WELCOME
Every child deserves a voice! Busy Bee AAC works to eliminate the barriers and get a device in hand as soon as possible. We take care of everything from the initial evaluation, device trials, insurance funding and parent training-- all from the comfort of your home. Allow us to help your child find their voice without the wait.
ABOUT ME
My name is Christy Gilliss, and I’m an AAC consultant from Merchantville, NJ. For over 10 years, I’ve helped children and young adults from Pre-K through age 21 with a wide range of diagnoses including Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Angelman’s Syndrome, Cortical Visual Impairment and more find their voices through augmentative communication. I specialize in matching each unique individual with the specific tools and strategies that fit their needs. Whether that’s a high-tech communication device, picture symbols, or alternative access methods like eye gaze and switch scanning, I partner closely with families, therapists, and schools to make communication meaningful and part of everyday life. My goal is to help every child find their voice, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
GET STARTED
Getting your child a fully funded AAC device shouldn't be a hassle. Follow these easy steps and let us handle it for you.
CONSULTATION
Contact us to set up a time to discuss further your child's individual needs. From there, we will create a plan for your child's specialized evaluation.
EVALUATION
Our home-based evaluations will give your child a variety of systems to explore. Based on their preference, they will be matched with a system.
TRIAL PERIOD
Your child will receive a trial device at no cost to you. Over the next few weeks, we will
ensure that the chosen device fits all your child's communication needs.
FUNDING
Busy Bee AAC will then work with your insurance provider to fund your child's device.
BILLING
Busy Bee AAC is an in-network provider accepting all major health insurance plans including Medicad.
Initial Evaluation & Subsequent Trainings/Sessions
Busy Bee AAC will bill your insurance directly. If there is a remaining balance, you will be responsible for that amount. This amount varies depending on your plan.
Funding the Selected Device
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Prior to the evaluation, a benefits check will be completed to confirm insurance coverage for an AAC device.
Some insurances offer AAC device coverage at no out of pocket cost.
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For those that do not, Busy Bee AAC works with vendors who offer a large variety of payment assistance options that drastically lower or eliminate out of pocket costs including needs/income based options.
FAQ
Q: What is AAC and who would benefit from it?
A: AAC stands for Alternative and Augmentative Communication which is a mode of communication other than verbal speech. AAC can vary from no tech options (pictures, communication boards, gestures) to high tech options (voice output devices, alternative access methods, etc.). If your child’s speech isn’t meeting all of their communication needs, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) can help.
Q: My child needs an AAC device, how do I know which one is best?
A: Busy Bee AAC has access to all available AAC systems. We will work with your child in their natural environment to find a solution that works best for their unique communication needs.
Q: Where will these services be provided?
A: Busy Bee AAC provides services wherever you are! We will come to your home, school, or community setting to meet the our clients needs.
Q: How long does this process typically take?
A: The evaluation process will include at least 1-2 in person sessions to determine the most appropriate system to trial. Once the trial period begins it largely depends on the individual and their support system’s comfort with the device. You will have the opportunity for consultative sessions throughout that process as well (usually virtually). Once you and your family are in agreement to move on to permanent funding, the timeline will vary by insurance provider.
Q: I went through the evaluation and trial process, how do I teach my child to use it?
A: You will have the opportunity to engage in virtual training with our consultants to customize the device for your child. We also consult with school based therapists, teachers, and staff.
Q: I want to help my child communicate, but I've heard that using AAC
might prevent them from developing verbal speech. Is that true?
A: This is a common myth. Evidence based research suggests that using AAC and implementing it as soon as possible has shown to increase the likelihood of developing speech in the future.