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Electronic Communication Devices Scheme

The Victorian Aids and Equipment Program’s Electronic Communication Devices Scheme is a state-wide service which supports people with disability, who have no speech or speech that is difficult to understand, buy speech generating devices and software.   

The Scheme can also support the purchase of specialised equipment to make it physically easier to use speech-generating devices.

We provide

Equipment

  • A dedicated speech generating device (SGD) / electronic communication device (ECD) i.e. a piece of equipment which only provides a voice
  • Unlocked devices which provide a voice but can also allow other features e.g. computer functions
  • Speech generating software including apps
  • Voice amplifiers which increase speech volume
  • Mainstream equipment items such as computers and mobile devices e.g. iPads are not funded.
 Under advice from an Occupational Therapist, the scheme can also provide:
  • Mounting systems to hold the device in position
  • Special switches for people who cannot touch the device
  • A special type of mouse to assist with use of the device e.g. equipment which lets the person use their eyes or head movement to use a device

Support

Support is also provided to ensure users can use their equipment effectively. This includes:

  • Up to two hours of training on the equipment for the person’s local therapist
  • Help with simple problems
  • Simple repairs to the equipment
  • A twelve month follow up check to make sure everything is going well

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Who can apply?

You need to:

  • be a resident of Victoria or hold a permanent protection visa or asylum seeker
  • have a permanent or long term disability which leads to speech and or language difficulty
  • have a Speech Pathologist decide that you need a speech generating device

A person cannot apply if:

  • they already get help or can get help from another government funded aids and equipment program; Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Workcover
  • they can claim the cost through a private health insurance policy
  • they have had a legal settlement to cover such equipment 

How to apply

Your speech pathologist or occupational therapist will coordinate the process of applying for what you need. Find out more about how to apply for a communication device, mounting system, software or switch.

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Contact us

To find out more about VAEP Electronic Communication Devices Scheme, please contact us at:

705 Princes Hwy
Brooklyn, Victoria 3012

Postal Address
P.O. Box 1101
Altona Gate, Victoria 3025

Tel: 9362 6111

Fax: 9314 9759

TTY: 9314 9001

Email: a&ep@yooralla.com.au

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