AAC & Assistive Technology Support for Accessible Learning
At CommunicATe, we’re passionate about helping students with disabilities learn in their own way. We provide AAC and AT evaluations, funding support, and training for school teams and families in Buffalo, NY.
Student-Centered Tools
Assistive Technology (AT) is anything that helps a person with disabilities speak, write, learn, see, hear, and move. Our tools can be simple and low-tech, like a magnifying glass or three-ring binder— or high-tech, like a screen reader, voice-activated software, or specialized mobility aid.
Communication Supports
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is any method that helps people communicate when they have difficulty using spoken words. AAC can include gestures, sign language, or speech-generating devices that are operated through touch, eye gaze technology, or switches.
Practical Classroom Solutions
Students already use assistive technology in their daily lives— we just expand on these tools to help them participate more fully in learning activities, understand their classroom curriculum, demonstrate their knowledge, and improve their productivity in the public school setting.
Who We Work With
We work as an equal partner with parents and school districts in Buffalo, NY, bringing teams together to support student access.
Our services are available to public schools and special education teams, students in PreK–12+ and transition programs, homeschooled students through district-funded services, and families seeking AAC support.
Why Work With CommunicATe
Amy Ratajczak has over 25 years of experience working in public education and is the only speech-language pathologist in Western New York with a RESNA ATP certification.
Rather than reinventing the wheel, Amy supports students where they are by building on what districts are already doing well. Her goal is to make practical adjustments that improve each student’s access and participation.
AAC & Assistive Technology Evaluations
School-Based Evaluations Focused on Access and Communication
Our evaluations are designed to identify AAC and assistive technology tools to help students communicate, access their classroom curriculum, and participate in school activities.
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At CommunicATe, our AT and AAC evaluations are designed to identify each student’s support needs and determine which tools meet those needs best. Our comprehensive evaluations typically include:
Interviews with parents, teachers, support staff, and related service providers
Observation of the student in either their home or in their educational setting
Trials of assistive technology that can support reading, writing, math, academics, and executive functioning
AAC communication device/language trials (accounting for vision, hearing, motor, or language needs that need to be feature matched)
A formal, written report and AAC/AT recommendations (after trials)
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Families:
An evaluation gives us a clear picture of whether assistive tools or technology could help your child learn, communicate, read, write, and be successful in school. Your family will leave with a clear plan, AT or AAC funding documentation (if required), and options for device setup and training.Schools:
Our AT and AAC evaluations support special education teams who may not have specialists or trial devices available. Your school will receive data-informed recommendations, equipment lists with pricing, and insurance justification when appropriate, helping your team move forward with clarity and confidence. -
Yes. We write insurance justifications for communication devices and fill out the necessary paperwork for insurance/Medicaid provided devices. As a specialist for over 25 years, AAC and AT device companies consider our reports to be highly informed.
Our reports include the specific AAC device, AT device, or software we’re recommending, and a detailed list of all equipment to be purchased. We also provide training after the assistive device has been procured, if requested.
“Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way.”
- George Evans
Training and Consultation for School Teams
Practical Support for Educators Working With Diverse Learners
Our training and consultation services help school teams accommodate the needs of neurodiverse learners. You’ll learn how to use assistive technology, implement AAC, and make quick and easy accommodations to support all students in the classroom. Contact Amy to book your training today!
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At CommunicATe, we offer 1:1 consultations, small group and large group trainings, and online (synchronous or asynchronous) sessions.
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Our presentations focus on helping school professionals understand the neurodiverse brains of students with Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia— and feel confident supporting them in the classroom.
We specialize in topics related to assistive technology, AAC communication, and learning accommodations for students with:
Autism
ADHD
Intellectual Disability
Dyslexia/Reading Disorders
Dysgraphia/Writing disorders
Auditory Processing Disorder
Executive Functioning Challenges
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Yes! We offer training on specific technologies, such as:
AAC communication apps
Read&Write for Google
Bookshare
Built in Accessibility features of Google Chrome, Windows, and iPad
AI tools to help with productivity and differentiation
Meet the Owner
Welcome! I’m Amy.
Amy Ratajczak, MA, CCC/SLP, ATP
I’m a speech therapist who specializes in supporting students with complex communication and learning needs. With over 25 years of experience across Early Intervention, preschool, and public school settings, I’ve helped students with a variety of disabilities communicate and learn in the classroom through assistive technology and AAC.
As a public school employee myself, I understand the challenges districts face when implementing AT recommendations. My approach builds on what schools are already doing well, making minimal tweaks in their current technology use to make the curriculum more accessible for all types of students and learners.
Advanced Training and Certifications:
RESNA certified ATP
ASHA Certified
Saltillo's TouchChat Partner Program
TobiiDynavox Certified SLP Evaluator
“Every student deserves access to their curriculum. The right tools can make that possible.”
Here’s the Process:
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Contact CommunicATe and sign our contract to procure funding from your Board of Education.
We will ask for the name of the student, current IEP and paperwork, parent and teacher contact information, and details about the services requested (e.g., AT evaluation, AAC evaluation, training, etc.).
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We will complete observations, trainings, or evaluations and send a report to all stakeholders, including our recommendations and how to procure equipment.
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We will provide the necessary AAC and AT training, materials, and support— with both virtual and in-person options— to help each student be successful in the classroom.
Searching for an evaluation, device funding, or professional AAC & AT training in Buffalo, NY?