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
{AAC Tips} How SLPs can get FREE access to AAC apps, AAC app user groups, funding options & more! (2021 Edition)
I’m doing a simplified version of this blog post. Each section will now be a separate blog post and then will be listed alphabetically and linked here. The focus continues to be on iOS AAC apps but there will also be some linked posts about AAC options on other platforms (Android, Windows, Amazon Kindle Fire, etc.).
An AAC eval should include consideration and trials of traditional SGDs. You can contact your local AAC vendor reps for training and to borrow an SGD for short term loan.
A good AAC eval should also include consideration of features uniquely available in AAC apps but folks don’t often know how to get access to those. So I continue to feel the need to share info about that to help my fellow speechies build a better equipped AAC toolbox. I retired from clinical practice and am now doing AAC consulting.
The problem is even if there is a free or low cost lite version of a particular AAC app, it is not the same as trialing the full featured app. How can you do a true feature-match when you don’t have all the features? Many SLPs see the prices in the App Store and assume they would have to personally purchase apps or try to get their facility or school to do so. Well unless you work in some mythical setting with unlimited funds or have a well established booming private practice, it’s unlikely that you would be able to afford very many AAC apps. Not saying they are overpriced. App developers have significant costs related to keeping robust AAC apps updated and paying licensing fees for high quality symbol sets and voices. So we shouldn’t expect these apps to be priced at the same level as other speech therapy apps or kids educational apps.
Update 8/24/20: Set up a free MyTobiiDynavox account and go through the steps to verify your status: https://www.mytobiidynavox.com/#/morestuff/professionals. Look on their website and Facebook group for current resources. Their website changes frequently so if any links are not working do a search on their website or ask in their group.
See these posts for info about how to activate the free voice output in the free version of the app:
1/13/21: See this video on the Tobii Dynavox Technical Support YouTube channel regarding how to fix the voice output if it’s not speaking: https://youtu.be/dE4Zkr6ev5w
11/22/20 Updated post about how SLPs can activate voice output in the free version of the Snap Core First AAC app
Update 11/10/20: Snap PODD & Snap Gateway have been added and SLP’s with a verified MyTobiiDynavox for Professionals account can access both for free within the Snap Core First app. See step by step tips on how to access these on this post: https://www.facebook.com/174264525957894/posts/3622621321122180/
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They also have this free companion app filled with videos, tutorials and tips. It’s a very large app so make sure you have plenty of free space and a strong WiFi connection before downloading: Pathways for Core First by Tobii Dynavox LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pathways-for-core-first/id1187433636?mt=8
But don’t stop there. You need more than 1 tool in your AAC toolbox. If you are a SLP that frequently does AAC evals and makes purchasing recommendations, then many other AAC app developers will provide you with a free promo code for their app so you would be able to trial it with patients.
How to get codes for AAC apps: The process for doing this is a little different for each app. I always start by contacting that developer via Facebook messaging on their FB page for that app. If I don’t get a response there, then I look on their website for an e-mail address or to see if they have a formal process for requesting a copy of the app. This info can be difficult to find so dig a little. It takes some time but is well worth it. I am a SLP at a non-profit facility that does tons of AAC evals and purchasing recommendations. I have been able to get most of the main AAC apps and therefore have lots of options to trial during AAC evals. Feel pretty tech-geeky spending evenings and weekends doing this but it’s worth it to have access to lots of AAC options that then result in good AAC matches for the kids I serve.
Update 8/24/20: I am now retired but am staying up to date on features in AAC apps in case I decide to do some consulting work and so I’ll be equipped in case any family members ever need AAC. . Here is an alphabetical list of AAC apps that I have gotten by going through this process and the way(s) I contacted those app developers. I hope I haven’t left anyone off the list. If I have, feel free to send me a message. There is not room to keep all the AAC apps loaded on my iPad at the same time so I rotate them on/off based on my patient’s needs. Most AAC apps are very large so I always suggest that SLPs get an iPad with the largest memory you can afford. Even with two 128GB iPad Airs, I am still constantly playing the “app shuffle” where I delete apps to make room to install others. I will be updating this list as I get new AAC apps:
aacorn & aacorn+ (Facebook messaging)
AAC Genie (Facebook messaging)
AlphaTopics (Facebook messaging)
Avatalker (Facebook messaging)
Avaz Pro (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
BridgeBuilderAAC (Facebook messaging)
Click ‘n Talk & Talk’n Photos (Facebook messaging)
Clicker Communicator with SymbolStix & Clicker Communicator with PCS (Facebook messaging)
CoughDrop (the app developer contacted me)
Custom Boards (Facebook messaging)
GoTalk Now Plus by Attainment Company (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
GoVisual Scene Maker by Attainment Company (e-mail)
Grace – Picture Exchange for Non-Verbal People (the app developer contacted me)
Grid for iPad by Smartbox Assistive Technology (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
iESLp (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
image2talk (Facebook messaging)
InnerVoice (Facebook messaging)
LAMP Words for Life (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail. The key was to reach out to the app developers John & Cindy Holloran directly. I spent over a year with no success contacting PRC. You have to go through LAMP trainings prior to getting a code. Updated 8/24/20: new link to application: https://aacapps.com/partners/apply)
Make a Choice – AAC Buttons by pkclSoft (received a promo code after helping to beta-test this new app)
Mighty AAC (got it while it was free)
My First AAC (e-mail)
Niki Talk, Niki Talk + Tweet, Niki Music (adapted way to play music) & Niki Video (adapted way to play videos) (Facebook messaging)
PECS Phase III & PECS IV+ (e-mail – I had helped coordinate bringing a PECS workshop to our facility so that definitely helped)
Picture AAC (Facebook messaging)
Predictable, Scene & Heard & ChatAble (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
Proloquo2Go & Proloquo4Text (AssistiveWare provides a free copy of the iOS and Mac versions of their AAC apps to Speech-Language Pathologists who conduct AAC evaluations on a case-by-case basis. Because they get a limited number of codes, they typically have a waiting list and prioritize requests based on caseload and geographic location. To request getting on that waiting list, SLPs can e-mail support@assistiveware.com. This same process applies to their simPODD app but it provides SLPs with a 1-year subscription (doesn’t include printing) and they will need to request access to simPODD each year).
Say Some More AAC Plus (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
SayIt! (text to speech) (Facebook messaging)
See Me Talk (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
simPODD (e-mailed AssistiveWare at support@assistiveware.com – received a free One Year Digital subscription – cannot print)
Snap Scene (it took multiple attempts to finally get connected with the right person at Tobii Dynavox to get a code for the full version)
So Much 2 Say (Facebook messaging)
Speak For Yourself (Facebook messaging)
Talk Tablet US (contacted this e-mail address: gusinc@me.com. Updated 8/24/20: That version of the app is no longer available for purchase. Instead they have a TalkTablet LITE – Eval Version for $1.99 and a Pro paid version. I don’t have either of those)
Tools2Talk+ (combo of Facebook messaging & e-mail)
Total Talk (e-mail) (Update 8/24/20: the app disappeared for several months from the App Store and then a revamped version relaunched as Talk Suite Pro)
TouchChat HD with WordPower (contacted my local Saltillo rep via e-mail. Find your rep: https://saltillo.com/reps. A word of advice… You really need the version that includes WordPower)
Verbal Me & Verbal Me Español (website contact form)
The key is being persistent. If one contact method doesn’t work, then try another. Another key is building relationships on social media. I put quite a bit of time and effort into liking and sharing posts from app developers pages, announcing when they have app sales and even doing reviews and hosting giveaways for them on my blog and social media sites. Some app developers may require proof of you being a SLP (keep in mind that they may have received numerous requests for a free app from parents or AAC users). The other thing to keep in mind is that app developers only get a certain number of promo codes when they release an app or an update to that app. So if they currently don’t have codes, check back again later. Often good to ask right after an app has been released or it has been updated when they would have a fresh batch of codes. . Despite numerous attempts, I have not yet been successful in getting access to the full version of following AAC app. Which means I can’t recommend it since I have no way to trial the full featured version during an AAC eval nor do I recommend it when therapists or parents ask about AAC options in the numerous Facebook groups that I participate in since I haven’t used it:
Sono Flex (the free lite version has some interesting features but can’t make purchasing recommendations off that for the full app. The app has not been updated since 2014 so it will be interesting to see if still exists after iOS 11 is released. Updated 8/24/20: they finally updated that app in March 2018 but have made it clear that their focus is on updates and support for their Snap Core First app)
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Other AAC apps that I have and use:
2Talk – AAC (got it while it was free)
AAC Expression Toolkit
Alexicom AAC (free. They also have several different paid apps. The app developer has indicated that they have purposefully released several apps specific to certain ages, genders & symbol types to keep the app sizes small and affordable. They will be adding info to their website to help SLPs and parents figure out which app might be best suited to a particular user. Update 8/24/20: This app developer also has several apps specifically designed for adults in medical situations.)
BRIDGE Communication – both the Lite and Pro versions (bought both when it they were on sale, it has some cool articulation pages built into it, can add video clips to buttons, several other unique features, has a Spanish option in the settings, has SymbolStix symbols, has a history of being updated frequently, price is very affordable for an app with this many features)
CanTunes (free, music choice boards, adapted means of accessing music on your iPad)
CardTalk (free & got the IAP to unlock all functions while it was free)
ChatterBoards AAC
ChoiceBoard – Creator
Choice Board Maker
Choice Boards
CommBoards
Communicate Easy
Communication Adventure – An app for communication training for caregivers of children with complex communication needs
CoreVoice – AAC Core Board
EESpeech Basic
Emergency Chat
Flip Writer AAC (and the Flip Writer Pocket iPhone version)
FreeVOCA
GoTalk Now Lite (free, has good features for a lite app. Often recommend it as an option while we are working on getting other options in place)
Grid Player
iHear PECS: Animals (bought it, a bargain for $1.99)
iSpeak Button Collection (bought it, $5.99, large full screen round button (looks similar to a BigMack), swipe screen to see the next button, up to 15 buttons)
Leeloo AAC – Autism Speech App
LetMeTalk
MenuAssist (free)
MyTalkTools Mobile Lite
PAROL (Has several additional features that are cool: an interactive pain scale (same content as the Doloris app that disappeared from the App Store several years ago), a visual timer, a visual sequence page, the ability to print a PDF of picture symbols, etc.)
PAROL Mini
PhotoVOCA (had gotten an older version while it was free… then was able to udate to the new version for free)
PictoMaker
Picture Card Maker PLUS (got it while it was free. The app developer is in the process of releasing a major update for it)
PlayButton (free, https://appsto.re/us/WZ2lC.i. This FREE app is one of my faves for use as a single message VOCA. The activation area is very large (almost the entire screen). I use Guided Access to lock the “record” button to prevent accidental activations during use. Update 8/24/20: They added a place in the iPad Settings for this app to toggle off the recording button)
Posco AAC
Quick Type AAC (bought it, a bargain for $1.99)
Smooth Talker AAC
Sono Flex Lite
SoundingBoard (free)
Sorenson BuzzCards (type and show, no voice output, designed for hearing impaired to use to quickly communicate with those who don’t know sign)
Speak – Text to Speech
Spell Better – Literacy Support (includes text to speech)
Spuble – creating live speech bubbles (very unique voice to text app that transcribes what a person says so another person can read it on the screen)
SymboTalk – AAC Talker
TalkBoard Free
Talk For Me – Text to Speech
Talking Button by Masanori Kubota (got while it was free)
Tap Chat
TapSpeak Button Plus (won it in a giveaway on PrAACtical AAC)
Tom Taps Speak – AAC for Kids
Touch Switch (bought it, $4.99, play any music downloaded onto your iPad with full screen round button. Also plays eye catching animations. Really more for “cause & effect” but thought it was worth mentioning)
Verbally (free)
Voice4u TTS
Whiteboard – nothing more, nothing less
Widgit Go Basic
YesNo – questions made simple
Yes or No Communication
Yes/No
Yes / No Button Free
There are several other AAC apps that I have gotten when they were free for a day or two. When I see one, I download it to try out before deciding if it is worth sharing on social media. There are some apps in the App Store that claim to be AAC but are so poorly designed that I chose not to post about them.
Updated 8/24/20 – AAC apps for communicating about pain & medical situations:
PAROL by Les Applications C, Inc https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parol/id1472197509 (has an interactive pain scale with same content as the Doloris app that disappeared from the App Store several years ago)
Updated 8/24/20: Keyboard Extension Apps: It may be helpful to consider using a keyboard extension app that would make the iOS iPad Keyboard easier to use with features that are special needs friendly.
Keedogo by AssistiveWare, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/keedogo/id915829477, $.99 (My favorite keyboard extension app with lots of customization options. Good for beginning typists since it doesn’t have word prediction or auto correction. If you want additional features the look at the next two apps….
SuperKeys Accessible Keyboard by Crick Software, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/superkeys-accessible-keyboard/id917216287, $12.99 (A very unique keyboard that enlarges quadrants and then you select a large key within it. Nice for those with vision or fine motor needs but can also be helpful for those overwhelmed by looking through the entire field of keys. The SuperKeys keyboard is built in as an option in all of the Clicker Communicator AAC apps. Phonics Keyboard by Therapy Box Limited, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/phonics-keyboard/id1031514501, $2.99 (There are also some fun activities within the app)
SwiftKey Keyboard by SwiftKey, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swiftkey-keyboard/id911813648, FREE (for more advanced typists who want a full PC style keyboard with the ability to customize the color for sensory needs, customization options, ability to swipe to type, has a nice “real keyboard” feel, the description shows IAPs for additional keyboard styles but as far as I can tell everything is included now. I’m currently using the “Nickel Classic Dark” theme as a nice alternative to the iOS iPad keyboard.)
FYI… There are a few AAC apps that use the iOS iPad Keyboard and therefore would allow for a keyboard extension app to be used. Examples include: Speak for Yourself, Proloquo2Go, Mighty AAC, ChatAble, Proloquo4Text, Predictable, Voice4u TTS, QuickType, Flip Writer, HandySpeech and several other text-to-speech (TTS) AAC apps. Exploring alternative keyboards can be a game changer for making typing as a means of AAC accessible. You may also want to explore accessibility features in the iPad settings (https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/get-started-with-accessibility-features-ipad9a2465f9/ipados), styluses, adapted styluses, keyguards, external Bluetooth keyboards, etc. Take a look at Lauren S. Enders’ well organized Pinterest boards for ideas: https://pin.it/TWn9w6P (styluses: https://pin.it/t4cy8XV; keyboards & keyboard cases: https://pin.it/NydPTE8). I highly encourage you to collaborate with an Occupational Therapist and/or Assistive Technology Specialist when exploring AT options for the iPad. Some of that equipment is pricey so you want to make good decisions that fit that individual child’s needs. You may want to try things out in order to make those decisions. Check with the AT Lending Library in your state: https://www.at3center.net/stateprogram. Many have iPads, specialized apps and AT equipment available for short term loan to try out before making purchasing recommendations.
Free web-based AAC open source options (can be used online and some offer an offline option, may work across platforms):
* AsTeRICS Grid – open source web-based AAC: https://grid.asterics.eu/#welcome. Has the option to set up offline users. Uses voices available on that device or platform. On my iPad the iOS voices showed up as options. The editing is different from what I’m used to so there is a learning curve to get up to speed. Just beginning to explore this option.
* CBoard – open source web-based AAC: https://www.cboard.io. Cboard works on modern browsers and is available on a wide variety of platforms, including desktops, tablets and mobile phones. Offline support is available on Google Chrome (desktop & Android). There is an Android app (see above). Support for up to 33 languages (vary by operating system). Uses open source Mulberry Symbols. More info about features (vary by operating system): https://www.cboard.io/help/#Features & info about how to program and use it: https://www.cboard.io/help/. FYI…. you’ll want to do some editing if you are in the USA. Several of the items are named differently here (ex: biscuit -> cookie, ice lolly -> popsicle, chips -> fries, crisps -> chips, etc.).
* OptiKey – open source Windows eye-tracking and communication tool: http://www.optikey.org, https://github.com/Optikey/Optikey/wiki. Optikey is an assistive on-screen keyboard which runs on Windows. It is designed to be used with a low cost eye-tracking device to bring keyboard control, mouse control and speech to people with motor and speech limitations, such as people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Includes support for the CommuniKate symbol communication boards. More info: https://github.com/Optikey/Optikey/wiki/Support-for-CommuniKate-boards & http://communikate.equalitytime.co.uk. CommuniKate is designed for people who rely heavily on the environment or context in order to communicate effectively but understand concepts and language used in conversation and during everyday activities.
Affordable web-based AAC open source option (can be used in a web browser online and works in apps across multiple platforms – iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle, Windows):
CoughDrop – open source cloud-based AAC: https://www.mycoughdrop.com. They offer a free 2-month trial. After that it’s either a monthly subscription (currently $6.00 per month). Info about other pricing options: https://www.mycoughdrop.com/pricing. They often offer a 50% off discount on the Lifetime Subscription fee in April (Autism Acceptance month) & October (AAC Awareness month). They frequently add new board options and do a good job of keeping the app updated. This is the only affordable AAC option that I’ve seen that can send the text and symbols together in a cohesive message via iMessaging and e-mail. Other higher priced AAC options that can send both symbols & text as a cohesive message: Avaz (in iMessaging and e-mail) and the Clicker Communicator apps (as a PDF either by AirDrop or e-mail. MyTalkTools is the only AAC app that I’ve seen that actually has an iMessaging app component where the app works within iMessaging… but each symbol is messaged separately.)
Windows: You can install CoughDrop as a Windows desktop app on your computer or Windows device. CoughDrop on Windows has some eye-tracking integrations that will help it work better with more devices. Please make sure to download the right version for your operating system. https://www.mycoughdrop.com/download
Web Browser: CoughDrop is a web-first application, and should work with many modern web browsers.
What are my “favorite” AAC apps? I have several based on the features available in them. I know the list above looks overwhelming and I did not get these apps all at the same time. So here is some advice as to where to start in your quest to acquire AAC apps. If I had to narrow down the list to the top 10 robust AAC apps that stay loaded on my iPad all the time and have been a good match for several patients that I serve… they are (list updated 8/24/20 – subject to change as apps are updated with new features and other apps are released):
Avaz Pro
Clicker Communicator with PCS (and the version with SymbolStix)
CoughDrop
GoTalk Now Plus
Grid for iPad
LAMP Words for Life
Proloquo2Go
Snap Core First
Speak for Yourself
TouchChat HD with WordPower
I think of these as the most common tools in my AAC toolbox (like a hammer, pliers, saw, tape measure, drill, level, screwdriver & wrench are common tools at home). The rest are still very important “specialty” tools in my toolbox. They are fabulous for meeting less common and very specific needs. Think of an Alan Wrench. Not something you use very often but when you need one it is the only tool that will meet that need. And sometimes the best solution is a combination of several tools. Remember…. Good builders pick tools based on the task.
Feature Matching:
So I bet you are thinking “oh my goodness… how on earth can I learn about all the features to do a feature-match with so many options?”. The apps I have listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds.
Updated 8/24/20:
The best way to keep up to date on the features in AAC apps is to have access to them and use them frequently. You can also gain helpful info in the user groups for apps on Facebook, videos released by the app developer and several resources listed below:
SET BC Supported AAC Device Comparison Chart April 2019 (their documents only include info on the apps and devices that they use but is still a helpful example and fairly recent): https://bit.ly/31qPo42. They also have a Feature Matching: Linear and Auditory Scanning (February 2019): https://bit.ly/32nIP1E & SET BC AAC Software/Apps with Visual Scenes: Comparison Chart (February 2019): https://bit.ly/3jcykF1
FYI…. features change rapidly as apps are updated or companies release new devices. So as soon as any resource list like these are published it likely already has something outdated in it.
But finding fairly recent documents like these at least gives a good starting point when comparing options in a feature match process. Tip: If a document you find online isn’t dated be sure to look at the iOS requirements listed in the features. There are VERY old charts that date back to iOS 4 that I saw that are totally outdated and are not an accurate or fair depiction of those apps.
FYI 2: I haven’t found any document that contains info on every AAC app or device so it’s important to research and consider ones that may not be on a particular list.
This Feature Match Comparison Chart from the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center is helpful: https://bit.ly/3hs27cl
http://bit.ly/EndersAACAppsPart1 . AAC APPS: Considerations for Selecting, Customizing, & Getting Started – Part 2 – Lauren Enders (May 15, 2019) – includes 2 robust motor-plan based AAC apps (LAMP Words for Life & Speak for Yourself), 1 robust cloud-based app that’s a mix of folder-based with influences of motor-planning (CoughDrop), plus info about other types of AAC apps (including a nice overview of unique ways to use the GoTalk Now app)
http://bit.ly/EndersAACAppsPart2 . Also this archived presentation by Christine Baudin: Comparing & Contrasting 5 Common Robust AAC apps – TouchChat with WordPower (focusing on 108 & 20 location page sets), Proloquo2Go (focusing on 7×11 grid), Snap Core First (focusing on 8×10 grid), LAMP Words for Life (84 location) & Speak for Yourself (120 location) – 2018 AAC in the Cloud
Unfortunately the AAC Ferret app that had been so helpful in searching for apps by specific features no longer exists. Word is the app developer ran into funding issues. Even if you still have that app loaded on your iPad, it no longer works. That app truly was a fabulous tool. My hope is that maybe it will reappear one day or that someone else will develop a tool like that.
My next “go to” resource used to be Jane Farrall’s website with her AAC app lists (http://www.janefarrall.com/aac-apps-lists/). Unfortunately she took that part of her website down since she no longer had time to keep updating it and the lists were outdated. It used to have several amazing lists:
Symbol/Picture apps – These are apps that have symbol based pages but don’t make text-to-speech available to the person who uses AAC.
Symbol & Text Based apps – These are apps that have symbol pages and make text-to-speech available to the person who uses AAC.
Text Based apps – These are apps that make text-to-speech available to the person who uses AAC or that have text only communication pages.
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Funding:
Wanting to get a bundled iPad with an AAC app in a durable case funded as a “dedicated” SGD through Medicaid or insurance? Your best bet is to check with the funding departments at these companies. They all offer iOS based devices with a variety of AAC apps as an option:
We are fortunate in Oklahoma that 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 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/
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/).
There are key times of the year that AAC apps tend to go on sale and I always share that info on my OMazing Kids Facebook page and in the AppPeeps group. Some app developers choose to do sales and others do not. When I have inquired about that, they reply that they feel their app is fairly priced given the ongoing costs related to keeping it updated and licensing fees for symbol sets and voices.
Why do many AAC apps cost so much? Drives me a little nuts when I see unkind comments regarding pricing of well designed AAC apps. Where else would we demand that something be put on sale or even worse demand that it should be free? Really?! The well designed robust AAC apps are a bargain even at full price if you stop to really think about being able to get a “voice” for a patient for a tiny fraction of the cost of traditional SGDs. It has been a game-changer and allowed many parents to be able to no longer have to wait on a SLP to be the decision maker / gatekeeper. Many parents post about “going rogue” in buying an iPad, AAC app & durable case for their child after being told they weren’t “ready” for that. News alert…. the old school mentality of there being a “hierarchy” that a child has to go through to “prove” they are “ready” for robust AAC is antiquated. Not saying that every AAC app or SGD is a good match for every child but I am saying that the days of kids with very complex needs being stuck with just a single message VOCA or a few PECS symbols have to end. See this presentation from Jane Farrall: http://www.janefarrall.com/lets-communicate-plenary-presentation-at-qaselcon16/ , this post about “What is “Beginning” AAC?“: http://www.janefarrall.com/what-is-beginning-aac/, and this powerful post on the Uncommon Sense Blog’s Facebook page: http://bit.ly/230RT5r. .
What about parents who want to try out AAC options? I highly recommend that you pursue an AAC eval with a SLP who has expertise in this area. Many larger school districts have an AAC team. But don’t feel that you have to wait if you are a parent who has been told “no” and want to proceed on your own. It may just be a little trickier to determine what the best AAC option will be for your child since most parents don’t have unlimited resources to buy several AAC apps to try. 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. There are lots of great AAC devices and apps. It’s important to do a good feature-match and trial of options. Find the AT Lending Library in your state: https://www.at3center.net/stateprogram
The AT Program in your state may also know of SLPs who do AAC evals and funding resources specific to your area.
Need support with using an AAC app? Most app developers have a Facebook group for that app. I highly suggest joining these groups for an incredible amount of support from the app developers as well as other parents, therapists & teachers. Every group has it’s own “culture”. Some are very open to discussing any topic. Others are pretty strict about only posting info or questions directly related to that particular app. Here is a list of the Facebook app user groups (updated to include support groups for traditional SGDs & PODD):
I have suggested to the developers of the GoTalk Now app that a group be started but so far I’ve only seen a parent led one in Swedish. I have also suggested to the developer of the new Total Talk AAC app that they start a group. He was very open to the idea so I hope to see that soon.
There are also numerous other AAC-related Facebook groups. Again each having it’s own culture and dynamic. I’m not going to list all of those here…. but if you are a SLP, I definitely suggest joining the AAC for the SLP group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1539830846285663/. Also take a look at the 21st Century AAC Practitioners group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/475548015977014/. If you see me “tag” Lauren Enders in a post or comment, it’s because I know that she has a wealth on knowledge about AAC apps, cases, mounting options, etc. You should seriously follow her on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lasenders/. I also know that she will provide an unbiased opinion and always comments in a very supportive way.
You may also see me “tag” Carole Zangari from PrAACtical AAC for the same reasons. http://praacticalaac.org/
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{AAC Assessment} “Just like driving a car, when you’ve been doing AAC assessments for a long time, you almost don’t have to think about the details of what you are doing. I automatically pull out the devices and apps, YouTube, iPad, snack, bubbles and wind-ups, and start playing. Unfortunately, it is less than helpful to tell people new to AAC to just play with students and watch what they do. In an effort to describe our process, I created a data sheet to break down the steps, and typed up the procedures and suggested apps.” This post by Vicki Clarke from Dynamic Therapy Associates Inc on PrAACtical AAC is full of awesome tips for AAC assessment! I was excited to get new ideas for several apps that I already had and was inspired to buy an app that’s been on my “wish list” for awhile. I will also confess to buying the hippo toy pictured. It’s been on my “wish list” for awhile too (gotta love shopping on Amazon with free shipping). 😉
What’s the best AAC approach?What’s the best dedicated speech generating device? What’s the best case? What’s the best ______….. Several times a week I am either asked this question or I see it posted in one of the many AAC Facebook groups I follow. Occasionally it seems to end up in a rather heated debate of ______ vs. ________. Even arguments over core vs. fringe vocabulary. For a balanced approach in use of core & fringe vocabulary, check out this fabulous post on PrAACtically AAC: http://praacticalaac.org/praactical/the-baby-the-bathwater-and-core-vocabulary/. This is counterproductive. Although there are key best practices when considering AAC options, there is not any one best AAC option (or one best therapy approach, or one best anything) when it comes to best meeting individual needs. I have added a lot of tools to my toolbox over my 26+ year career as a speech-language pathologist. There have been pivotal moments where new tools were added that forever changed my perspective. Although shiny new tools may be exciting they did not replace the old tried & true tools. The exciting thing about tools is that you can use them together to build & repair. Would it make sense to ask “What’s better…. a hammer or a drill? a saw or a tape measure? a wrench or a flashlight? Of course not. Each tool has it’s specific purpose. You select the tool based on what job you need to accomplish. . Have questions? The quickest and most reliable way to reach me is via Facebook messaging on my OMazing Kids page. Thank goodness it seems to be immune from spammers unlike my e-mail. . Are you an AAC app developer? I’d be more than glad to help beta test your app and then post about it when it is released for sale. I don’t charge a fee. Just would need a free promo code for the full version of that AAC app so I can add it to my toolbox. I never post about apps that I haven’t tried out first. Oh and a word of advice to app developers… state run facilities and schools have difficulty with in-app purchases or subscription-based apps as do potential funding sources such as Medicaid or insurance companies. So you will have a wider audience if you also offer a full paid version of your AAC app.
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I am asked pretty frequently for my thoughts on AAC app development. Here is my advice:
Any new AAC app needs to support robust communication for a wide variety of functions. There are already lots of simple choice making apps on the market.
Take a good look at the major AAC apps on the market and determine what specific features your new app would offer that are not already available.
Do lots of beta testing to insure the app is intuitive / easy to use. Even with the best intentions some AAC apps never take off. An example is Total Talk. It has several unique features but is not very intuitive to use and they initially only let you pick one voice (that has since changed but they lost the initial momentum that comes with a new app release). (Update: 8/24/20 – It was nice to see the Total Talk app revamped and relaunched as “Talk Suite Pro”. The app has some unique features so hopefully it will make it this time)
You only should offer an AAC app that is truly worth having and meets needs. There are several free or very cheap AAC apps on the market. But you rarely see them mentioned or recommended because they are so poorly designed.
Determine what platform you will develop the app for (iOS or Android). It’s very rare for app developers to be able to tackle both platforms and do it well. Most AAC app developers stick with the iOS platform because it is uniform and thus easier and less costly to develop apps for.
Beyond the initial costs of developing the app, make sure that you also have a very well thought out long term plan and finances for supporting and keeping an AAC app updated. I’ve received numerous messages on my OMazing Kids page from parents and therapist with very heartbreaking stories of AAC users losing their voice when iOS 11 came out. Several small AAC app developers had not updated those apps in almost 5 years. It’s one thing to lose a favorite game or therapy app but a whole different thing to lose an AAC app.
📥 Want to suggest iOS AAC apps to be added to this post? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page.
If it’s a free app, please send the link from the USA App Store so I can download and try it out. If it’s a paid app and you are the app developer, please send the link from the USA App Store so I can look at the info before you send a promo code. I want to make sure that one of my iPads or iPhone is compatible in order to try it out.
If you see info or links that need to be updated on this post, feel free to send me a Facebook message on my OMazing Kids page.
Thinking about getting an AAC app? Many AAC apps typically go on sale for a few days in April (or May) and October. You can see the pricing history for any app on the AppSliced website (https://appsliced.co/apps) and watch Lauren Enders’ page for her round up posts of AAC app sale dates/details (https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSEndersMaCccSlp/).
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Looking for a way to try out AAC apps before making a purchasing decision? If you are in the USA, all states are supposed to have an Assistive Technology Lending Library program where you 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. How to find the AT Lending Library in your state: https://www.at3center.net/stateprogram
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 have been LOTS of folks interested in what is happening to my stash of materials, books, games, toys, etc. when I retire. I have been flooded with Facebook messages on my personal account and on OMazing Kids. So much so that I realized that I need to write this blog post with details to make it easier to share.
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First off here’s what I DON’T have: no tests, no test protocols, no Kaufman apraxia kits, no decks of articulation cards, no materials for feeding & swallowing. The hospital where I work has those. Plus I typically use my iPad with high quality apps to work on articulation. I am not selling my Boardmaker CD.
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Books (regular kids picture books that I have organized by themes): I have LOTS of these books. All are in great condition (may have name on cover). A few are board books, a few are paperback and most are hardcover. These can be shipped inexpensively via media mail shipping. I am selling these books in my own OMazing Kids SLP Retirement Sale group since the group has gained quite a few members and things are now selling pretty quickly there 😃.
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Plush Book Buddies: I have a few that I will be selling as a Book + Book Buddy set and several plush Book Buddies that I will be selling separately. Prices will vary and will be included in that post in my own OMazing Kids SLP Retirement Sale group. Plush Book Buddies cannot be shipped via media mail. The shipping costs will be based on the weight, size of box, how many zones it crosses in shipping, etc.
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Books for targeting Core Vocabulary for AAC users: I will be selling these in my own OMazing Kids SLP Retirement Sale group. These are priced a little higher than my regular book bundles due to their unique usefulness in targeting specific goals.
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Specialty books (books for kids yoga, books to target specific speech & language goals, etc.) – I will be selling these in my own OMazing Kids SLP Retirement Sale group. These are priced a little higher than my regular book bundles due to their unique usefulness in targeting specific goals.
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Kids music CDs – I have a lot of great kids music that I used when teaching a variety of groups and during therapy sessions. I also have kids yoga CDs. I will be selling all of them either in my own OMazing Kids SLP Retirement Sale group or my garage sale. Prices vary. See list on each post. All in very good condition. May have name on cover and/or on the CD. These can be shipped inexpensively via media mail shipping.
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Kids DVDs – I have several kids yoga and mindfulness DVDs and a few other kids DVDs. All are in good condition (may have name on cover). Prices vary. They will be sold in the CD post described above. These can be shipped inexpensively via media mail shipping.
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Therapy books – including several books from Hanen, books for teaching social skills, books for teaching self regulation skills, books with strategies for stuttering, language, Autism, early literacy, AAC manuals, etc…. Prices will vary. all are in good condition (may have name on cover) and can be shipped inexpensively via media mail. These will be sold in my own OMazing Kids SLP Retirement group. Some may be sold as part of “Build your own specialty book bundles” (see info above).
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Therapy card decks & materials: I have a few Super Duper fun decks (Function Match Up, Yes/No, Multiple Meaning Words, Syllable Drilling, What Does Miss Bee See, Rebus Infer a Word, Auditory Memory for WH questions fun deck, Phonemic Awareness). Also have from Super Duper: Anytime Go Togethers, Webber Inferencing Big Deck, Sequencing Verb Tenses. Lots of other language stuff from various companies. All are in good condition (may have name on box). Several are hard to find since they are no longer available from that company. These items cannot be shipped via media mail. The shipping costs will be based on the weight, size of box, how many zones it crosses in shipping, etc. (I’ve seen conflicting info about whether “flash cards” are considered eligible for media mail. I asked in person at my local post office and even they did not have a definitive answer…. so it’s not worth risking especially since many are in metal storage tins.). Given the shipping costs I anticipate selling most of these items at my in home garage sale (see details below).
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Therapy games: I have a few games specifically designed for language, spatial concepts, storytelling, categories, colors, shapes, articulation, early literacy, etc…. These items cannot be shipped via media mail. The shipping costs will be based on the weight, size of box, how many zones it crosses in shipping, etc. Given the shipping costs I anticipate selling most of my therapy games at my in home garage sale (see details below).
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Games: I have lots of games. All are in good condition. I even have the much sought after Cranium Cariboo (in pristine condition – Update: SOLD) and also much sought after Candyland Castle (also in pristine condition). Due to the demand for those two games I will be selling them on my own OMazing Kids page or my OMazing Kids SLP Retirement Sale group. Games cannot be shipped via media mail. The shipping costs will be based on the weight, size of box, how many zones it crosses in shipping, etc. Given the shipping costs I anticipate selling most of my games at my in home garage sale (see details below).
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Toys: I have a ton of toys. All are in good working condition. I have several items by Melissa & Doug, Fisher Price, Playskool, etc. Also have several sensory items. Toys cannot be shipped via media mail. The shipping costs will be based on the weight, size of box, how many zones it crosses in shipping, etc. Given the shipping costs I anticipate selling most of my toys at my in home garage sale (see details below).
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Other stuff:
Materials for making PECS books & visual schedules
Storage containers, work bins, finished bins
AAC stuff
Visual supports & Time Timers
Things that have been symbol adapted
PECS teaching materials
a Sensory Storytime kit for “Dog’s Colorful Day”
an Owl Bumpidoodle cushion & things for a “calm down” kit
Tiggly stylus sets
Kids styluses
Props used in kids yoga classes
Kids yoga card decks
iON Clipster Bluetooth speakers (used to amplify iPad for AAC)
Bluebee Pals Bluetooth plush animal speakers
Posters
Clipboards
Award certificates (what I used when kids “graduated” from therapy)
be sure to change the settings for “notifications” to “all posts”.
Payment is made via PayPal. If purchasing a bundle you must have the minimum number of items or $ amount for that bundle. Then I will send an invoice via PayPal. Please make sure your mailing address is correct in the PayPal system. After you pay your invoice that is the address that I will use to ship items to you.
*** UPDATE: I will no longer be selling things in any BST group other than my own OMazing Kids SLP Retirement Sale group. Too many fishy shenanigans going on in other groups. ****
. In Home Garage Sale: For those of you who live in Oklahoma (or want to make a road trip here) here are details about my in home garage sale. I have my living room set up with shelving, bookcases & tables full of all the stuff listed above. I’m trying to sell off most of the stuff that can be shipped via media mail before then…. ’cause right now there is barely a path. I knew I had a lot of stuff but the sheer magnitude of my speechie hoarding is now very apparent that I have it all in my living room (and have totally taken over the tables in my kitchen and dining room as I sort, weigh and prep for mailing items. You should have seen the looks that I got lugging my huge tub filled with boxes into the Post Office to ship earlier this week 👀 Yup. I was “that” person we all hate being behind 😂🤣). I’ll post a pic on my page and group once I get everything organized and priced so you can see what I mean by a “SLP hoarders stash”.
When: Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 9:00am-1:00pm CST
Where: in the living room of my home in Norman, Oklahoma. Please send me a private Facebook message for my address. Please only message me if you will be coming and please don’t pass my address along to anyone else. I don’t want the general public showing up. This is a specialty sale geared towards therapists (SLP, OT, PT) and teachers.
Payment Options: Cash only at the in home garage sale.
I cannot hold items since I need to get everything sold and paid for quickly to be able to prepare for selling our home.
Also there are no returns or exchanges for this same reason.
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Feel free to message me on Facebook with any questions.
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
Combining years of experience as certified speech-language pathologists and as qualified yoga teachers, the authors of this pioneering book explain how yoga can be used to aid speech-language development in children up to age 12.
The book includes a range of yoga-based exercises for improving pre-linguistic communication, vocabulary development and motor planning for speech. The text is enriched by illustrations of children in each yoga pose, so no prior experience of yoga is necessary to help children carry out each activity. The book also provides information on using this approach with children with neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities, including ADHD and autism.
Includes info about the benefits of the six categories of yoga poses
Includes references to research regarding the benefits of yoga for children
Descriptions of what yoga classes might look like for various age groups and special needs
Illustrations and descriptions for some kids yoga poses, breathing and activities
How yoga can be used for different areas commonly addressed by speech-language pathologists (prelinguistic communication: eye gaze, reciprocity, gestures; breath support; following directions; syllable structures; vocabulary; verbs; spatial concepts; symbolic play; use of themes; early literacy; etc.)
Lists of yoga resources (excited to see OMazing Kids mentioned twice in the book 🙂 )
This book does a very nice job of explaining the “why” behind incorporating kids yoga into your work as a SLP with a little of the “how to” sprinkled in. The authors do a nice job of sharing resources to get more info about the “how to do” kids yoga. The only info I felt was missing from this book was contraindications for specific yoga poses or yoga breathing or at least mention that there are some. It is very important for therapists to be aware of any medical conditions that a child may have and what poses or yoga breathing you should avoid related to those conditions. Unfortunately this info is often not published due to the risk of being sued. Of course no list could ever cover every condition that your patients might have. I learned about contraindications in two different courses and through researching it online. I have created a list based on that but it’s not published on my blog for these same liability concerns. But I am glad to share it with any SLP who contacts me. The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging on my OMazing Kids page (see link below)
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Want more info about the therapeutic uses of kids yoga?
Looking for an easy and inexpensive way to assemble interactive books and other materials? I like to use spiral bands instead of book rings. They are flexible, easy to thread through and spring back into place (unlike metal spiral rings). Plus they don’t come unsnapped like book rings do. These also come in handy when needing to attach carrying straps to items. Here is what I recently ordered. They are 1″ in diameter. Several smaller sizes are available.
Over my 27+ career as a SLP I’ve worked with several kids & teens with Autism, ADHD and other special needs who became obsessed with a particular video game. The typical culprits are Pokemon, Mario, Angry Birds & Minecraft. When played in moderation video games can provide a stress relief outlet for kids with special needs. But for some kids it can become an obsession or even an addiction. When a kid or teen only wants to play, think about or talk about a particular game, then you know you have a problem. Well Minecraft Steve and his pals have attempted to take over another one of my patients. Minecraft has messed with the wrong speechie. This particular child and his family hold a very special place in my heart so I was determined to help. Since this is a fairly common issue, I was shocked that I could not find any social stories online regarding appropriate use of video games. So I wrote one today using the Social Stories Creator for Educators app by Touch Autism. This particular child has an amazing knowledge of anatomy and chemistry well beyond what would be typically expected for his age so I used a few anatomy and brain chemistry terms to tie into that high interest area and help him see for himself why unlimited game play would not be a healthy choice for his brain. I even recorded voice overs for each page. I then sent it to myself in an e-mail both as a printable PDF and as a story that can be used within the app. Super excited that the voice overs were included when I imported the story onto my other iPad and that they could be edited on that second device (so anyone importing the story that I created will be able to edit the pictures, text and voice overs to fit that child’s unique needs).
Follow these steps to access the story and view it within the Social Story Creator app:
If you don’t already have the full paid version of this app, then download the free version of the app on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id588180598
While on that iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch, tap on this link: http://socialstorylibrary.touchautism.com/b48879a1-b082-4982-866f-a5c37c65db02 (Update 6/26/21, updated again 1/17/23. I created a new download link since the old was was no longer working. The share links must be time-limited so feel free to send me a message on my OMazing Kids Facebook page if this link no longer works. I’ll be glad to create a new one as needed)
To download this story you must have the Social Story Creator app installed and then you must click on the link from your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
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This social story app is very easy/intuitive to use and many of my patients are highly motivated by anything presented on the iPad (seriously I could show them the same story in printed format, read it to them and might not get much of a response but somehow recording my voice and presenting the same social story via the iPad got a very different response…. Shhhhh….. don’t tell the kids that it’s Mrs. Angela inside the iPad…. lol!).
I love bubbles and over my 27+ year career have tried all kinds of different types of bubbles, bubble blowers & bubble containers. I have several “no-spill” containers that kids can use independently but when I want to facilitate requesting and commenting these colored bubble wands are my current faves. I discovered them when I had a young patient with Autism who wanted “big bubbles” and had meltdowns that none of my other bubble options made bubbles big enough. Well these wands can make some really big bubbles if you swish/swoop them through the air just right but can also make tons of small bubbles if you move the wand while blowing into it (they should seriously have a class in the art of bubble blowing in grad school… lol!).
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I stocked up when I saw my favorite bubble wands on clearance for $1.00 per pack of 6 (usually $3.88 per pack) on Sunday at the Walmart Neighborhood Market at 36th Ave NW and Rock Creek Road in Norman, OK. I have one pink bubble wand that I bought at Michael’s for a couple of patients whose favorite color is pink. I’ll just keep refilling it. Should have enough bubbles to carry me through until retirement in 42 weeks. I know I had promised that I wasn’t buying any more therapy stuff but bubbles don’t count since they are consumables (right?).
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Once I open them, I store the bubble wands in an empty rice container since they sometimes leak if laid down flat. I label the container with a large laminated symbol. I cut the smaller symbols apart, laminate & then cut again and store on a small section of plastic file folder in the container. That way the symbols are always with the bubble set to used for Aided Language Stimulation or for the child to request or comment via PECS. Of course if a child has their own PECS book or AAC device, I make sure they have this vocabulary within it.
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Here is a free printable 1-page color PDF of the symbols:
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 