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
Major iPadOS / iOS update coming soon. Apple announced it will release iPadOS 26 & iOS 26 on September 15, 2025.
Tips for those using an iPad or iPhone for AAC:
⚙️ Toggle off it automatically installing iOS updates in the device Settings.
⏳ Wait for any bugs to be worked out. There are always things that Apple and App Developers need to fix especially after major iOS updates.
⚠️ Backup all customized AAC files BEFORE installing a major iOS update.
If your device is on a MDM device management system then you may not have control over it updating but you should still have a way to backup your customized AAC vocabulary files / grid sets / page sets / board sets to safeguard them and to have a way to restore them if needed.
Looking for in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Looking for in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Looking for in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
I bought an iPad Air 11” (M2) 2024 specifically to be able to use any Apple Intelligence AI features that Apple rolls out and to be ready in case any AAC app developers find ways to incorporate it into their apps.
The downside of getting a brand new model of iPad is it is often awhile before there are lots of case options to choose from. See this blog post for more info about the Pepkoo case: https://bit.ly/iPadCasesPepkooAndMore.
I hope that NLR Fun eventually offers a Pepkoo case specifically for the iPad Air 11” (M2) 2024.
Until then I was glad to be able to hack their Pepkoo case for the iPad 10th gen well enough to meet my needs.
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.
Disclaimer: Use caution when using any tools. I knew I might run the risk of damaging the case when modifying it and worked on it very slowly and carefully. Obviously the iPad was removed from the case and placed in a safe location far away from where I was using tools. I am not liable for any outcomes that folks might have. Just sharing how I did this for my own personal use.
Links to items seen in my video (all items were available when I uploaded this on 12/8/24. I have no way to know about future availability and pricing or availability and pricing outside of the USA):
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/ge5Jc99
HARDELL Mini Cordless Rotary Tool Kit, 5-Speed and USB Charging with 61 Accessories, Multi-Purpose 3.7V Power Rotary Tool for Sanding, Polishing, Drilling, Etching, Engraving, DIY Crafts: https://a.co/d/fniTASR (I bought it on sale for $19.82)
Exacto knife (I’ve had a very long time)
anezus Self Healing Sewing Mat, Rotary Cutting Mat Double Sided 5-Ply Craft Cutting Board for Sewing Crafts Hobby Fabric Precision Scrapbooking Project 9inch x 12inch(A4), https://a.co/d/dDtpWg5
Plastic (I used a piece of a painting drop cloth but you could easily use a small plastic sack to make cleanup easier)
Note: I don’t have any affiliate stuff set up on Amazon. These are just regular Amazon links.
Looking for in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Check out this episode on the Autism Little Learners podcast where we chat about AAC and I demo how to set up and use a variety of AAC apps in Split View alongside other apps and how that can spark interest in using AAC.
Proloquo4Text can but that causes the two side Quick Block areas to be hidden. Have to tap the small downward facing arrow to toggle between those areas.
Choiceworks alongside LAMP Words for Life in Split View on my iPad
Choiceworks also now fully supports Split View. The app developer has indicated that will also be coming soon for their Choiceworks Calendar app.
Notes:
Split View cannot be used in Guided Access since that locks the iPad into a single app.
You can try Assistive Access to offer a secure way to use more than one app on an iPad but the apps aren’t shown side by side and there’s a large “back” button that takes up room at the bottom of the screen. That causes the apps to shown in reduced size at the top of the screen.
Looking for in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Resource Update: Feature Matching Chart for Visual Scene and Video Visual Scene Display iOS & Android AAC Apps was updated on 7/27/23. I added Scene & Heard Pro by Therapy Box and added the newer version of EasyVSD. Those who have previously purchased this resource on TPT can download the most current version for no additional cost: https://bit.ly/AACvsd . Ko-fi subscribers will be able to access a copy on the pinned resource post: https://ko-fi.com/Post/Links-to-posts-about-most-current-feature-matching-F1F5C9DMD.
A FREE handout for SLPs/SLTs and other AAC professionals has also been updated: How to Get Access to Visual Scene & Video Visual Scene AAC Apps (TPT Freebie), https://bit.ly/SLP-SLT-Access-VSDapps.
Looking for more in-depth up to date AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. The most current info about AAC apps can be found in my feature matching resources. The blog post also includes videos comparing AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
The perfect companion to supplement these in-depth resources are the “AAC Apps and Features At-a-Glance (Single Page Handouts)”: https://bit.ly/AAC-At-a-Glance
Looking for basic info about AAC apps that are always affordable or free? See the 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.
This new FREE handout has info about how individuals can access a free trial of several robust AAC apps to try out on their own iPad, Android tablet, Amazon Fire tablet, or Windows tablet. Or use online.
If you are an SLP/SLT making funding/purchasing recommendations or another professional supporting AAC users and need ongoing access to robust AAC apps, see this blog post: AAC Test Drive & Getting Access to Robust AAC Apps,https://bit.ly/AACtestdrive. It has links to four FREE handouts with the details on how to get access to these apps.
Notes:
Each app has its own minimum spec requirements. You can find those either in that app store or on the website where you download it.
Some of these apps could also be trialed via a loaner AAC device from that company, via a company that sells a fundable iOS-based or Android-based device or a loaner from your state’s AT Lending Program.
Terms of Use: 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. It is available for free on my TPT store: https://bit.ly/OMazingKidsAAConTPT.
Resource Update: The Feature Matching Chart for the Top 12 iOS Symbol Based AAC Apps & the supplemental handout about unique features for Gestalt Language Processors have both been updated. Those who have previously purchased it on TPT can download the newest version for no additional cost: https://bit.ly/SymbolBasedAACapps. Ko-fi subscribers will be able to access a copy on the pinned resource post: https://ko-fi.com/Post/Links-to-posts-about-most-current-feature-matching-F1F5C9DMD later today.
Did you know that PRC-Saltillo added a new “Open Website” button action? I immediately checked it out as a way to finally be able to open a specific YouTube video in LAMP Words for Life. It works but isn’t ideal. Want to learn a secret hack to remove the extraneous clutter and remove the “Share” icon? I’ve shared all the details in this latest update for the Feature Matching Chart for the Top 12 Robust iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps: https://bit.ly/SymbolBasedAACapps. I added an exclusive unlisted YouTube video showing how to do this that’s only accessible to those who have this resource. Why this might be helpful? Many Gestalt Language Processors are drawn to particular segments of videos and may replay them over and over. These may be used as communication but it often takes some detective work to figure out the meaning for that individual. These videos may also play a part in self-regulation. Individuals with some speech may recite these lines in a scripted way. Our Gestalt Language Processors who use AAC deserve the opportunity to do this. Adding video clips for gestalts that are uniquely meaningful to that individual may be an instant “spark” for increased interest in using their AAC.
Looking for other in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
My latest tech rabbit hole to go down is use of an external Bluetooth keyboard with AAC. I’ve gotten a few inquiries related to this recently so I decided to see what I could find.
Features: I wanted something that could be used across all of my tech (iOS, Android, Windows), is affordable, portable, reliable, easy to pair, has a nice feel to the keys, has a slight incline, etc. This keyboard has three separate Bluetooth buttons to be able to toggle easily between three different devices that have been paired to it (not used simultaneously on three devices but makes switching between them very quick).
It’s been surprising to discover how many AAC apps (symbol-based & text-based) support use of an external keyboard. I’ll be adding this info to the next update for my feature matching resources.
I’ve been impressed with the Arteck Universal Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard that I bought on Amazon.com: https://a.co/d/2Qn2f9d. Great price ($17.99 – an extra 20% off = $14.39), has a good feel to it and it fits perfectly in a Vera Bradley pouch that I already had.
Has a nice slight angleThe backThe Vera Bradley “Travel Baby Changing Pad” in the pattern Java Navy Camo. I have two of these and use them to hold all types of tech items. The “changing pad” part of it is separate which allows you to use the pouch part of it for lots of different things.
See more about this Vera Bradley item and what will fit in it on my Vera Bradley YouTube channel:
This item was on sale for a good price when I purchased both of them back in December ($20.75). It’s priced higher now but prices on Amazon change frequently so it’s something that you may want to save in your cart and watch for a good sale: https://a.co/d/dSPfFhM
Important Considerations: These keyboard features would likely be the top features for folks who are able to type on a keyboard on a laptop or computerand are wanting something portable to use with their AAC. A couple of the inquiries that I received were regarding adult AAC users who preferred to type on a keyboard vs. on a device screen, a couple were from folks wanting a keyboard for use when editing & a couple were related to children who have a passion for letters and keyboards (based on the info that I was provided they are likely Gestalt Language Processors with Hyperlexia) and those supporting AAC use thought that they might prefer using an external Bluetooth keyboard. Each situation is unique. If you are wanting to explore external Bluetooth keyboard options for individuals with complex access needs then it’s important to consult with an OT and/or AT Specialist. There are several alternative assistive technology keyboards on the market but those are very specialized, typically much more expensive and may not work across multiple platforms.
It’s important to find a keyboard that’s compatible with whatever operating system is used on that device. I read through tons of reviews prior to deciding to try this particular keyboard. I took the time to add my own review for it on Amazon to help others find it more quickly than I did. That’s also the reason that I decided to post about it on social media and write this blog post.
Looking for in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
The feature matching charts for both the symbol-based and text-based AAC apps have been updated to add a row with details about whether or not that app supports use of an external Bluetooth keyboard and info related to whether or not you first have to tap the Message Window to place the cursor, if the Enter key can be used to speak the contents of the Message Window, etc…
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 