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
I had several older kids, teens and young adults that preferred the portability and the “look” of pocket-sized AAC. There are several iOS AAC apps that can be used on an iPhone or iPod Touch.And Android AAC apps that can be used on an Android phone. This allows it to fit in a pocket. Some used it as an alternative to their larger device. Others used it as their primary AAC. A few used wrist sized AAC on an Apple Watch.
Here are the iOS AAC apps that can work on these smaller devices that I’ve found the most helpful. Each of these has unique features and vary in how robust they are. Some of the features may be slightly different than those seen on an iPad or iPad Mini.
Symbol-based apps for iPhone & iPod Touch:
* Avaz (also available for Android)
* Bridge Communication
* Cboard (also available for Android)
* ChatterBoards
* CoreVoice (also available for Android)
* CoughDrop (also available for Android)
* Proloquo + Proloquo Coach
* Proloquo2go (can also be used in a limited way on an Apple Watch)
* Speak for Yourself
* Touchchat with WordPower
Text-based apps for iPhone & iPod Touch:
* ClaroCom Pro
* Dialogue AAC
* Flip Writer AAC Pocket
* Predictable (also available for Android)
* Proloquo4Text (can also be used in a limited way on an Apple Watch)
* SayIt
* Speech Assistant AAC (also available for Android)
* Talk Assist
* Talk for Me
* Talkie (also available for Android)
* Type and Speak
* QuickType
* Vocable (also available for Android but with fewer features)
There are several other text-based AAC apps for Android devices. See the Basic Feature Chart for Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps linked below.
The keyboard area in a symbol-based AAC app could also be used and some of those apps have a way to toggle off symbols to create a text only set up.
There are lots of other specialty AAC apps than can be used on an iPhone or iPod Touch. Many are designed for use in medical situations or can be helpful for very specific situations. See this post on for screenshots of how I have them organized in folders on my iPhone: https://www.facebook.com/174264525957894/posts/3917269238324052/?d=n.
SpeechWatch with TalkTablet Pro: I don’t typically recommend the TalkTablet app since it’s not very intuitive to use but wanted to include their watches in this post for those who might watch to research them further. I have no idea how well these work and am not sure what type of watch was used to build them (it’s not an Apple Watch): https://usaspeechtablets.com/products/swa & a much larger one: https://usaspeechtablets.com/products/swb
Updated 10/23/22:
There is a need for more AAC apps to beusable on an iPhone & Android phone. I get numerous requests every month for info about the options. Sadly more than half of the robust iOS symbol-based AAC apps can only be used on an iPad. I had severalolder kids, teens and young adults that preferred the portability and the “look” of pocket-sized AAC on their phone. Some used it as an alternative to their larger device. Others used it as their primary AAC.
Some app developers claim that it would be impossible to offer their app on an iPhone because it would “mess with the motor plan” or “the buttons would be too small”. Hmm…somehow Speak for Yourself did this way back in 2016 and their app has 120 buttons per page and is a “motor planning” based app. In the years since then I’ve seen several posts from AAC users, parents, SLPs, teachers, etc. who all appreciate theflexibilitythat this offers. The screen on the largest iPhones are only a couple of inches smaller than an iPad Mini. Even on my iPhone 11 with its 6.1” screen I’m able to use this app well enough to do some modeling and use it all the time to take a look at the Settings area to answer questions about the app when I don’t have my iPad with me.
Read these posts on the Speak for Yourself website:https://speakforyourself.org/does-aac-button-size-really-matter/&https://speakforyourself.org/tiny-speak-coming-soon-iphones/. A quote from the second post: “The buttons are small, BUT they are twice the size of the keyboard buttons that we all use, including our students who flawlessly use mom or dad’s phone to search for videos on YouTube. Many of our users will be able to access Tiny Speak for Yourself (Tiny SfY), but even if they are not able to access it, having the app on an iPhone also puts the ability to model seamlessly into the hands of parents, professionals…and siblings. That may be the biggest game changer of Tiny SfY.”
Look at the data and the button size comparisons. Look at the pictures and video of it in use. Read the linked blog posts about the impact of having this option.
It’s doable.Not saying it’s easy for developers to reprogram an app to make it iOS Universal. I’m sure it takes a lot of work. But if you listen to your customers it’s one of the biggest needs. So listen, roll up your sleeves and make it happen.
For in-depth info about features in AAC apps see these five AAC Feature Matching Resources:
Looking for fundable / dedicated / managed pocket-sized AAC? It’s unlikely that you could get an iPhone funded as a SGD / DME but some funding sources may consider an iPod Touch with a robust AAC app in a durable case (updated 10/11/22 – iPod Touch was discontinued).
If your particular funding source won’t, then take a look at these four small dedicated SGDs that are about the same size as an iPhone. The first three allow a choice between several apps. I’ve had some AAC users like them. But many thought they still looked “different” and preferred to use an AAC app on their phone. So it’s very important to try them out to see what the AAC user prefers.
ProSlate 4D: https://www.forbesaac.com/proslate-4d (Updated 10/23/22: Sadly this device is no longer available. I contacted the company and they are still looking for an alternative since the iPod Touch that was used to build it was discontinued)
NovaChat 5: https://saltillo.com/products/print/nova-chat-5 (limited to their vocabulary options). (Updated 10/23/22:This device is still available. It’s an Android-based device so it wasn’t impacted by the disappearance of the iPod Touch)
Lincare AAC – reportedly has a pocket-sized device called the Expression Mini Max but there isn’t any info about it on their website. I’ll update if I receive info about it. (Updated 10/23/22: The Lincare AAC website has been updated and now shows a small device called the Expression Micro. But there is just this picture and no info. I’ve messaged my contact at the company and will update this section when/if I receive any details: https://www.lincare.com/en/services/speech-generating-devices
Update 5/10/22: Apple announced today that they are discontinuing the iPod Touch. It will be interesting to see how this affects companies that have used that to build pocket sized AAC devices.
Looking for anaffordable option for pocket-sized AAC?Many users prefer to just add an app to their iPhone or Android phone but some settings don’t allow phones (or it would be a battle to get an exception). The iPod Touch used to be my “go to” option for this. Since the iPod Touch was discontinued I purchased anAndroidSamsung Galaxy A03s(prepaid TracFone that has NOT been activated for cellular service) on Amazon. Shout out to Karen Erickson for sharing that idea in a comment in the AAC for the SLP group.It was only $59.88and essentially gives me an Android equivalent to an iPod Touch (which Apple has discontinued) for pocket-sized AAC. I added a$12.99casethat has a tiny ring stand and sliding cover for the camera.So for $72.87 (+ the cost of the app) I have a very affordable pocket-sized AAC device.
Of course there are lots of other fundable larger tradional SGDs. Check with your local AAC vendor reps to discuss those options. There are also several pocket-sized or wearable mid-tech devices that could be considered.
It’s critical to backup customized programming in any AAC apps. This includes making sure that you’ve backed it up in at least one way outside of the iPad. The options for doing this vary by app.
Here are links to where you can find the instructions for several AAC apps:
Alexicom (several apps): toggle on iCloud backup in Settings
Five Feature Matching Resources for AAC Apps (comparing features in AAC apps) + several videos comparing AAC apps across platforms (iPad, Android, Amazon Fire, Windows): https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources
AAC Feature Matching Resource Bundle (includes all three, save 10%):https://bit.ly/aacFeatureMatchingBundle. If you are looking to purchase resources for several staff / team members, take a look at the Multiple Licenses discount (saves 20%)
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.)
Wanting to get a bundled iPad with a robust AAC app in a durable case funded as a “dedicated” SGD (speech generating device) / DME (durable medical equipment) through Medicaid or insurance?
There are several companies that offer locked/managed/dedicated iOS based devices with a variety of iOS AAC apps as an option. You’ll need to contact each company’s funding department to find out if they are in-network for the funding sources that you are considering. This varies state-by-state:
Liberator Ltd.(UK) – It’s interesting that they offer a way to get LAMP Words for Life on a pocket-sized device (it’s a vocabulary option on the NovaChat 5: https://www.liberator.co.uk/nova-chat-5). I’ll be watching to see if we eventually get that option on the NovaChat 5 here in the USA.
If a particular company has a waiting list to borrow a loaner device to trial then you may want to also check with the AT Lending Program in your state.
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.
Another “bundled” option is the Talk Tablet. Based on my experience, that app is not very intuitive to program or to use but I am sharing the info here in case anyone is looking for a less expensive alternative in situations where a funding source isn’t available. Their website is geared towards private pay but be sure to compare the cost of what they offer vs. just putting together your own by buying an iPad, AAC app & case: https://gusinc.com. The iOS version of the app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/talktablet-pro-autism-aphasia/id1436382584 (+ extra cost of adding a high quality voice via in-app purchase)
We are fortunate in Oklahoma that SoonerCare / 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 typically 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/
{Note: This video is a couple of years old so be sure to check with Oklahoma AbleTech about the current process and requirements}
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/).
If you are in Oklahoma, also check out the AAC Funding Guide: https://www.okabletech.org/resources/at-funding-guide/ (those outside of Oklahoma should ask the AT Lending Program in your state if they have a similar resource)
It is best practice to do an AAC eval, feature matching & trial of options. It is important to try out any device and app with the potential user before making a purchasing recommendation or decision. This is also important when using any extra hardware (keyguards, switches, switch interfaces, carrying straps, stands, mounts, etc…) to support AAC use. Many funding sources require documentation regarding a certain number of options being considered and trialed. It is wise to get as much information as you can before you start the process.
The funding department for the company selling the devices should provide info regarding what’s needed. Read through the definition of “medical necessity” and all the required elements for purchase of a speech generating device (SGD) as durable medical equipment (DME) for that insurance company and/or Medicaid in your state. This will give you both verbiage to include in your report and a checklist of all the bases you need to cover.
Once you start the funding process you have to be willing to do what it takes under very short timeframes when they request additional video or ask for an addendum for additional information. If you don’t meet their very short timeframes then the request may automatically be denied and you may have to start all over. If you get a denial, find out why and submit an appeal.
There are many reasons why one would consider a traditional SGD vs. an iPad or any other tablet with an app: durability, warranty, tech support, built-in switch ports for scanning, eye gaze access, etc… (see more info at: https://bit.ly/3sUNINw)
But there are many folks who may not have a funding source for a traditional SGD. And there are things about having AAC on an iPad or iPhone that make it a great option for particular users.
There are situations where you may need to consider an Android tablet instead of an iPad. I recently received info about that platform having many more voice options compared to the iOS voices or voices within AAC apps on an iPad. In some instances an Android tablet may be the only option for voice output in a particular language. An example of this is Vietnamese. Which explains why the Vietnamese version of Avaz & Talk Tablet are only offered on that platform. CoughDrop can be translated into that language but only has access to a Vietnamese voice on the Android platform. (Updated 1/30/23: iOS 16 added voices for several more languages including Vietnamese). See info about Android AAC apps on this post: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2020/12/01/android-aac-apps/
Disclaimer: I assume no liability for device or app purchases and am not making patient-specific recommendations.
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
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 