Category Archives: Apple

New Resource: App and Card Game Companion + AAC Communication Board: Guess Who?

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✅ New Resource: App and Card Game Companion + AAC Communication Board: Guess Who?, https://bit.ly/GuessWhoAppAndCardGameCompanion ✅

For use with the Guess Who? Meet the Crew app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/guess-who/id1624777523 (iOS Universal, iOS 11.0 or later. $2.99, prices vary outside of USA based on exchange rate). There isn’t an Android version of this app yet.

Update 2/25/23: An Android version is now available in the Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playdatedigital.guesswho (freenium – the app is free with the first three levels included then an IAP (in app purchase) of $2.99 is required to unlock the rest of the app. I was able to use a $2.00 off coupon that was available when I went to purchase it so I got it for $0.99). Note: This app was not compatible for download on my Amazon Fire tablet that I have the Google Play App Store side loaded on. I did not find this app in the Amazon Appstore.

And the Guess Who? Card Game: https://a.co/d/90F0G6A

TPT Preview Video:

Video about the Guess Who? Meet the Crew app:

Here’s the review that I left on the App Store:

The 2.0 app update incorporated my suggestion of offering a way to toggle off the background music. Love it!

So excited that they incorporated my feedback! The 2.0 update added a way to toggle off the background music while still allowing the voiceovers and sound effects. I just a submitted an update for my review to say “thanks” ⬇️

Update: I decided to purchase the in-app purchase for the Transformers themed card deck. It is more challenging but would be fun for kids who have a high interest in Transformers. Update 2: I didn’t purchase this additional deck on Android since I already have it on iOS and prefer the original deck vs. this add on deck.

Have questions? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

Split View AAC Mash-Up: TouchChat with WordPower + IssieDocs + Thankful Turkey PDF

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I’ve been having fun exploring combining AAC apps with other things via Split View (also known as Split Screen or Multitasking).

My video shows TouchChat with WordPower + the new free IssieDocs app + a free Thankful Turkey PDF worksheet.

Video:

Apps & PDF featured in my video:

* TouchChat with WordPower: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/touchchat-hd-aac-w-wordpower/id412351574 (they usually have a 50% off sale on this AAC app in May & in October. 30-day free trial anytime via their TouchChat Discover app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/touchchat-discover/id427022529). This is a robust iOS symbol-based AAC app. In-depth info about it can be found in my feature matching resource (TPT: https://bit.ly/SymbolBasedAACapps. Blog post: https://bit.ly/SymbolBasedAACblogpost)

Also see their website: https://touchchatapp.com

* IssieDocs: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/issiedocs/id1469032311 (FREE worksheet editor and digital binder app)

They have several fabulous FREE apps: https://tech.beitissie.org.il/en/our-apps/. Watch their webinar for in-depth info and fun implementation ideas. Info about IssieDocs starts at 42:43 in the webinar (note: the webinar was recorded prior to English being added to the app but use and editing info is the same)

* Thankful Turkey worksheet PDF: https://bit.ly/ThankfulTurkeyPDF (FREE, website: https://www.printabulls.com/holidays/thanksgiving/i-am-thankful-for-printables/)

See this blog post for another example of using Split Screen: Gestalt Language Processing & Using Google Maps to Communicate: https://bit.ly/AACandGoogleMaps.

Want to know which other AAC apps support use of Split Screen? I’m adding that info to my in-depth and up to date AAC feature matching resources: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

AAC Apps and Features At-a-Glance (Single Page Handouts)

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New Resource: AAC Apps and Features At-a-Glance (Single Page Handouts). https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/AAC-Apps-and-Features-At-a-Glance-Single-Page-Handouts-8799502

TPT preview video:

This 90 page PDF resource was inspired by the numerous requests that I’ve received for simple “at a glance” info about features in AAC apps and single page handouts that could be used with parents, caregivers and anyone involved in the AAC decision making process.

Table of Contents:

A Preview Sample PDF is available for this resource on TPT. It includes the Table of Contents and a few sample pages.

This resource includes:

• A hyperlinked Table of Contents to jump straight to a page. Tap in the top left corner to jump back to the Table of Contents (when being used digitally)

• 11 Features At-a-Glance Handouts

• 36 AAC App Summary At-a-Glance Handouts (see Table of Contents for a list)

• 12 Gestalt Language Processing & AAC Handouts

• 4 Just-a-List Lists of Free AAC apps Handouts

• 2 unlisted videos (5 min demo of how to view 2 pages side-by-side using Split View & a 20 min Resource Overview)

• Links to additional resources

• How to contact me with questions (includes my email address exclusive to TPT)

These will be helpful on either side of an AAC evaluation that involves feature matching and trials of a few options:

• Beforehand to help simplify the process of knowing which apps and/or features you might want to consider during an AAC eval

• Afterwards to place at-a-glance sheets side by side as a reminder of apps that were included in the trials and help simplify the process of deciding which ones warrant a longer term trial or which one might be selected for submission in a funding request.

• These can also be helpful during the feature matching process to help provide simple explanations about some of the features and why they might be important.

It would be impossible to include all of the features in a particular AAC app on a single page handout. These are just “highlights”. These handouts should be used alongside (not instead of) in-depth up to date feature matching resources.

This resource is optimized for both printed and digital use:

Printed:

• Print a single page first to see if you need to choose “shrink to fit” on your printer. Print pages and place them side-by-side to compare features or apps.

• In order to keep the aesthetic of single page handouts the pages are not numbered. If you want to add page numbers, either write them or use a PDF editing app to add them.

Digital:

• The Table of Contents has hyperlinks to tap a page number to jump straight to that page. Tap the top left corner on any page to return to the Table of Contents.

• There a few other underlined hyperlinks in this resource to take you straight to additional information. I purposefully did not include App Store links since those can vary by country and aren’t always redirected.

• There are several options to view two pages side-by-side to compare features or apps:

• Use two iPads or tablets or open on two windows on a laptop.

• On iPadOS 13.0 or later, save the PDF in two different PDF viewer apps and use Split View to view them. The demo video included in the resource shows how.

• The PDF Expert and GoodNotes 5 apps offer a way to view two documents side-by-side within that one app

Looking for in-depth info about features AAC apps? Check out these resources:

• iOS Symbol-Based: https://bit.ly/SymbolBasedAACapps

• iOS Text-Based: https://bit.ly/TextBasedAACapps

• Visual Scenes & Video Visual Scenes: https://bit.ly/AACvsd

• 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%)

• Robust Android AAC Apps (Google Play & Amazon Fire): https://bit.ly/RobustAndroidAACappChart

• Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps (iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Windows & a few web-based options): https://bit.ly/BasicAffordableAACchart

Have questions? 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.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

New iOS 16 Child Voices: Joelle & Noelle (USA English)

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I took the plunge today and updated my iPhone 11 to iOS 16 specifically to try out the two brand new USA English child iOS voices: Joelle & Noelle.

It has been over a month since iOS 16 was released and Apple had rolled out a few bug fixes and several app developers had released updates for AAC apps. The chatter online about problems surrounding iOS 16 seemed to have lessened. So I decided that I wanted to go ahead and update. Heads up… it took quite awhile to download and then install iOS 16.0.3 so be sure to have your iPhone plugged in and on a consistently strong WiFi connection the entire time. After that was done I had several apps that needed to be updated. Most app developers had to add a way for these new voices to be selected. These are the only 2 child voices that I know of.

Why am I so excited about these new iOS child voices?

  • Many free and affordable iOS AAC apps rely on iOS voices since there is a pretty significant licensing cost to include premium voices in apps. That’s why some apps have those as in-app purchases.
  • Having child iOS voices means that many free and affordable apps will now have these two new child voice options. As you’ll see in my video, some apps automatically detect and use the child voice that I set under Accessibility – Spoken Content – Voices – English – listened to previews and then downloaded the voices that I wanted. Keeping in mind that everything you download takes up memory so I only downloaded what I knew I would use. For most AAC apps I had to go into the settings within that app and set it to the child voice that I wanted to use.
  • I hope this is just the beginning and hopefully Apple will add child voices for other languages in the future.

Note: It is anticipated that iPadOS 16 *might* be rolled out next week. I’m going to wait a few weeks to make sure Apple and app developers have time to work out any bugs before I update my iPads to that.

Looking for in-depth and up to date info about features AAC apps? Check out these resources: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

Sales on Amazon + the AAC app sales = an opportunity for very affordable AAC

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The sales on Amazon + the AAC app sales = an opportunity for very affordable AAC. Here are a few examples…

$44.99: Limited-time deal: Fire HD 8 tablet, 8″ HD display, 32 GB, latest model (2020 release), designed for portable entertainment, Twilight Blue https://a.co/1jbEW50

$59.88: Samsung Galaxy A03s, 32GB, Black – Prepaid Tracfone Smartphone (you don’t have to “activate” it) https://a.co/ccrm6PU

$159.99: Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Android Tablet, 10.5” LCD Screen, 32GB Storage, Long-Lasting Battery, Kids Content, Smart Switch, Expandable Memory, Dark Gray https://a.co/6Ln6wdx

$249.00: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4″ 64GB Android Tablet w/ Long Lasting Battery, S Pen Included, Slim Metal Design, AKG Dual Speakers, US Version, Angora Blue https://a.co/iSA07vZ

$299.00: 2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Silver https://a.co/geaTgcD

Info about cases: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2021/04/30/pepkoo-ipad-8th-gen-case-features/

See this roundup post from Lauren Enders Gonzales, MA, CCC – SLP about all of the AAC app sales this month: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2941267676011196&id=178231088981549

Note: Prices on USA Amazon website 5:45am CDT, 10/10/22; prices can change at any time and may not be available in other countries)

See the following blog posts for additional information:

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Disclaimer: I assume no liability for purchases and am not making student/client/patient specific recommendations.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

How to Maximize Battery Life on an iPad or iPhone

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I receive frequent requests for info about things that can be done to maximize the battery life on an iPad or iPhone. So I’m sharing the resource that I have bookmarked for this.

Disclaimer: Please think through the pros/cons of any of the options mentioned in the article. For example, adjusting the brightness might not fit some user’s visual needs, toggling off Bluetooth would interfere with use of a Bluetooth speaker, toggling off Location Services may interfere with being able to use “Find My”, etc…

Use of these iOS devices for AAC takes more consideration than other uses. So weigh the pros/cons to make a thoughtful decision. Sometimes having an external battery pack available can be a solution to recharging on the go.

Here’s the article: https://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-improve-ipad-battery-life/

Updated 9/23/22: Also read about how use of haptic feedback in the iOS keyboard on iOS 16 drains the battery: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2022/09/22/iphone-keyboard-haptics-battery-life-impact/ (thankfully it’s set to “off” by default)

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

New Resource: Basic Feature Chart for Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps (iOS, Android Google Play, Amazon Fire, Windows + a few Web-Based options)

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This new resource was inspired by the frequent requests that I receive for info about less expensive options and for info about apps for devices beyond just the iPad. Everything featured in this chart is priced under $10

Available on TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Basic-Feature-Chart-for-Affordable-and-Free-AAC-apps-AAC-Related-Apps-8327157

Recurring Ko-fi subscribers can find the free download link on this post: https://ko-fi.com/post/Basic-Feature-Chart-for-Affordable-and-Free-AAC-Y8Y7E02Q1 or https://ko-fi.com/Post/Links-to-posts-about-most-current-feature-matching-F1F5C9DMD

It has 11 columns with the following info for each app:

• App Name

• App Store link(s)

• Website

• Price

• Is it Robust (Yes, Partially, No, or Not applicable)

• Type of App

• Type of Keyboard

• Voice Options (includes option for Recorded Speech)

• Option to Play Videos

• Backup & Sharing capabilities

• Basic info about other features in the app. For iOS, it includes info about device compatibility and minimum iOS requirements

There are 123 rows with apps available across each of the major platforms: Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon & Windows + a few Web-Based options

Why this is helpful to you is I have done all of the digging and sifted through hundreds of apps to get you straight to the ones worth considering. This is a vetted resource where everything was tested on my personal devices.

Preview video:

See the description on my TPT store for more info about this new resource and why it was created.

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com