Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP. Over 33 years experience in AAC. OMazing Kids AAC and app consulting. Creator of several AAC Feature Matching resources (https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links/). Includes info about unique features to support Gestalt Language Processors
Top 10 iOS Symbol-Based AAC App Feature Matching Chart
This chart includes an in-depth comparison of features & supports across ten iOS symbol-based AAC apps:
Avaz AAC – Lifetime Edition
Clicker Communicator: AAC
CoughDrop
GoTalk Now / GoTalk Now Plus
Grid for iPad VPP
LAMP Words for Life
Proloquo2Go
Snap Core First
Speak for Yourself
TouchChat HD with WordPower
See an overview in this video where I’m viewing the PDF on my iPad in the free Xodo PDF viewer app. You’ll get a feel for how much info will be at your fingertips in this chart. There are over 93 rows in the Numbers spreadsheet that was used to create the PDF. But it’s super easy to use the “search” option to find what you want quickly.
The best way to reach me with any questions is via messaging on the OMazing Kids Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/. That way AAC related messages don’t get lost among the spam in my e-mail
Personal Professional Facebook Page (linked to OMazing Kids): https://www.facebook.com/angela.moorad – adding “friends” who have a direct role in AAC or Assistive Technology – AAC / AT app or product developers, AAC / AT consultants, SLPs who specialize in AAC, other professionals who specialize in AAC or AT, etc.)
{AAC Tips} How SLPs can get FREE access to AAC apps, AAC app user groups, funding options & more! (2021 Edition)
I’m doing a simplified version of this blog post. Each section will now be a separate blog post and then will be listed alphabetically and linked here. The focus continues to be on iOS AAC apps but there will also be some linked posts about AAC options on other platforms (Android, Windows, Amazon Kindle Fire, etc.).
An AAC eval should include consideration and trials of traditional SGDs. You can contact your local AAC vendor reps for training and to borrow an SGD for short term loan.
A good AAC eval should also include consideration of features uniquely available in AAC apps but folks don’t often know how to get access to those. So I continue to feel the need to share info about that to help my fellow speechies build a better equipped AAC toolbox. I retired from clinical practice and am now doing AAC consulting.
The problem is even if there is a free or low cost lite version of a particular AAC app, it is not the same as trialing the full featured app. How can you do a true feature-match when you don’t have all the features? Many SLPs see the prices in the App Store and assume they would have to personally purchase apps or try to get their facility or school to do so. Well unless you work in some mythical setting with unlimited funds or have a well established booming private practice, it’s unlikely that you would be able to afford very many AAC apps. Not saying they are overpriced. App developers have significant costs related to keeping robust AAC apps updated and paying licensing fees for high quality symbol sets and voices. So we shouldn’t expect these apps to be priced at the same level as other speech therapy apps or kids educational apps.
Update 8/24/20: Set up a free MyTobiiDynavox account and go through the steps to verify your status: https://www.mytobiidynavox.com/#/morestuff/professionals. Look on their website and Facebook group for current resources. Their website changes frequently so if any links are not working do a search on their website or ask in their group.
See these posts for info about how to activate the free voice output in the free version of the app:
1/13/21: See this video on the Tobii Dynavox Technical Support YouTube channel regarding how to fix the voice output if it’s not speaking: https://youtu.be/dE4Zkr6ev5w
11/22/20 Updated post about how SLPs can activate voice output in the free version of the Snap Core First AAC app
Update 11/10/20: Snap PODD & Snap Gateway have been added and SLP’s with a verified MyTobiiDynavox for Professionals account can access both for free within the Snap Core First app. See step by step tips on how to access these on this post: https://www.facebook.com/174264525957894/posts/3622621321122180/
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They also have this free companion app filled with videos, tutorials and tips. It’s a very large app so make sure you have plenty of free space and a strong WiFi connection before downloading: Pathways for Core First by Tobii Dynavox LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pathways-for-core-first/id1187433636?mt=8
But don’t stop there. You need more than 1 tool in your AAC toolbox. If you are a SLP that frequently does AAC evals and makes purchasing recommendations, then many other AAC app developers will provide you with a free promo code for their app so you would be able to trial it with patients.
How to get codes for AAC apps: The process for doing this is a little different for each app. I always start by contacting that developer via Facebook messaging on their FB page for that app. If I don’t get a response there, then I look on their website for an e-mail address or to see if they have a formal process for requesting a copy of the app. This info can be difficult to find so dig a little. It takes some time but is well worth it. I am a SLP at a non-profit facility that does tons of AAC evals and purchasing recommendations. I have been able to get most of the main AAC apps and therefore have lots of options to trial during AAC evals. Feel pretty tech-geeky spending evenings and weekends doing this but it’s worth it to have access to lots of AAC options that then result in good AAC matches for the kids I serve.
Update 8/24/20: I am now retired but am staying up to date on features in AAC apps in case I decide to do some consulting work and so I’ll be equipped in case any family members ever need AAC. . Here is an alphabetical list of AAC apps that I have gotten by going through this process and the way(s) I contacted those app developers. I hope I haven’t left anyone off the list. If I have, feel free to send me a message. There is not room to keep all the AAC apps loaded on my iPad at the same time so I rotate them on/off based on my patient’s needs. Most AAC apps are very large so I always suggest that SLPs get an iPad with the largest memory you can afford. Even with two 128GB iPad Airs, I am still constantly playing the “app shuffle” where I delete apps to make room to install others. I will be updating this list as I get new AAC apps:
aacorn & aacorn+ (Facebook messaging)
AAC Genie (Facebook messaging)
AlphaTopics (Facebook messaging)
Avatalker (Facebook messaging)
Avaz Pro (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
BridgeBuilderAAC (Facebook messaging)
Click ‘n Talk & Talk’n Photos (Facebook messaging)
Clicker Communicator with SymbolStix & Clicker Communicator with PCS (Facebook messaging)
CoughDrop (the app developer contacted me)
Custom Boards (Facebook messaging)
GoTalk Now Plus by Attainment Company (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
GoVisual Scene Maker by Attainment Company (e-mail)
Grace – Picture Exchange for Non-Verbal People (the app developer contacted me)
Grid for iPad by Smartbox Assistive Technology (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
iESLp (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
image2talk (Facebook messaging)
InnerVoice (Facebook messaging)
LAMP Words for Life (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail. The key was to reach out to the app developers John & Cindy Holloran directly. I spent over a year with no success contacting PRC. You have to go through LAMP trainings prior to getting a code. Updated 8/24/20: new link to application: https://aacapps.com/partners/apply)
Make a Choice – AAC Buttons by pkclSoft (received a promo code after helping to beta-test this new app)
Mighty AAC (got it while it was free)
My First AAC (e-mail)
Niki Talk, Niki Talk + Tweet, Niki Music (adapted way to play music) & Niki Video (adapted way to play videos) (Facebook messaging)
PECS Phase III & PECS IV+ (e-mail – I had helped coordinate bringing a PECS workshop to our facility so that definitely helped)
Picture AAC (Facebook messaging)
Predictable, Scene & Heard & ChatAble (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
Proloquo2Go & Proloquo4Text (AssistiveWare provides a free copy of the iOS and Mac versions of their AAC apps to Speech-Language Pathologists who conduct AAC evaluations on a case-by-case basis. Because they get a limited number of codes, they typically have a waiting list and prioritize requests based on caseload and geographic location. To request getting on that waiting list, SLPs can e-mail support@assistiveware.com. This same process applies to their simPODD app but it provides SLPs with a 1-year subscription (doesn’t include printing) and they will need to request access to simPODD each year).
Say Some More AAC Plus (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
SayIt! (text to speech) (Facebook messaging)
See Me Talk (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
simPODD (e-mailed AssistiveWare at support@assistiveware.com – received a free One Year Digital subscription – cannot print)
Snap Scene (it took multiple attempts to finally get connected with the right person at Tobii Dynavox to get a code for the full version)
So Much 2 Say (Facebook messaging)
Speak For Yourself (Facebook messaging)
Talk Tablet US (contacted this e-mail address: gusinc@me.com. Updated 8/24/20: That version of the app is no longer available for purchase. Instead they have a TalkTablet LITE – Eval Version for $1.99 and a Pro paid version. I don’t have either of those)
Tools2Talk+ (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
Total Talk (e-mail) (Update 8/24/20: the app disappeared for several months from the App Store and then a revamped version relaunched as Talk Suite Pro)
TouchChat HD with WordPower (contacted my local Saltillo rep via e-mail. Find your rep: https://saltillo.com/reps. A word of advice… You really need the version that includes WordPower)
Verbal Me & Verbal Me Español (website contact form)
The key is being persistent. If one contact method doesn’t work, then try another. Another key is building relationships on social media. I put quite a bit of time and effort into liking and sharing posts from app developers pages, announcing when they have app sales and even doing reviews and hosting giveaways for them on my blog and social media sites. Some app developers may require proof of you being a SLP (keep in mind that they may have received numerous requests for a free app from parents or AAC users). The other thing to keep in mind is that app developers only get a certain number of promo codes when they release an app or an update to that app. So if they currently don’t have codes, check back again later. Often good to ask right after an app has been released or it has been updated when they would have a fresh batch of codes. . Despite numerous attempts, I have not yet been successful in getting access to the full version of following AAC app. Which means I can’t recommend it since I have no way to trial the full featured version during an AAC eval nor do I recommend it when therapists or parents ask about AAC options in the numerous Facebook groups that I participate in since I haven’t used it:
Sono Flex (the free lite version has some interesting features but can’t make purchasing recommendations off that for the full app. The app has not been updated since 2014 so it will be interesting to see if still exists after iOS 11 is released. Updated 8/24/20: they finally updated that app in March 2018 but have made it clear that their focus is on updates and support for their Snap Core First app)
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Other AAC apps that I have and use:
2Talk – AAC (got it while it was free)
AAC Expression Toolkit
Alexicom AAC (free. They also have several different paid apps. The app developer has indicated that they have purposefully released several apps specific to certain ages, genders & symbol types to keep the app sizes small and affordable. They will be adding info to their website to help SLPs and parents figure out which app might be best suited to a particular user. Update 8/24/20: This app developer also has several apps specifically designed for adults in medical situations.)
BRIDGE Communication – both the Lite and Pro versions (bought both when it they were on sale, it has some cool articulation pages built into it, can add video clips to buttons, several other unique features, has a Spanish option in the settings, has SymbolStix symbols, has a history of being updated frequently, price is very affordable for an app with this many features)
CanTunes (free, music choice boards, adapted means of accessing music on your iPad)
CardTalk (free & got the IAP to unlock all functions while it was free)
ChatterBoards AAC
ChoiceBoard – Creator
Choice Board Maker
Choice Boards
CommBoards
Communicate Easy
Communication Adventure – An app for communication training for caregivers of children with complex communication needs
CoreVoice – AAC Core Board
EESpeech Basic
Emergency Chat
Flip Writer AAC (and the Flip Writer Pocket iPhone version)
FreeVOCA
GoTalk Now Lite (free, has good features for a lite app. Often recommend it as an option while we are working on getting other options in place)
Grid Player
iHear PECS: Animals (bought it, a bargain for $1.99)
iSpeak Button Collection (bought it, $5.99, large full screen round button (looks similar to a BigMack), swipe screen to see the next button, up to 15 buttons)
Leeloo AAC – Autism Speech App
LetMeTalk
MenuAssist (free)
MyTalkTools Mobile Lite
PAROL (Has several additional features that are cool: an interactive pain scale (same content as the Doloris app that disappeared from the App Store several years ago), a visual timer, a visual sequence page, the ability to print a PDF of picture symbols, etc.)
PAROL Mini
PhotoVOCA (had gotten an older version while it was free… then was able to udate to the new version for free)
PictoMaker
Picture Card Maker PLUS (got it while it was free. The app developer is in the process of releasing a major update for it)
PlayButton (free, https://appsto.re/us/WZ2lC.i. This FREE app is one of my faves for use as a single message VOCA. The activation area is very large (almost the entire screen). I use Guided Access to lock the “record” button to prevent accidental activations during use. Update 8/24/20: They added a place in the iPad Settings for this app to toggle off the recording button)
Posco AAC
Quick Type AAC (bought it, a bargain for $1.99)
Smooth Talker AAC
Sono Flex Lite
SoundingBoard (free)
Sorenson BuzzCards (type and show, no voice output, designed for hearing impaired to use to quickly communicate with those who don’t know sign)
Speak – Text to Speech
Spell Better – Literacy Support (includes text to speech)
Spuble – creating live speech bubbles (very unique voice to text app that transcribes what a person says so another person can read it on the screen)
SymboTalk – AAC Talker
TalkBoard Free
Talk For Me – Text to Speech
Talking Button by Masanori Kubota (got while it was free)
Tap Chat
TapSpeak Button Plus (won it in a giveaway on PrAACtical AAC)
Tom Taps Speak – AAC for Kids
Touch Switch (bought it, $4.99, play any music downloaded onto your iPad with full screen round button. Also plays eye catching animations. Really more for “cause & effect” but thought it was worth mentioning)
Verbally (free)
Voice4u TTS
Whiteboard – nothing more, nothing less
Widgit Go Basic
YesNo – questions made simple
Yes or No Communication
Yes/No
Yes / No Button Free
There are several other AAC apps that I have gotten when they were free for a day or two. When I see one, I download it to try out before deciding if it is worth sharing on social media. There are some apps in the App Store that claim to be AAC but are so poorly designed that I chose not to post about them.
Updated 8/24/20 – AAC apps for communicating about pain & medical situations:
PAROL by Les Applications C, Inc https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parol/id1472197509 (has an interactive pain scale with same content as the Doloris app that disappeared from the App Store several years ago)
Updated 8/24/20: Keyboard Extension Apps: It may be helpful to consider using a keyboard extension app that would make the iOS iPad Keyboard easier to use with features that are special needs friendly.
Keedogo by AssistiveWare, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/keedogo/id915829477, $.99 (My favorite keyboard extension app with lots of customization options. Good for beginning typists since it doesn’t have word prediction or auto correction. If you want additional features the look at the next two apps….
SuperKeys Accessible Keyboard by Crick Software, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/superkeys-accessible-keyboard/id917216287, $12.99 (A very unique keyboard that enlarges quadrants and then you select a large key within it. Nice for those with vision or fine motor needs but can also be helpful for those overwhelmed by looking through the entire field of keys. The SuperKeys keyboard is built in as an option in all of the Clicker Communicator AAC apps. Phonics Keyboard by Therapy Box Limited, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/phonics-keyboard/id1031514501, $2.99 (There are also some fun activities within the app)
SwiftKey Keyboard by SwiftKey, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swiftkey-keyboard/id911813648, FREE (for more advanced typists who want a full PC style keyboard with the ability to customize the color for sensory needs, customization options, ability to swipe to type, has a nice “real keyboard” feel, the description shows IAPs for additional keyboard styles but as far as I can tell everything is included now. I’m currently using the “Nickel Classic Dark” theme as a nice alternative to the iOS iPad keyboard.)
FYI… There are a few AAC apps that use the iOS iPad Keyboard and therefore would allow for a keyboard extension app to be used. Examples include: Speak for Yourself, Proloquo2Go, Mighty AAC, ChatAble, Proloquo4Text, Predictable, Voice4u TTS, QuickType, Flip Writer, HandySpeech and several other text-to-speech (TTS) AAC apps. Exploring alternative keyboards can be a game changer for making typing as a means of AAC accessible. You may also want to explore accessibility features in the iPad settings (https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/get-started-with-accessibility-features-ipad9a2465f9/ipados), styluses, adapted styluses, keyguards, external Bluetooth keyboards, etc. Take a look at Lauren S. Enders’ well organized Pinterest boards for ideas: https://pin.it/TWn9w6P (styluses: https://pin.it/t4cy8XV; keyboards & keyboard cases: https://pin.it/NydPTE8). I highly encourage you to collaborate with an Occupational Therapist and/or Assistive Technology Specialist when exploring AT options for the iPad. Some of that equipment is pricey so you want to make good decisions that fit that individual child’s needs. You may want to try things out in order to make those decisions. Check with the AT Lending Library in your state: https://www.at3center.net/stateprogram. Many have iPads, specialized apps and AT equipment available for short term loan to try out before making purchasing recommendations.
Free web-based AAC open source options (can be used online and some offer an offline option, may work across platforms):
* AsTeRICS Grid – open source web-based AAC: https://grid.asterics.eu/#welcome. Has the option to set up offline users. Uses voices available on that device or platform. On my iPad the iOS voices showed up as options. The editing is different from what I’m used to so there is a learning curve to get up to speed. Just beginning to explore this option.
* CBoard – open source web-based AAC: https://www.cboard.io. Cboard works on modern browsers and is available on a wide variety of platforms, including desktops, tablets and mobile phones. Offline support is available on Google Chrome (desktop & Android). There is an Android app (see above). Support for up to 33 languages (vary by operating system). Uses open source Mulberry Symbols. More info about features (vary by operating system): https://www.cboard.io/help/#Features & info about how to program and use it: https://www.cboard.io/help/. FYI…. you’ll want to do some editing if you are in the USA. Several of the items are named differently here (ex: biscuit -> cookie, ice lolly -> popsicle, chips -> fries, crisps -> chips, etc.).
* OptiKey – open source Windows eye-tracking and communication tool: http://www.optikey.org, https://github.com/Optikey/Optikey/wiki. Optikey is an assistive on-screen keyboard which runs on Windows. It is designed to be used with a low cost eye-tracking device to bring keyboard control, mouse control and speech to people with motor and speech limitations, such as people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Includes support for the CommuniKate symbol communication boards. More info: https://github.com/Optikey/Optikey/wiki/Support-for-CommuniKate-boards & http://communikate.equalitytime.co.uk. CommuniKate is designed for people who rely heavily on the environment or context in order to communicate effectively but understand concepts and language used in conversation and during everyday activities.
Affordable web-based AAC open source option (can be used in a web browser online and works in apps across multiple platforms – iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle, Windows):
CoughDrop – open source cloud-based AAC: https://www.mycoughdrop.com. They offer a free 2-month trial. After that it’s either a monthly subscription (currently $6.00 per month). Info about other pricing options: https://www.mycoughdrop.com/pricing. They often offer a 50% off discount on the Lifetime Subscription fee in April (Autism Acceptance month) & October (AAC Awareness month). They frequently add new board options and do a good job of keeping the app updated. This is the only affordable AAC option that I’ve seen that can send the text and symbols together in a cohesive message via iMessaging and e-mail. Other higher priced AAC options that can send both symbols & text as a cohesive message: Avaz (in iMessaging and e-mail) and the Clicker Communicator apps (as a PDF either by AirDrop or e-mail. MyTalkTools is the only AAC app that I’ve seen that actually has an iMessaging app component where the app works within iMessaging… but each symbol is messaged separately.)
Windows: You can install CoughDrop as a Windows desktop app on your computer or Windows device. CoughDrop on Windows has some eye-tracking integrations that will help it work better with more devices. Please make sure to download the right version for your operating system. https://www.mycoughdrop.com/download
Web Browser: CoughDrop is a web-first application, and should work with many modern web browsers.
What are my “favorite” AAC apps? I have several based on the features available in them. I know the list above looks overwhelming and I did not get these apps all at the same time. So here is some advice as to where to start in your quest to acquire AAC apps. If I had to narrow down the list to the top 10 robust AAC apps that stay loaded on my iPad all the time and have been a good match for several patients that I serve… they are (list updated 8/24/20 – subject to change as apps are updated with new features and other apps are released):
Avaz Pro
Clicker Communicator with PCS (and the version with SymbolStix)
CoughDrop
GoTalk Now Plus
Grid for iPad
LAMP Words for Life
Proloquo2Go
Snap Core First
Speak for Yourself
TouchChat HD with WordPower
I think of these as the most common tools in my AAC toolbox (like a hammer, pliers, saw, tape measure, drill, level, screwdriver & wrench are common tools at home). The rest are still very important “specialty” tools in my toolbox. They are fabulous for meeting less common and very specific needs. Think of an Alan Wrench. Not something you use very often but when you need one it is the only tool that will meet that need. And sometimes the best solution is a combination of several tools. Remember…. Good builders pick tools based on the task.
Feature Matching:
So I bet you are thinking “oh my goodness… how on earth can I learn about all the features to do a feature-match with so many options?”. The apps I have listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds.
Updated 8/24/20:
The best way to keep up to date on the features in AAC apps is to have access to them and use them frequently. You can also gain helpful info in the user groups for apps on Facebook, videos released by the app developer and several resources listed below:
SET BC Supported AAC Device Comparison Chart April 2019 (their documents only include info on the apps and devices that they use but is still a helpful example and fairly recent): https://bit.ly/31qPo42. They also have a Feature Matching: Linear and Auditory Scanning (February 2019): https://bit.ly/32nIP1E & SET BC AAC Software/Apps with Visual Scenes: Comparison Chart (February 2019): https://bit.ly/3jcykF1
FYI…. features change rapidly as apps are updated or companies release new devices. So as soon as any resource list like these are published it likely already has something outdated in it.
But finding fairly recent documents like these at least gives a good starting point when comparing options in a feature match process. Tip: If a document you find online isn’t dated be sure to look at the iOS requirements listed in the features. There are VERY old charts that date back to iOS 4 that I saw that are totally outdated and are not an accurate or fair depiction of those apps.
FYI 2: I haven’t found any document that contains info on every AAC app or device so it’s important to research and consider ones that may not be on a particular list.
This Feature Match Comparison Chart from the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center is helpful: https://bit.ly/3hs27cl
http://bit.ly/EndersAACAppsPart1 . AAC APPS: Considerations for Selecting, Customizing, & Getting Started – Part 2 – Lauren Enders (May 15, 2019) – includes 2 robust motor-plan based AAC apps (LAMP Words for Life & Speak for Yourself), 1 robust cloud-based app that’s a mix of folder-based with influences of motor-planning (CoughDrop), plus info about other types of AAC apps (including a nice overview of unique ways to use the GoTalk Now app)
http://bit.ly/EndersAACAppsPart2 . Also this archived presentation by Christine Baudin: Comparing & Contrasting 5 Common Robust AAC apps – TouchChat with WordPower (focusing on 108 & 20 location page sets), Proloquo2Go (focusing on 7×11 grid), Snap Core First (focusing on 8×10 grid), LAMP Words for Life (84 location) & Speak for Yourself (120 location) – 2018 AAC in the Cloud
Unfortunately the AAC Ferret app that had been so helpful in searching for apps by specific features no longer exists. Word is the app developer ran into funding issues. Even if you still have that app loaded on your iPad, it no longer works. That app truly was a fabulous tool. My hope is that maybe it will reappear one day or that someone else will develop a tool like that.
My next “go to” resource used to be Jane Farrall’s website with her AAC app lists (http://www.janefarrall.com/aac-apps-lists/). Unfortunately she took that part of her website down since she no longer had time to keep updating it and the lists were outdated. It used to have several amazing lists:
Symbol/Picture apps – These are apps that have symbol based pages but don’t make text-to-speech available to the person who uses AAC.
Symbol & Text Based apps – These are apps that have symbol pages and make text-to-speech available to the person who uses AAC.
Text Based apps – These are apps that make text-to-speech available to the person who uses AAC or that have text only communication pages.
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Funding:
Wanting to get a bundled iPad with an AAC app in a durable case funded as a “dedicated” SGD through Medicaid or insurance? Your best bet is to check with the funding departments at these companies. They all offer iOS based devices with a variety of AAC apps as an option:
We are fortunate in Oklahoma that Medicaid will consider funding an iPad with a robust AAC app in a durable case as a SGD / DME but they require us to try the full version of the app in order to do a complete feature-match, submit a video of the patient using it and extensive justification as to why that particular option us being recommended. Here in Oklahoma, we can only get funding once every 5 years for AAC (with very rare exceptions) so it’s very important to be able to get a good match for that individual’s needs. See details here: https://www.okabletech.org/community/soonercare-provider-for-speech-generating-devices/
Another source that I’ve had good success with for funding an iPad with a robust AAC app in a durable case here in Oklahoma is the New Voices grant through Ability Connections Oklahoma: https://www.acok.org (the funding comes and goes on this grant. See their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/abilityconnectionoklahoma/).
There are key times of the year that AAC apps tend to go on sale and I always share that info on my OMazing Kids Facebook page and in the AppPeeps group. Some app developers choose to do sales and others do not. When I have inquired about that, they reply that they feel their app is fairly priced given the ongoing costs related to keeping it updated and licensing fees for symbol sets and voices.
Why do many AAC apps cost so much? Drives me a little nuts when I see unkind comments regarding pricing of well designed AAC apps. Where else would we demand that something be put on sale or even worse demand that it should be free? Really?! The well designed robust AAC apps are a bargain even at full price if you stop to really think about being able to get a “voice” for a patient for a tiny fraction of the cost of traditional SGDs. It has been a game-changer and allowed many parents to be able to no longer have to wait on a SLP to be the decision maker / gatekeeper. Many parents post about “going rogue” in buying an iPad, AAC app & durable case for their child after being told they weren’t “ready” for that. News alert…. the old school mentality of there being a “hierarchy” that a child has to go through to “prove” they are “ready” for robust AAC is antiquated. Not saying that every AAC app or SGD is a good match for every child but I am saying that the days of kids with very complex needs being stuck with just a single message VOCA or a few PECS symbols have to end. See this presentation from Jane Farrall: http://www.janefarrall.com/lets-communicate-plenary-presentation-at-qaselcon16/ , this post about “What is “Beginning” AAC?“: http://www.janefarrall.com/what-is-beginning-aac/, and this powerful post on the Uncommon Sense Blog’s Facebook page: http://bit.ly/230RT5r. .
What about parents who want to try out AAC options? I highly recommend that you pursue an AAC eval with a SLP who has expertise in this area. Many larger school districts have an AAC team. But don’t feel that you have to wait if you are a parent who has been told “no” and want to proceed on your own. It may just be a little trickier to determine what the best AAC option will be for your child since most parents don’t have unlimited resources to buy several AAC apps to try. All states in the USA are supposed to have an Assistive Technology Lending Library program where parents & professionals can borrow AAC devices, iPads with AAC apps & other AT for short-term trial. It’s a great way to try various options out before making purchasing decisions. There are lots of great AAC devices and apps. It’s important to do a good feature-match and trial of options. Find the AT Lending Library in your state: https://www.at3center.net/stateprogram
The AT Program in your state may also know of SLPs who do AAC evals and funding resources specific to your area.
Need support with using an AAC app? Most app developers have a Facebook group for that app. I highly suggest joining these groups for an incredible amount of support from the app developers as well as other parents, therapists & teachers. Every group has it’s own “culture”. Some are very open to discussing any topic. Others are pretty strict about only posting info or questions directly related to that particular app. Here is a list of the Facebook app user groups (updated to include support groups for traditional SGDs & PODD):
I have suggested to the developers of the GoTalk Now app that a group be started but so far I’ve only seen a parent led one in Swedish. I have also suggested to the developer of the new Total Talk AAC app that they start a group. He was very open to the idea so I hope to see that soon.
There are also numerous other AAC-related Facebook groups. Again each having it’s own culture and dynamic. I’m not going to list all of those here…. but if you are a SLP, I definitely suggest joining the AAC for the SLP group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1539830846285663/. Also take a look at the 21st Century AAC Practitioners group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/475548015977014/. If you see me “tag” Lauren Enders in a post or comment, it’s because I know that she has a wealth on knowledge about AAC apps, cases, mounting options, etc. You should seriously follow her on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lasenders/. I also know that she will provide an unbiased opinion and always comments in a very supportive way.
You may also see me “tag” Carole Zangari from PrAACtical AAC for the same reasons. http://praacticalaac.org/
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{AAC Assessment} “Just like driving a car, when you’ve been doing AAC assessments for a long time, you almost don’t have to think about the details of what you are doing. I automatically pull out the devices and apps, YouTube, iPad, snack, bubbles and wind-ups, and start playing. Unfortunately, it is less than helpful to tell people new to AAC to just play with students and watch what they do. In an effort to describe our process, I created a data sheet to break down the steps, and typed up the procedures and suggested apps.” This post by Vicki Clarke from Dynamic Therapy Associates Inc on PrAACtical AAC is full of awesome tips for AAC assessment! I was excited to get new ideas for several apps that I already had and was inspired to buy an app that’s been on my “wish list” for awhile. I will also confess to buying the hippo toy pictured. It’s been on my “wish list” for awhile too (gotta love shopping on Amazon with free shipping). 😉
What’s the best AAC approach?What’s the best dedicated speech generating device? What’s the best case? What’s the best ______….. Several times a week I am either asked this question or I see it posted in one of the many AAC Facebook groups I follow. Occasionally it seems to end up in a rather heated debate of ______ vs. ________. Even arguments over core vs. fringe vocabulary. For a balanced approach in use of core & fringe vocabulary, check out this fabulous post on PrAACtically AAC: http://praacticalaac.org/praactical/the-baby-the-bathwater-and-core-vocabulary/. This is counterproductive. Although there are key best practices when considering AAC options, there is not any one best AAC option (or one best therapy approach, or one best anything) when it comes to best meeting individual needs. I have added a lot of tools to my toolbox over my 26+ year career as a speech-language pathologist. There have been pivotal moments where new tools were added that forever changed my perspective. Although shiny new tools may be exciting they did not replace the old tried & true tools. The exciting thing about tools is that you can use them together to build & repair. Would it make sense to ask “What’s better…. a hammer or a drill? a saw or a tape measure? a wrench or a flashlight? Of course not. Each tool has it’s specific purpose. You select the tool based on what job you need to accomplish. . Have questions? The quickest and most reliable way to reach me is via Facebook messaging on my OMazing Kids page. Thank goodness it seems to be immune from spammers unlike my e-mail. . Are you an AAC app developer? I’d be more than glad to help beta test your app and then post about it when it is released for sale. I don’t charge a fee. Just would need a free promo code for the full version of that AAC app so I can add it to my toolbox. I never post about apps that I haven’t tried out first. Oh and a word of advice to app developers… state run facilities and schools have difficulty with in-app purchases or subscription-based apps as do potential funding sources such as Medicaid or insurance companies. So you will have a wider audience if you also offer a full paid version of your AAC app.
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I am asked pretty frequently for my thoughts on AAC app development. Here is my advice:
Any new AAC app needs to support robust communication for a wide variety of functions. There are already lots of simple choice making apps on the market.
Take a good look at the major AAC apps on the market and determine what specific features your new app would offer that are not already available.
Do lots of beta testing to insure the app is intuitive / easy to use. Even with the best intentions some AAC apps never take off. An example is Total Talk. It has several unique features but is not very intuitive to use and they initially only let you pick one voice (that has since changed but they lost the initial momentum that comes with a new app release). (Update: 8/24/20 – It was nice to see the Total Talk app revamped and relaunched as “Talk Suite Pro”. The app has some unique features so hopefully it will make it this time)
You only should offer an AAC app that is truly worth having and meets needs. There are several free or very cheap AAC apps on the market. But you rarely see them mentioned or recommended because they are so poorly designed.
Determine what platform you will develop the app for (iOS or Android). It’s very rare for app developers to be able to tackle both platforms and do it well. Most AAC app developers stick with the iOS platform because it is uniform and thus easier and less costly to develop apps for.
Beyond the initial costs of developing the app, make sure that you also have a very well thought out long term plan and finances for supporting and keeping an AAC app updated. I’ve received numerous messages on my OMazing Kids page from parents and therapist with very heartbreaking stories of AAC users losing their voice when iOS 11 came out. Several small AAC app developers had not updated those apps in almost 5 years. It’s one thing to lose a favorite game or therapy app but a whole different thing to lose an AAC app.
📥 Want to suggest iOS AAC apps to be added to this post? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page.
If it’s a free app, please send the link from the USA App Store so I can download and try it out. If it’s a paid app and you are the app developer, please send the link from the USA App Store so I can look at the info before you send a promo code. I want to make sure that one of my iPads or iPhone is compatible in order to try it out.
If you see info or links that need to be updated on this post, feel free to send me a Facebook message on my OMazing Kids page.
Inclusion in the “Top 10” was based on features, long term availability in the App Store, good history of being updated, having patients who benefited from using the app, gathering data from app recommendations from SLPs who have expertise in AAC, etc. The list was purposefully limited to the top 10 in order to keep it manageable for updates as apps continue to add features in the future. I plan on maintaining and updating the chart for the foreseeable future to help meet the need for current and comprehensive info to be used in feature matching. Inclusion of particular apps is subject to change based on features and an ongoing track record of support and updates. The purpose of this chart isn’t to name a “best” app since the “best” AAC for that individual is the combination of options (variety of apps, SGDs, no-tech, etc.) that meets their needs at that moment in time. This chart is not intended to imply that any app not on this list is not well designed or serve a very important function.
You may not copy any part of this document (including the content, layout, format, ideas or design) and reproduce it or distribute it as your own work.
Please do not copy/paste this info onto other blogs or save this PDF in any online groups or files. Instead, feel free to share the post from my blog or social media sites or the link to my TPT store.
I assume no liability for app purchases and am not making patient-specific recommendations.
Personal Professional Facebook Page (linked to OMazing Kids): https://www.facebook.com/angela.moorad (adding“friends” who have a direct role in AAC or Assistive Technology – AAC / AT app or product developers, AAC / AT consultants, SLPs who specialize in AAC, other professionals who specialize in AAC or AT, etc.)
The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) has a nice directory of AAC & AT Companies. It’s quite helpful when you are searching for info but may not know the name of a particular company: https://www.atia.org/about-atia/membership-directory/. I browse through there frequently to see what’s new.
It’s important to connect with the local vendor reps / consultants for your area. They can provide free training, help you access devices for short term loan, help connect you with their funding department for questions about how to navigate through that process, etc.
Once you navigate to a particular company’s website it can take a little digging to find your local vendor rep / local consultant. So here are links to where you can find that info for companies selling AAC speech generating devices:
There will be separate post with contact info for AAC app developers & a separate post with info about AT Lending Programs in the USA. Your state’s AT Lending Program can be a good option for borrowing equipment for short term loan (especially when you need to try items from a company that doesn’t have a loaner program or what you need isn’t currently available)
Tap “Monthly” (amount is automatically set at $25. The rate was raised on 5/12/21. Any current subscribers will remain at the original rate.)
Tap “Donate” (even though Ko-fi has the subscription option I can’t edit the button that says “donate” to say “subscribe”)
That will set you up to auto-pay $25 per month via PayPal. This rate includes all exclusive content on my Ko-fi site and the ability to do a short consultation with me via private messaging.
I’ve personally used PayPal for several years so I trust it. At this point in time PayPal is the only means of payment. There is potentially an option for me to add Stripe as a payment option for credit cards but the process is complicated and the fees are higher. So I don’t plan on doing that unless there is a huge need for it.
You should receive an e-mail from PayPal that can serve as a receipt or log onto your PayPal account and print what you need from there.
You will receive an email from Ko-fi when I post new content. When you are on the site you’ll also see a Ko-fi notification (🔔). I will also be posting announcements about new content on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and my blog (which also has a way to subscribe to e-mail notifications)
Personal Professional Facebook Page (linked to OMazing Kids): https://www.facebook.com/angela.moorad (adding“friends” who have a direct role in AAC or Assistive Technology – AAC / AT app or product developers, AAC / AT consultants, SLPs who specialize in AAC, other professionals who specialize in AAC or AT, etc.)
Personal Professional Facebook Page (linked to OMazing Kids): https://www.facebook.com/angela.moorad (adding“friends” who have a direct role in AAC or Assistive Technology – AAC / AT app or product developers, AAC / AT consultants, SLPs who specialize in AAC, other professionals who specialize in AAC or AT, etc.)
I’ve received several questions about my new OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Ko-fi page (https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac). Most folks haven’t heard of Ko-fi so here’s a bit of info.
Ko-fi is similar to the more well-known Patreon platform but different in many ways that made it a better option for me to try:
It’s much more affordable. I upgraded to Gold to be able to offer subscriptions but that was affordable to do (only $4.50 per month if paid annually)
They don’t take a cut of the earnings (just the fee deducted by PayPal)
Payment is via PayPal (both by you & to me). I’ve personally used PayPal for several years so I trust it. There is potentially an option to add Stripe as a payment option for credit cards but the process is complicated and the fees are higher. So I don’t plan on doing that unless there is a huge need for it.
It allows the option for me to post content accessible to specific audiences (subscriber only, subscriber + 1x supporter donation, public)
It offers the option to sell customized “commissioned” works
Even though Ko-fi has the subscription option I haven’t been able to find a way to edit the button that says “donation” to say “subscribe”.
How to “subscribe” in order to get access to my exclusive “subscriber only” content:
Create your free Ko-fi account (you need an account so Ko-fi will know to unlock subscriber content when you visit my page)
Tap “Support”
Tap “Monthly” (amount is automatically set at $25 – new rate as of 5/12/21)
Tap “Donate” (even though Ko-fi has the subscription option I haven’t been able to find a way to edit the button that says “donate” to say “subscribe”)
That will set you up to auto-pay $25 per month via PayPal. You should receive an e-mail from PayPal that can serve as a receipt or log onto your PayPal account and print what you need from there.
You will receive an email from Ko-fi when I post new content. When you are on the site you’ll also see a Ko-fi notification (🔔). I will also be posting announcements about new content on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and my blog (which also has a way to subscribe to e-mail notifications)
Personal Professional Facebook Page (linked to OMazing Kids): https://www.facebook.com/angela.moorad (adding “friends” who have a direct role in AAC or Assistive Technology – AAC / AT app or product developers, AAC / AT consultants, SLPs who specialize in AAC, other professionals who specialize in AAC or AT, etc.)
Did you know that you can change the symbol skin tones system wide in three robust AAC apps without the need for any add-on purchases or doing button by button programming?
Yup…. Grid for iPad by Smartbox Assistive Technology, Proloquo2Go by AssistiveWare & TouchChat with WordPower by Saltillo all currently offer this feature and several other app developers have it under development for release in 2021. Such a cool feature to support diversity in AAC 🙌🏾. Knowing that this feature exists is my free Tuesday Tip.
If you want to know more…. a short “how to” video and 1-page handout are available as exclusive content to monthly subscribers on my new Ko-fi page:https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac
My Ko-fi page has a specific focus on providing information and tools for feature matching, short videos highlighting features in apps, ways to incorporate books and toys to keep AAC fun, etc… with a very small $4 per month subscription to cover tech expenses and time to keep resources up to date/sustainable.
Personal Professional Facebook Page (linked to OMazing Kids): https://www.facebook.com/angela.moorad (adding “friends” who have a direct role in AAC or Assistive Technology – AAC / AT app or product developers, AAC / AT consultants, SLPs who specialize in AAC, other professionals who specialize in AAC or AT, etc.)
Are you a parent or caregiver who wants to try out AAC options for your child? I highly recommend that you pursue an AAC eval (including feature matching and trial of options) with an SLP who has expertise in this area.
This is not meant to put up a roadblock or to “gate keep”. I like to compare it to decisions made regarding wheelchairs. Could you just go pick one out and buy it? If you had the money, sure. But it may not be the best “fit” for that person.
But don’t feel that you HAVE TO wait.
Unfortunately it’s still common to see comments from parents and caregivers who have been told “no”, “only after we try _____”, or “only after they demonstrate ________ skills”, etc.
Another reality is not every parent or caregiver will have access to this type of evaluation. This may be even more challenging in the midst of the pandemic despite the best efforts of SLPs to provide these services remotely.
It may just be a little trickier to determine what the best AAC option will be for your child since many parents don’t have unlimited resources to buy several AAC apps to try.
If your child is a Gestalt Language Processor, be sure to also read the section specifically related to Gestalt Language Processing & AAC at the end of this post.
I am not implying that a free or inexpensive app is always the ideal way to meet most communication needs. But these can be helpful to use until an AAC eval can be completed, a more robust option can be purchased, to meet a short term need or as a secondary tool to offer features that might not be available in their main AAC app, etc.
You may need to use a combination of several apps and add it to existing communication such as True Object Based Icons (TOBIs), facial expressions, gestures, vocalizations, etc. That individual can then pick what methods work best for them in any given situation. We all use various modes of communication (words, gestures, emojis, texting, drawing, etc).
Even when choosing a free or affordable AAC app you’ll want to consider the features that will best match that individual’s needs
Here are some resources that can help you make informed AAC purchasing decisions prior to purchasing more expensive AAC apps:
All states in the USA are supposed to have an Assistive Technology Lending Library program where parents & professionals can borrow AAC devices, iPads with AAC apps & other AT for short-term trial. It’s a great way to try various options out before making purchasing decisions. Find the AT Lending Library in your state: https://www.at3center.net/stateprogram
Even if your state’s program isn’t loaning out equipment due to the pandemic they might have the option to do a short term loan of the software/app.
The AT Program in your state may also know of SLPs who do AAC evals and funding resources (including grants) specific to your area.
You can learn about AAC apps by joining the various AAC user groups on Facebook and watching free webinars on the company’s website or YouTube channel.
Great video from Two Way Street: “5 Tips to Good Interaction When the Words Aren’t There Yet”
You can see the pricing history for any iOS app on the App Sliced website (gives you an idea of the pattern of when it goes on sale): https://appsliced.co. Many AAC apps tend to go on sale in the USA in April (Autism Awareness / Acceptance Month) and in October (AAC Awareness Month).
I have several free resources available on Teachers Pay Teachers:
I’ve received lots of messages from parents asking what the “best” AAC app is for Gestalt Language Processors. I wish there was a simple answer for this but there isn’t.
Of the thousands of AAC users that I’ve worked with each one had unique needs. For some it was the language(s) that app needed to support, the method of access (tapping to select, drag and release to select, switch scanning, head tracking, eye gaze, etc.), how many navigational hits it took to get to a word, the sensory aspects (type and color of symbols, voice options), etc… This was in addition to unique features that might be helpful for GLPs.
That’s why it’s important to consider the bigger picture of all of their needs and hopefully try a few AAC options before making a purchasing decision.
If you are a parent and don’t have access to an SLP to help you navigate the AAC app options, feel free to message me on my OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook page. I’m glad to answer basic questions about AAC apps and share links to unlisted YouTube videos related to those apps.
Why are those videos unlisted? Those particular videos were created as part of my in-depth feature matching resources that are primarily designed for SLPs and other professionals. Of course anyone can purchase them but they might be way too much info and overwhelming for those just getting started with AAC. I don’t want parents to feel like they have to purchase that type of resource just to see the videos.
So parents please message me if you’d like to see a video about a particular AAC app. I answer quickly on my Facebook page.
I’m not currently offering in-depth virtual AAC consultation or coaching but may consider doing that at some point in the future.
I have over 33 years of experience in AAC, have used almost every iOS AAC app in the USA iTunes (Apple) App Store, Android AAC apps, Amazon Fire AAC apps, Windows AAC apps, web-based AAC apps + lots of AAC-related apps. I am always glad to share what I know about the features in these apps and refer you on to where you can get good / accurate additional info.
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 