Electronic Assistive Technology Service (EATS)

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) or Communication aids are devices which can enable those who have lost the ability to speak, or have not developed speech, to communicate.

What is AAC?

AAC devices can either be an alternative to those without speech or augment someone’s existing speech. AAC devices are generally divided into ‘low tech’ (paper or people based systems) and ‘high tech’ computer based systems. The Electronic Assistive Technology Service provides assessment for and provision of high tech AAC systems for people with the most complex needs.

Across England, AAC Services are provided by specialist 'hub' services such as the Electronic Assistive Technology Service - but also by local AAC Services. These services aim to meet the needs of those who do not meet hub eligibility and are most people's first interaction with AAC Services.

Who is eligible?

The Electronic Assistive Technology Service covers the East Midlands Region - that is Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and Nottinghamshire (Excluding Bassetlaw). To be eligible, your GP must be in one of the Clinical Commissioning Groups covering these regions - if you are unsure please don't hesitate to contact the department to check.

Eligibility criteria are drawn up by NHS England as part of the service specification. We would recommend you contact your local speech and language therapist to ensure you or the person you are considering for the referral would meet the criteria. In brief, the referral criteria for the service are:

• A severe / complex communication difficulty associated with a range of physical, cognitive, learning or sensory deficits.
• A clear discrepancy between their level of understanding and their ability to speak.
• The person must be able to understand the purpose of a communication aid
• The person must have developed beyond cause and effect understanding
• The person must have experience of using low tech AAC which is insufficient to enable them to realise their communicative potential.

We encourage speech and language therapists or other professionals or carers to contact the department before making a referral to discuss the above criteria.

What kind of equipment can be provided?

We are able to supply high tech communication aids to enable people to form messages and retain or develop communication with their families, teachers, friends, carers and others. These devices can range from iPads and other iDevices to purpose built tablet communication devices running bespoke language software. These devices can be controlled using touch, switches, eye gaze or many other access methods such as muscle controlled switches, sip-puff switches etc.

What is the process?

A referral to the department will be screened at weekly triage meetings. These are to determine whether the person meets the eligibility criteria and help us understand how best to carry out the assessment. If the referral is rejected at triage, we will usually contact the referrer to give direction about what other information is required, where the referral might be able to be taken next etc.

If the referral is successful we will arrange an assessment appointment. This can take place at home, school or wherever else is appropriate. This can take between 1 and 3 hours depending on the person's needs and will be conducted by the most appropriate member or members of our team. At this appointment you will have chance to ask questions about the choice of device and we we will likely trial a number of devices and access methods. This assessment may conclude that the person requires a certain piece of equipment or may conclude that low-technology approaches would be more suitable

Following the assessment, if equipment is to be provided, a separate appointment will be made to provide this. This may be with the original member of staff who completed the assessment or may be with a different member of staff.

If you have a local AAC Service which is able to conduct an AAC assessment to the same standard as the EAT Service they can refer for an 'equipment only' request.

Equipment provided by the EAT Service for AAC needs is paid for by the service. There are no direct costs to the person receiving the service.

How do I refer?

Your local speech and language therapist should refer using the form in the 'for professionals' section of this website. However, if you are unable to contact your local speech and language therapist please contact the service to discuss the referral you would like to make.

For people with significant physical disabilities, simple tasks such as using a computer can be difficult. With computers being a significant part of everyday life, the Electronic Assistive Technology Service can provide solutions to allow people to access their computers.

What is Computer Access?

Computer access helps people who have significant physical disabilities to control their computer. People can be provided with devices which enable them to control their computer by switch, head movements, sip and puff or by eye gaze as well as other access methods.

Who is eligible for the service?

The Electronic Assistive Technology Service provides an assessment and equipment provision service for people who meet the criteria detailed in the service specification (D01/S/c), the main features of this are a significant physical disability which primarily affects upper limb movements and which results in the person being unable to use standard controls and an ability to use the equipment.

We are not able to supply equipment where a non-specialist solution exists or where the need is primarily educational ICT or employment access to work.

The service is open to children and adults, as well as those living in any setting (residential care, own home, nursing home) as long as the above criteria are met.

Most people who use environmental controls have a condition such as motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury. However, this is not an exhaustive list.

What equipment can be provided

The computer access service can provide adapted equipment such as head mice, rollerball mice, adapted keyboards, sip and puff mice and many others. While we can provide training on the equipment we provide, we cannot provide general computer use training or training on any software which we have not provided.

We are not able to supply computers, only the adapted means to use them.

How can I be referred for an assessment?

Most referrals come from community Occupational Therapists (OT's), Nurses or Case Workers. Although you are able to self refer we would still require further advice from these professionals, so will need to contact them following your referral. Your Occupational Therapist, Nurse or Case Worker can use the 'For Professionals' section of this website to make a referral to the service.

If you do not have access to any of the professionals above, please contact the department for further advice.

Environmental Controls are used by people with significant physical disabilities to regain or retain independence over the environments which they inhabit. They range from controls for TV and music systems to full control of doors, windows, heating etc.

What is environmental control?

Environmental controls help people who have significant physical disabilities to retain or regain independence of their environment. These devices are used to:

• Call for help or assistance
• Control home entertainment systems such as TV's, Sky+ or other television devices.
• Making and receiving phone calls.
• Operating electrical appliances such as lighting, heating etc.

Environmental controls can provide people with greater independence and enhance quality of life for people with long term conditions.

Who is eligible for the service?

The Electronic Assistive Technology Service provides an assessment and equipment provision service for people who meet the criteria detailed in the service specification (D01/S/c), the main features of this are a significant physical disability which primarily affects upper limb movements and which results in the person being unable to use standard controls and an ability to use the equipment.

We are not able to supply equipment where a non-specialist solution exists or where the need is primarily educational ICT or employment access to work.

The service is open to children and adults, as well as those living in any setting (residential care, own home, nursing home) as long as the above criteria are met.

Most people who use environmental controls have a condition such as motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury. However, this is not an exhaustive list.

What equipment can be provided?

Generally equipment is provided in two parts, a controller and peripherals. Controllers can be controlled using touch, switches, eye gaze and many other means such as sip-puff, mouth control etc. and may take the form of simple button based devices up to tablet computers. Peripherals include remotely controlled sockets,

Our assessment process will determine which method is the best match for your circumstances. We work with a wide variety of suppliers and are not tied to any single one, so that we can find the right equipment for you.

How can I be referred for an assessment?

Most referrals come from community Occupational Therapists (OT's), Nurses or Case Workers. Although you are able to self refer we would still require further advice from these professionals, so will need to contact them following your referral. Your Occupational Therapist, Nurse or Case Worker can use the 'For Professionals' section of this website to make a referral to the service.

If you do not have access to any of the professionals above, please contact the department for further advice.