Their conclusion must be based on sound medical practice and supported by the objective medical information in your file. After the MAA has presented its case, you then present your case. The ALJ assigned to your case serves as a neutral third party. It clearly includes the providing and use of an augmentative and alternative communication device. To be covered, the services must be provided by a speech pathologist or audiologist who has been granted a certificate of clinical competence by the American Speech, Hearing and Language Association.
Effective communication is essential, especially in an emergency.
The AAC equipment and services requested are medically necessary for your safety, especially if you are unable to communicate in any other way. The need to communicate is basic to good mental health. In some cases the AAC equipment and services requested may provide the only means by which you would be able to communicate with others. If MAA presents an argument which requires additional information from the equipment provider, physician or speech pathologist, you may ask the ALJ for more time. Copies of the additional information requested must be sent to the ALJ and the Fair Hearings Coordinator.