Ida, Pineapple Grove, or anywhere in the area. Home sessions let her see your real communication challenges, train caregivers in your actual environment, and eliminate the stress and logistics of getting to appointments.

Treatment is evidence-based. Nina uses standardized assessments, tracks measurable progress, and bases decisions on current research rather than outdated assumptions or manufacturer marketing.

The approach is collaborative. Your goals drive therapy. Nina coordinates with your doctors, neurologists, and other therapists. She handles insurance paperwork and device funding applications. Communication with vendors and manufacturers to get equipment issues resolved.

Compassion matters. Losing speech is devastating. Nina gets that. The process respects your autonomy, builds on strengths, and provides emotional support during what might be the hardest challenge you've faced.

The Process: Evaluation to Implementation

Consultation and assessment: Nina learns your history, evaluates current abilities, and trials potential systems. The evaluation typically runs 60-90 minutes and ends with specific recommendations.

System trials: You try different options hands-on before committing to anything. No one should pick an AAC system based on a brochure.

Training: Once you have your system, Nina teaches you how to use it, builds your vocabulary, and practices functional communication. Family gets trained too.

Ongoing refinement: As you get better with the system, Nina expands what you can do with it. Vocabulary grows. Communication gets more sophisticated. The system adapts to changing needs.

Long-term support: Nina remains available for troubleshooting, updates, and adapting to disease progression or recovery milestones.

Areas Served in Delray Beach and Beyond

Palm Beach Speech Therapy proudly serves neighborhoods throughout Delray Beach including Atlantic Dunes, Tropic Isle, Lake Ida, Marina Historic District, Pineapple Grove Arts District, Seagate, The Hamlet, Barwick Park, Veterans Park, Delray Dunes, Oriole, Southridge, Village by the Sea, Bexley, Seagate of Delray, Atlantic Shores, Seacrest Estates, Palm Trail, Lake Ida Shores, Coral Trace, Crosswinds, Delray Beach Club, Delray Shores, East Delray Beach, Lindsley Lumber, and the Beaches area along A1A.

Service extends throughout the surrounding communities of Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Boynton Beach, Gulf Stream, Ocean Ridge, and other Palm Beach County locations. Contact me to confirm service availability in your specific area.

Insurance, Medicare, and AAC Device Funding

AAC evaluations and therapy are often covered by insurance when medically necessary. Nina accepts Medicare and many private insurance plans, and she provides documentation and support for:

Speech therapy services including AAC assessment and training
AAC device evaluations with detailed reports for funding
Letters of medical necessity for device acquisition
Progress documentation for continued authorization
Coordination with DME suppliers and device vendors

Device funding sources may include:

Medicare (for eligible beneficiaries)
Private health insurance
Medicaid
Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits
Workers' compensation
Community grants and nonprofit organizations
Equipment rental or loaner programs

Nina guides you through the often-complex process of securing funding for AAC devices, providing the documentation needed to support coverage requests.

Close-up of AAC communication apps being used on a tablet with a stylus during speech therapy in Delray Beach.

Get Started with AAC & Speech Therapy

If stroke, ALS, Parkinson's, brain injury, or progressive disease has taken away your ability to speak, AAC can restore your ability to connect with people and manage your own life.

Call Nina Minervini at (561) 797-2343 or visit speechpalmbeach.com/contact to schedule an evaluation in Delray Beach.

Common Questions About AAC Therapy

What actually happens during the evaluation? Nina assesses your communication abilities, cognitive function, motor control, vision, and daily needs. You'll try different AAC tools during the session to see what feels right. The evaluation takes about 60-90 minutes and results in a specific plan with recommendations.

Can AAC help if I can still speak sometimes? Yes. Many people use AAC to supplement inconsistent speech—when they're tired, when words won't come, in noisy places, or when clarity is poor. AAC reduces frustration and often supports speech recovery by lowering communication stress.

Will using AAC prevent my speech from coming back? No. This is a persistent myth. Research consistently shows AAC doesn't hinder recovery. It often helps by reducing frustration and maintaining language use while speech abilities improve.

Does insurance pay for this? Often yes, when medically necessary. Medicare and private plans typically cover AAC evaluations and therapy with proper documentation. Devices may be covered as DME. Nina handles the paperwork and authorization process.

How long before I can actually use an AAC device? Depends on the device complexity and your abilities. Simple systems work within a few sessions. Complex high-tech devices might take weeks or months to master. Most people communicate basic needs quickly and build skills over time.

Is AAC worth it if my condition is progressive? Absolutely. Starting early means learning the system while you still have maximum cognitive and physical function. Devices adapt as your condition changes. Voice banking preserves your voice. AAC maintains communication and quality of life throughout disease progression.

Can I just use my iPad? Maybe. Many AAC apps work great on standard tablets, which are cheaper and less conspicuous than dedicated devices. Nina helps determine whether a tablet meets your needs or whether you need specialized features like eye-tracking, rugged construction, or advanced mounting.

What if I'm not good with technology? You don't need to be. Nina provides patient training at whatever pace works. Low-tech options like communication boards don't require any technology skills. For devices, Nina breaks everything into manageable steps and trains family members to help.

How do I start? Contact Nina to schedule a consultation. She'll discuss your situation by phone to determine if AAC assessment makes sense. Bring any physician orders you have, or Nina can guide you through getting necessary referrals.

Let’s do this together.

If you or someone you know needs AAC, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Fill out the form below and I’ll contact you within 24 hours to discuss your needs and schedule a session.