Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP. Over 36 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
Info about all three Feature Matching Resources for AAC Apps (comparing features in AAC apps) + TPT bundle and multiple license discounts:https://bit.ly/3aacFeatureMatchingResources
Info about all three Feature Matching Resources for AAC Apps (comparing features in AAC apps) + TPT bundle and multiple license discounts: https://bit.ly/3aacFeatureMatchingResources
I was SO excited to see today’s update for the iOS version of the free Vocable text-based AAC app added a way to edit all of the premade content (categories and phrases).
I have corresponded with the app developer several times via email and had a great Zoom call with one of their team members on 4/8/22 to provide feedback regarding new features.
It was refreshing to connect with an app development team that is totally made up of volunteers committed to offering an open source app. It is quite impressive that they released this update so quickly 😊
This allows the app to be totally customized to a particular user’s needs and will make this app usable for a wider range of ages.
Can be used via direct touch or head tracking (without needing extra equipment)
I’ve been getting quite a few requests for info from parents and pediatric SLPs looking for text-based AAC apps. It’s very interesting how many young kids are preferring a text-only setup. The recurring themes are hyperlexia, a high interest in letters and being visually overstimulated by symbols.
I typically recommend that folks try a text-only set up in one of the robust symbol-based AAC apps since those have high quality child voices & premade vocabulary more suitable for children (https://omazingkidsllc.com/2021/10/19/creating-a-text-only-set-up-for-kids-in-symbol-based-aac-apps/) + also explore true text-based AAC apps. Then determine what combination of AAC options might best meet the needs.
Updated 3/6/25 – Looking for more free and affordable AAC apps? Check out my Basic Feature Chart for Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps (iOS, Android Google Play, Amazon Fire, Windows + a few Web-Based options): https://bit.ly/BasicAffordableAACchart.
In addition to Vocable two other top picks for free AAC apps are Weave Chat AAC & GoTalk Now Lite.
Weave Chat AAC is robust, can be text-based or symbol-based (or customized with pictures), is available in several languages and the app developer updates it frequently. It’s available on iOS, Android and Amazon Fire: https://www.weavechat.com. Be sure to join their Weave Chat AAC Community group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/676728011274573/
I’m leery of apps that require a log-in and had an in-depth discussion with the developer of Weave Chat AAC about that before signing up to use the app. The log in info is solely used for their cloud based system that backs up and syncs the app across devices.
The options vary depending on the app being used so this resource includes:
A page for each of the Top 12 iOS symbol-based AAC apps
A page that could be used with any AAC app
A version with more open space to write whatever is needed
Each page also includes a place to document: Name, Date, iPad Passcode, Guided Access Passcode, App Passcode, Modeling Preferences, and Other Important Info
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 