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
Have you encountered resistance to AAC use due to someone thinking that all “screen time” is bad?
Or they want to limit AAC options to only low-tech or no-tech out of a misguided fear that AAC use would expose them to “screen time” that could inhibit their development?
This free handout will help you dispel those myths with easy to understand info about the differences between active and passive screen time, key discussion points and links to where you can find more info from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association & the US Department of Education.
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.
See more about devices associated with an Apple ID: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204074. You can have up to ten devices (no more than five computers) associated with your Apple ID for purchases at one time.
And info about Family Sharing for those in the household: https://www.apple.com/family-sharing/ (FYI…. in-app purchases and subscriptions may not be eligible for Family Sharing)
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.)
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.)
* 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
Updated 7/15/22: If you need a case with a carrying strap see the other case that Pepkoo now offers ⬇️
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.
Amazon Fire HD 8
Update 7/15/22: I bought a 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
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
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
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%)
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
Inclusion in the “Top 10” was based on features, long term availability in the App Store, good history of being updated, having patients who benefited from using the app, gathering data from app recommendations from SLPs who have expertise in AAC, etc. The list was purposefully limited to the top 10 in order to keep it manageable for updates as apps continue to add features in the future. I plan on maintaining and updating the chart for the foreseeable future to help meet the need for current and comprehensive info to be used in feature matching. Inclusion of particular apps is subject to change based on features and an ongoing track record of support and updates. The purpose of this chart isn’t to name a “best” app since the “best” AAC for that individual is the combination of options (variety of apps, SGDs, no-tech, etc.) that meets their needs at that moment in time. This chart is not intended to imply that any app not on this list is not well designed or serve a very important function.
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. Instead, feel free to share the post from my blog or social media sites or the link to my TPT store.
I assume no liability for app purchases and am not making patient-specific recommendations.
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.)
Did you know that a “force-restart” (aka “hard reboot”) is different than the normal process of turning off an iPad? It’s similar to the difference between restarting vs powering off a computer. When an app is acting glitchy a “force-restart” will often resolve this issue. Just to be safe, be sure to backup any customized programming in an AAC app BEFORE doing a force-restart
1.Press the Volume Up button for one second and release it.
2.Press the Volume Down button for one second and release it.
3.Press and hold the Power button for five seconds until the Apple logo appears.
How to force-restart any other kind of iPad
1.Press and hold the Home button.
2.At the same time, press and hold the Power button.
3.Continue to hold both buttons for about 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo appear.
This simple process often resolves the issue.
If not, there are other things to try. It’s best to look on Apple’s website for that info since the process varies based on the model of iPad & the version of iOS it is running.
Why I prefer to save videos to the iPad vs. linking to YouTube when using the GoTalk Now app:
I had too many patients’ highly preferred videos disappear from YouTube. That typically triggered a meltdown or they lost interest as I attempted to find a different version of it on YouTube.
Saved videos play immediately (no delay = immediate reinforcement of that request). I had several patients who had been seen multiple times by various SLPs over the years at the facility where I worked and they never appeared to understand cause/effect or be motivated to communicate when in fact the issue was the reinforcement wasn’t immediate enough for them to form that connection.
See a side by side comparison in this video.
Also added the video to YouTube:
I used the Screen Recording feature in the iPhone Control Center to take a screencast video while I was playing the YouTube video to save it. Then I edited the video to crop off a little at the beginning and end. My iPad Pro running iOS 10.3.3 doesn’t have a Screen Recording option in the Control Center. My iPad Mini 2 running iOS 12.4.8 could record but didn’t have sound. I was able to do this via my iPhone 11 running iOS 13.5.1 and then used AirDrop to send it to my iPad Pro to use in the GoTalk Now Plus app. My guess is an iPad running at least iOS 13 would have sound in the screen recording but have no way to know for sure 🤷🏼♀️
Update 12/15/20: It is also possible to play saved and play linked YouTube videos within the TouchChat AAC app.
Here’s some differences between playing a “linked” YouTube video in GoTalk Now vs. playing a “linked” YouTube video in TouchChat:
In GoTalk Now, a button programmed to link to a YouTube video exits the app and takes you to YouTube on Safari (that would be blocked if using Guided Access or on a managed dedicated iOS based device). It would be difficult for most AAC users to get back to the GoTalk Now app (have to tap a tiny thing in top left corner of screen and if they play other videos that might disappear).
In TouchChat, a button programmed to link to a YouTube video opens it on a screen within the TouchChat app. It’s easy to tap “done” to return to the previous TouchChat screen. The linked YouTube video will play within TouchChat even when Guided Access is active. But you’d still have issues if YouTube is down or that linked video disappears from YouTube. I’ve used “linked” videos in both of those apps if it’s something I wanted to program on the fly in the middle of a session. If it turned out to be a highly preferred video then I went through the process of saving it to the camera roll and then programming to open it that way 😊
When using either app for this purpose I consider this to fall under the category of “Assistive Technology for Adapted Leisure”. So this is giving them an adapted means of accessing videos. I also use it as an adapted means of accessing music.
An alternative to using Screen Recording is to download free software onto your laptop that will allow you to download and save videos from YouTube and several other sources. I just tried out the YouTube ByClick software and it worked very well. The resulting video was a little larger on the screen than the one made via screen recording. But it involves having to use your laptop to download the video, e-mailing the video to your iPad and then saving that video to the Camera Roll. https://www.youtubebyclick.com.
Update 11/5/20: Here’s another option that worked directly on my iPhone: https://qdownloader.io
Update 11/4/21: Here’s an option that Lauren Enders shared: YT1s YouTube Downloader, https://yt1s.com/en65
[Note: Many of these websites or app disappear pretty quickly so that’s why I just use screen recording on my iPad instead. ]
I can see using YouTube ByClick when I want to save several videos ahead of time to prep for a session. But the Screen Recording method would be my “go to” for the convenience.
In a pinch you could even just use the iPad to video a YouTube video being played on a computer or TV. I’ve done that before. The quality isn’t nearly as good but the patient still enjoyed watching it.
Reminder: GoTalk Now & GoTalk Now Plus are both on sale through the end of October 2020. Extremely rare sale so if you’ve been wanting either of these apps NOW is the time to get it.
Update 9/30/21 – GoTalk Now Facebook Group – informal networking via the “GoTalk Now AAC App – Ideas and Sharing” group that I started on 9/29/21: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 