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
• 19 ways that AAC apps can be modified with an extra focus on High Contrast Symbols
• Reasons for making modifications
• Detailed info about 7 iOS AAC apps that include High Contrast Symbols or have them available via extra purchase or by editing buttons
• A comparison of High Contrast Symbols vs. using iOS Accessibility Invert Colors
• A Case Study of how the GoTalk Now Lite app was customized to be used as a stepping stone to a robust AAC option
• Learn how I edited the entire LAMP Words for Life AAC app over a six month period to use High Contrast symbols on a black background. Includes a handout with info about how to find those symbols in the app and the Settings and Pronunciation Exceptions that I used
• How this modified LAMP Words for Life Vocab file is different than using LAMP Words for Life – VI on an Accent Speech Generating Device
• How you can receive a copy of my modified files for GoTalk Now and LAMP Words for Life as optional free bonus content
Expected Learner Outcomes:
1. List at least three modifications that can be made to AAC apps
2. List a reason for using High Contrast Symbols besides CVI / Vision Impairment
3. List at least two differences between LAMP WFL – VI & LAMP WFL modified with high contrast symbols
4. Give an example of how to use one AAC app as a stepping stone towards a more robust option
Expected Takeaways:
1. Have info about symbol-based AAC apps that include High Contrast Symbols or have them available via extra purchase or by editing buttons
2. Have info about how to find High Contrast Symbols in the LAMP Words for Life app on an iPad
3. Identify at least 3 modifications to use with current patients / students on their caseload
What’s included with the purchase of this product:
• Recorded Webinar Video (33:53), unlisted YouTube link provided in the Supporting Document
• Supporting Document (25 page PDF): Link to unlisted YouTube video webinar, Slides Handout (2 slides per page), How to Find LAMP Words for Life High Contrast Symbols in the iPad App & a Quiz). The Slides Handout portion of the PDF is best viewed the free Xodo app or Books app on an iPad (or similar PDF reader) vs. printing it due to the black background. The free Xodo app can be used on any platform and computers. The links are out on their website: https://www.xodo.com/)
Optional Free Bonus Content (see more info below):
• Vocab File for LAMP WFL FULL – High Contrast [original motor plans (NOT LAMP VI), edited to use High Contrast Symbols, added additional vocabulary]
• Communication Book file for GoTalk Now – modified to be similar to LAMP WFL, High Contrast Symbols, pages for videos, toys and snacks
AAC apps featured in the slides and screencast video:
Info & Tech requirements for optional bonus content:
• In order to receive the free bonus content, send your 4 quiz answers along with proof of purchase of this course (screenshot from Purchases area in TPT) in a private message to my OMazing Kids Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/). I’ll reply with a Google Drive link where you can download the file for LAMP WFL & the file for GoTalk Now
• There is no guarantee that the modified AAC files will work on your iPad. These are being provided as FREE bonus content for those who complete and submit the quiz and are NOT part of the purchase of this training. Purchase of this training is for the content of the training itself and the knowledge gained about how to customize AAC apps
• These files can only be accessed on an iPad running the required minimum iOS for the LAMP Words for Life and GoTalk Now apps (preferably the most current iOS)
• That iPad needs to have plenty of free memory. The file for use in the GoTalk Now app contains 8 videos. Most AAC apps need at least 1GB of free memory to run smoothly
• Be sure to backup customized programming BEFORE attempting to install a file
• The AAC app needs to be fully installed and updated on that iPad before attempting to open the file to install it
• The GoTalk Now file can only be opened on GoTalk Now or GoTalk Now Plus (not the Lite or Starter versions)
• Occasionally edited symbols disappear when installing a file. If this happens, try downloading it again on a strong WiFi connection. You can also use my list of how to find the high contrast symbols to add it in edit mode. There are a few buttons where I used imported symbols. Those should also be in the symbol library. If you need additional help after trying these, feel free to send me a message on my OMazing Kids Facebook page
See the product description on TPT for more info and Terms of Use.
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 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.)
Here’s a summary of what’s new in this update for the Feature Matching Chart for the Top 10 iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps:
• GoTalk Now: 5/11/21, version 5.0.6, updated Export PDF to offer multiple ways to save and share. Online Gallery temporarily closed for renovation. They did not indicate how long it will be closed.
• Grid for iPad: 5/4/21, version 3.0.64.1, update fixed bugs
The best way to reach me with any questions is via private 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.)
Updated 9/17/22: Added a section with links to social media pages and groups that frequently share great examples of literacy strategies for AAC users, a website with free printable story props & more. Also includes info about a free PDF reader that can be used on any platform to view and search within the document. In order to easily find all instances of a particular Core Word in this list, open it in the free Xodo app. It works on any platform (even computers) and has a fabulous Search feature. https://www.xodo.com
Note: This resource started as a blog post in April 2018 where I documented core words in picture books that I was selling when I retired from clinical practice. I remember sitting in my living room surrounded by piles of over 1,200 kids picture books and Post It notes. Later I expanded it to include more books that I had used digitally and offered it here on TPT after I had received numerous requests for it.
* Nice thick foam with a similar “feel” as my GripCase, deep recessed openings and comfortable shape on the back (easy to hold)
* Good quality plastic case edging around the front of the iPad that does NOT have a built in plastic screen protector. If needed, you could add a Zagg (or other high quality) tempered glass screen protector to your iPad before putting it in the case.
* Built-in stand that can rotate 360 degrees so it can accommodate AAC apps in Portrait and Landscape orientation. The stand lays flush when pushed in so the case doesn’t wobble when it’s used flat on the table / desk.
* Comes in four color combos:
– Green Blue (as seen in this video)
– Blue Mint
– Pink Purple
– Gray Black
* Affordable ($19.99 – $20.99 varies based on the color, prices may vary outside the USA and prices tend to vary over time on Amazon)
Update: I just checked again on Amazon and it now shows that this case also fits the iPad 9th gen model
Update 10/29/24: The Pepkoo case is now available under a different seller’s store on Amazon. Not sure why. Here’s the link:
NLR FUN Pepkoo Kids EVA Case for iPad | Multi-Direction Stable Stand | Compatible with 10.2-Inch iPad 2021/2020/2019 (9th/8th/7th Generation) (Green+Blue) https://a.co/d/0MFeq6i
Update 10/29/24: When I messaged the maker of the Pepkoo case on Amazon a few months ago they indicated they were not going to offer a version for the iPad 10th generation. Well it turns out that wasn’t entirely true. There IS one available for that model but it’s under a different company name: NLR Fun. Here’s the link. I just ordered one for my new iPad 10th gen. I’ll add more details about it after it arrives.
NLR Fun Pepkoo Kids Case for iPad, Shockproof Cover for 10.9” iPad 10th Generation (2022), Lightweight Full Body Protective Case with Foldable Handle/Stand (Blue+Green): https://a.co/d/9KEe4YS (also available in Green-Blue, Grey-Black, Mint-Orange, and Pink-Blue. Price: $20.99 (prices and availability may vary outside of the USA)
I was excited that this case has the same design and feel as the one that I got back in 2021. The same nice thick foam and great rotating ring stand. The only flaw is there’s no way to use fingerprint recognition to unlock the iPad or other purposes. The sensor requires your whole finger to lay flat on it.
The opening is too deep to allow use of the fingerprint sensorThe forward facing camera is at the top when in Landscape orientation to support use of the integrated eye tracking in iPadOS 18High contrast version of the Voco Chat grid set in Grid for iPad The Default scrolling board in Weave Chat AACThe Morgan Board in Weave Chat AAC
Updated 2/21/25: Great news! NLR Fun finally released a Pepkoo case specifically for the iPad Air 11” (M2) 2024. I bought it on Amazon and am glad that I did. It fits perfectly and allows the fingerprint ID button to work since it’s not as thick as the case that I had hacked.
Unfortunately they never offered a Pepkoo case for the iPad Mini 6 or iPad Mini 7. This case looks similar so it might be worth trying: Kids Case for iPad Mini 7 (A17 Pro) 2024 / Mini 6th Gen 2021 8.3 inch: https://a.co/d/atY5UeP (I have not personally tried this case since I don’t own an iPad Mini 6 or iPad Mini 7… just sharing it as a a similar style of case)
Update 1/27/24: See this post by a parent describing how the Pepkoo + a tempered glass screen protector protected her son’s iPad AAC device during a fall down 5 flights of stairs:
The only thing missing is a carrying strap but I’ve seen Christine Baudin, SLP share a hack about drilling holes in the top edge of thick foam cases to add a strap.
She has a video that shows how she drilled holes into the top to attach a strap.
Updated 2/4/24: Christine shared pics of the same hack working to drill holes to add a carrying strap to the Pepkoo case
Updated 7/15/22: If you need a case with a carrying strap see the other case that Pepkoo now offers ⬇️. (Note: The foam isn’t as thick though so I prefer the original Pepkoo case. You could use Christine’s hack to add a strap if you need one)
Update 7/15/22: I just saw a new version of the Pepkoo case that includes a carrying strap: PEPKOO Triple Shockproof Case for iPad 9th/8th/7th Generation 10.2 inch 2021/2020/2019, Air 3rd Generation 10.5 inch, Heavy Duty Cover with Pencil Holder, Handle Kickstand, Shoulder Strap, Navy Blue https://a.co/3ka4bIC (comes in lots of different colors)
Rug-Ed Buddy 10 case
Updated 10/22/22: Looking for a similar style case that can be purchased on a website that accepts Purchase Orders? Rug-Ed offers a Buddy 10 case. I won one in a giveaway and chose the Blue Mint color. It’s a beautiful color combo that those who want a more muted look will appreciate. I have my new iPad 9th gen in this case but it will also fit an iPad 8th gen and iPad 7th gen.
The Buddy 10 case is similar to a Pepkoo case but more muted colors, a little slimmer, has a spot to hold an Apple Pencil and the attached rotating stand doesn’t lay quite as flush as the one on the Pepkoo (so it may wobble a little if laid flat).
Rug-Ed offers 3 different styles of cases with an attached rotating stand:
Also available on Amazon: Rug-Ed Buddy iPad Case + 2 Tempered Glass Screen Protectors, Foam iPad Case for Kids, 360 Rotating Carrying Handle & Stand, Rugged Drop Protection, for Apple iPad 7th, 8th, 9th Generation, Blue Mint https://a.co/h4tdqKi
Updated 1/20/23: Looking for a cute crossbody bag that can hold the Pepkoo 10.2”, the Rug-Ed Buddy 10 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite in a similar style of case? The Vera Bradley Tablet Hipster is a great option. See my video. After I finished the video I discovered that my Google Pixelbook Go 13.3″ Chromebook will even fit in it.
.
6/16/25: Excited to add another vintage Vera Bradley “Tablet Hipster” to my collection. It can hold my Pixelbook Go 13.3″ Chromebook OR my Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 2024 in a Riaour case OR my iPad Air 11″ (M2) 2024 in a Pepkoo case.
Amazon Fire HD 8
Update 7/15/22: I bought an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet during the recent Prime Days Sale and was thrilled to discover that a Pepkoo case was available for it. It doesn’t have the plastic edging around the screen which might make it easier for those needing to attach a keyguard for AAC use. PEPKOO Kids Case for Fire HD 8/HD 8 Plus Tablet, 10th Generation 2020 Release, https://a.co/j8fWelE
BORXJNM All-New Fire HD 10 Tablet Case for Kids(2023/2021 Release, 13th/11th Generation),Light Weight Shock Proof Handle Friendly 360 Rotating Grip Stand Kid-Proof Case (Blue) https://a.co/d/7BLeJNM
SamsungGalaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4”
Update 7/19/22: I finally found a good case with a rotating stand for my Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4” Android tablet. It’s very similar to the Pepkoo: https://www.ebay.com/itm/374088538546.
Update 8/9/22: Sadly that case is out of stock. I contacted the seller on eBay and they won’t be getting any more. It’s difficult to find cases with this type of rotating stand for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4” Android tablet. I found this one but haven’t seen it in person: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114920453285 & https://www.ebay.com/itm/402978358313
Update 9/21/22: Here is the case that I purchased for my Android Samsung Galaxy A03s phone. I like the small rotating ring stand and sliding cover to protect the camera lenses: https://a.co/d/aWUB0F7
Microsoft Surface Go 2
Updated 8/17/23: It took quite awhile to find a case that I liked with a rotating stand for my Microsoft Surface Go 2. I bought it on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gMKBP4W. See my video for details:
Note: It’s important to consider what features are needed in a case based on that individual’s needs. I am not making recommendations for individual patients and am not liable for purchasing decisions. Just sharing info that may be helpful as you are looking for cases.
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
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.)
Open the PDF in the free Xodo app on your computer, use the fabulous search feature to quickly find the info you need, copy text that you need regarding specific features and then paste that into a report. I’ve received several positive comments this week about how helpful it is to have so much info all in one document.
Of course you may need to add to or tweak the info to fit the requirements needed by a particular funding source or particular options being used in the AAC apps.
But all of the app developers reviewed the content in my chart several times so I’m confident that it’s accurate 😊
Be watching for the next update for the chart later this month.
Download links for the free Xodo app can be found on their website: https://www.xodo.com
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.)
There was a post in the AAC for SLP Facebook group today where a member asked the following question:
“Hi all! I’m not sure there is even an answer for this question, but I’m going to go for it anyway. 😉 Is there one symbol set that is most widely used? I am only familiar with SymbolStix and PCS. To be specific, I’m not looking for people’s preferences… I am truly just interested on any data/study that demonstrate(s) which is most widely used.😊“
I hadn’t ever seen a list or data/study that had this exact info. To truly know which symbol set is most widely used for high tech AAC you’d need to have data regarding sales of SGDs, sales of AAC apps, sales of symbol sets via in-app purchases and data regarding their actual use. My guess is this is going to vary greatly across the world and influenced by both the language(s) needed by a particular AAC user and the opinions of SLPs / SLTs about certain apps or SGDs.
To truly know which symbol set is most widely used for paper-based AAC you’d need to have data regarding sales and subscriptions and then a way to determine actual use for AAC vs. all the other possible uses for those symbols.
But it sparked my curiosity about what symbol sets are either included or available via in-app purchase in iOS AAC apps. So I looked through my vast AAC app collection and came up with the following list of symbol sets.
Based on the data that I collected, SymbolStix appears to be the most widely used (used in the most apps, available in 8 of the top 13+ iOS symbol-based AAC apps – denoted by (*) in the lists below & available in traditional SGDs)
PCS symbols are commonly used (available in 6 of the top 13+ iOS symbol-based AAC apps – denoted by (*) in the lists below). Especially if you factor in paper-based AAC systems like PODD and their use in traditional SGDs)
Widgit is more commonly used in the UK than the USA (available in 3 of the top 13+ iOS symbol-based AAC apps – denoted by (*) in the lists below & traditional SGDs)
Minspeak symbols (and the closely associated symbols used in LAMP Words for Life) are only used in particular SGDs and the LAMP WFL and Unity apps but those are widely used.
1. aacorn+ (updated 11/21/22: no longer available)
2. Alexicom
3. Avaz (*)
4. Bridge Communication
5. Clicker Communicator (*)
6. CoughDrop (can add-on)
7. Flexspeak (*)
8. GoTalk Now / GoTalk Now Plus (*)
9. Grid 3 on SmartBox SGDs (also available on other SGDs)
10. Grid for iPad (*)
11. Grid Player
12. Proloquo2Go (*)
13. Proloquo + Proloquo Coach (see this free handout for info about how this new subscription-based options differs from Proloquo2Go: https://bit.ly/3uOlm86)
14. simPODD
15. So Much 2 Say
16. Sono Flex (11/11/25: this app is no longer available for purchase)
17. Talk Tablet
18. TouchChat with WordPower (*), also available on PRC-Saltillo SGDs
PCS:
1. Chatable (11/11/25: this app is no longer available for purchase)
2. Clicker Communicator (*)
3. CoughDrop (can add-on)
4. GoTalk Now (as in-app purchase) (*)
5. Grid 3 on SmartBox SGDs (also available on other SGDs)
6. Grid for iPad (*)
7. TD Snap (formerly known as Snap Core First) (also available on Windows devices and Tobii Dynavox SGDs) (*)
8. TouchChat with WordPower (as in-app purchase) (*), also available on Saltillo SGDs
Widgit (used frequently in the UK):
1. Clicker Communicator (*)
2. GoTalk Now / GoTalk Now Plus (as in-app purchase) (*)
3. Grid 3 on SmartBox SGDs (also available on other SGDs)
13. Speech Assistant AAC (11/21/22: offers the option to add a Mulberry Symbol, emoji or photo to a phrase button)
14. SymboTalk
CrickPix:
1. Clicker Communicator (*)
GoTalk Image Library:
1. GoTalk Now / GoTalk Now Plus (*)
LessonPix:
1. CoughDrop (can sync with your LessonPix account).
LessonPix is also widely used to make printed AAC options.
MetaCom (used fairly frequently in Germany)
1. GoTalk Now / GoTalk Now Plus (as in-app purchase) (*)
2. Grid 3 & Grid for iPad (via in app purchase in certain countries)
2. MetaTalkUS
3. TD Snap (formerly known as Snap Core First (as extra subscription or purchase) (*)
Minspeak:
1. Unity on Accent SGDs or the Unity iOS app
Multi-Meaning symbols derived from Minspeak & Unity:
1. LAMP Words for Life (*), also on Accent SGDs
Persona:
1. Talk Suite Pro
Pics for PECS:
1. PECS IV+
Pixon (also related to Minspeak/ Unity):
1. TouchChat with WordPower (as in-app purchase) (*), also available on Saltillo SGDs
Smarty Symbols:
1. ASD AAC Bestie Communicator
2. Expressive
3. Speak for Yourself (*)
4. Quick Talk AAC
Smarty Symbols are also widely used to make printed AAC options, in products on Teachers Pay Teachers and in a few non-AAC apps.
There are other AAC apps and SGDs that have their own unique symbols:
1. Alela Pro
2. CardTalk
3. CoreVoice
4. EESpeech
5. Fast AAC
6. Flexspeak
7. Fluent AAC
8. Grace 4
9. Jellow
10. Lingraphica (apps and their SGDs)
11. My First AAC
12. Niki Talk
13. PAROL Mini
14. PictoMaker
15. SoundingBoard
16. Talking Mats
17. Talk to Me
18. Top Taps Speaks
19. Twinkl Symbols for AAC
20. Verbal Me
21. Visuals2Go
22. Voice4u
23. Wayword
24. Weave Chat
This website has a nice catalog of all (or at least most) of the various symbol sets. Most are not widely used. I think it’s interesting to read the history behind how/why symbols were developed: https://talksense.weebly.com/symbol-what.html
It’s important to keep in mind… Symbol sets are like any other feature in AAC. There isn’t any “one size fits all” and to my knowledge there isn’t any research supporting the idea that any particular symbol set is superior to another. This is especially true when considering symbols that meet specific needs, user preferences, culturally relevant, etc…
See this quote from PrAACtical AAC: “There is no empirical evidence that one type of symbol is superior to another for all AAC clients, but there may certainly be differences for a specific individual. That’s why it is a best practice to evaluate the kind of symbol to use as part of an AAC assessment rather than picking one at random or using one based on our own convenience.”
3/14/26: Mind blowing to learn about Yerkish lexigram / logograms designed for primates. It appears in the movie “Primate” but I don’t recognize the app interface:
• 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%)
• Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps (iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Windows & a few web-based options): https://bit.ly/BasicAffordableAACchart
Have a question? 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
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)
* LAMP Words for Life
* Proloquo + Proloquo Coach
* Proloquo2go (can also be used in a limited way on an Apple Watch)
* Speak for Yourself
* Touchchat with WordPower
* Unity AAC
* Weave Chat AAC (also available for Android)
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 (no longer available)
* Speech Assistant AAC (can also be used on an Apple Watch. They have a separate app available for Android)
* Spoken (also available for Android)
* Talk Assist
* Talk for Me
* Talkie (also available for Android)
* Type and Speak
* TypingTalk AAC (also available for Android)
* QuickType (no longer available)
* Vocable (also available for Android but with fewer features)
* Weave Chat AAC (also available for Android)
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.
Updated 1/19/24: A great free option on an iPhone or Apple Watch is Live Speech (iPhone XS or later on iOS 17 or later, Apple Watch Series 3 or later on watchOS 10, or later. Accessibility – Speech): https://support.apple.com/en-us/105018. On an iPhone you can set it to open immediately via a double tap under Back Tap (https://support.apple.com/en-us/111772). This allows you to have immediate access to typing and a few saved phrases even on the Lock Screen.
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.
This resource contains a 6 page PDF handout + exclusive access to 3 unlisted YouTube videos with easy to understand information. Basic info about features of 33 apps and features available for the Apple Watch (8 apps and a feature specifically designed for AAC + 25 AAC-related apps and features that can be used to communicate in a variety of creative ways… including some that allow you to play short video and audio clips with sound playing directly on the speaker of the Apple Watch)
You may need to consider connecting the Apple Watch to a wearable Bluetooth speaker to amplify the sound. See this blog post for info about the Noxgear 39g and other wearable Bluetooth speakers: https://bit.ly/CanYouHearMyAAC
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 4/6/25: That item is no longer shown on their website
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)
Update 3/19/25: It looks like Forbes *might* be offering a ProSlate 6D MAX (but the photos still show the older item that was discontinued, I’ll be watching for more info about this): https://www.forbesaac.com/proslate-6d-delete
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.
Updated 9/19/23: According to the PRC-Saltillo website effective November 30, 2023 the NovaChat 5 will no longer be available for purchase. I’ll update this post once I get official word regarding any new pocket-sized SGDs from this company. )
Updated 3/10/24: LAMP WFL is now available as an iOS Universal app so it can now be downloaded on an iPhone. Here’s a look at it beside my iPad.
Update 1/24/25: Just saw the PRC-Saltillo Via Nano pocket-sized AAC device announced on the PRC-Saltillo YouTube channel. Glad to finally see them have a pocket-sized option again.
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
Note: : I deactivated this resource on TPT on 11/2/23 when I learned that iOS 17 / iPadOS 17 made some significant changes to how AirDrop works. Prior to this you could AirDrop and the AAC file that you sent would go straight to that AAC app on the receiving device with a confirmation message to tap to import it. As of iOS 17/ iPadOS 17 this is no longer the case. One of the developers of Speak for Yourself shared the following information in a comment in the AAC for the SLP group: “AirDrop now uses the Files app to receive vocabulary. If it’s a managed device (through an MDM or third party insurance-covered device), it may have the files app removed. It’s going to affect any of the apps and any files that you’re trying to AirDrop. It’s doesn’t affect photos, only files.”
Info from Apple: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/737971?page=1#767265022 (On iOS 17, the behavior of saving an AirDropped file to the Downloads folder (and then launching Files.app) is intended. That is part of the effort to avoid directly passing a file to an app that declares itself as a handler of the file type but isn’t really the file handler that the user expects.)
At this point I’m going to see if AAC app developers come up with a work around or if Apple rolls back this process before deciding whether or not I will update this resource.
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%)
Update 6/6/25: The 
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 