Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP. Over 30 years experience in AAC. OMazing Kids AAC and app consulting. Creator of 5 AAC Feature Matching resources (https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources). Includes info about unique features to support Gestalt Language Processors
A quick video of some of the ways that I use the GoTalk Now Plus AAC app from Attainment Company, Inc. It has several unique features that make it a “must have” on any speechie’s iPad š.
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In case you are wondering how the sound is that loud… This is my 9.7″ iPad Pro. It is in an original Gripcase USA case with handles on all four sides. I made a “bumper” out of a piece of pool noodle to prevent the bottom handle from getting bent out of shape when using my iPad on my lap.
Have you ever had a patient who you knew had something to say but you struggled to find a means of communication?
I spent almost a year trying literally EVERY possible AAC device and app and every type of access option in a quest to find a “voice” for a child who I knew had so much to say. She made it very clear that she wanted to use her hands for direct access despite having minimal use of them. She hated head pointing and eye gaze devices and any type of scanning. I would seriously lay in bed at night and ponder what else we could try. I spent hours scouring the internet looking for PODD resources and watched just about every video I could find. Thank goodness a PODD training finally came close enough and was priced affordably enough that our facility sent two SLPs to get trained. Ideally I would have gone to that PODD training but it didn’t make sense for me to take a spot being so close to retirement. But having two of our SLPs trained gave me access to a PODD book to trial with her and then was able to order a premade one for her. Ideally you would custom make and print a book but the facility where I work had not figured out the logistics of printing on special water and rip resistant paper and spiral binding. So I have customized the premade PODD book for her by using clear packing tape to add symbols. Her older sister has even hand drawn a few symbols and the family has written lists on the back of pages. It may not be perfect but it’s working for her. She is my PODD rock star. Every week I end my session by telling her to “PODD on” (rock on with PODD).
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I’m sharing links to things that were helpful during this PODD adventure and a few lessons learned….
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What does PODD stand for? Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display
. How to get started? Ideally go to a PODD training….. but the reality is they may not be offered anywhere near you and they tend to be very expensive. This was my reality so I learned as much as I could online through blog posts, workshop handouts, videos, Facebook groups, etc….
One of the biggest mind shifts for me was to let go of the need to plan contrived communication opportunities in therapy sessions and instead model initiating saying “I have something to say” through facial expression, raising my hand and vocalizing and then using PODD to share my own thoughts or ideas. I had to get comfortable with doing lots of modeling without any pressure on the child to do anything. And comfortable with writing measurable goals in a whole different way.
Examples of some of the goals that I have written for her during this process:
“__________ will show increasing interest and attention to someone using pages from the PODD aided communication system to talk to her in natural contexts throughout the day. This will be measured by an increase in: looking towards the communication symbols or the communication partner, calming during this process, looking away to the side but with a stillness as if listening, or responding the partnerās message. Will increase from ______ to at least _______ times documented during the auth period.”
“Within natural contexts throughout the day, _________ will initiate use of PODD AAC by raising her hand and/or vocalizing to indicate āI have something to sayā. Will increase from _______ to at least ________ times documented during the auth period.”
“After signaling āI have something to sayā, __________will express an increasing range of communicative functions such as requests, comments, and directing actions using direct selection and/or partner assisted scanning with pages from the PODD communication book and yes/no responses. Will increase from_______ to at least ________ times documented during the auth period.”
Update 7/24/20: Those handouts are all no longer available. The website indicates they are being updated. Fortunately I had copies saved in the iBooks app on my iPad. I merged them into one PDF and uploaded that to my blog.
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This weekend I found these handouts and videos on Linda Burkhartās website about PODD:
“Aided Language Stimulation and a Robust Language System: Autism a Case Example” – Presented by Linda J. Burkhart and Aura Baker at Closing the Gap Conference, October, 2016
Partner-Assisted Communication Strategies for Children Who Face Multiple Challenges Handout by Linda J. Burkhart and Gayle Porter ((Pre-conference Instructional course ā ISAAC 2006): https://bit.ly/3f4DlNu
Partner-Assisted Communication Strategies for Children Who Face Multiple Challenges: PODD Communication Books ā Gayle Porter Handout by Linda J. Burkhart and Gayle Porter (Pre-conference Instructional course ā ISAAC 2006): https://bit.ly/2BvPI7y
Lots of PODD info has been added to the PODD USA website…. I wish all of this had been there back when I was on my quest to learn about PODD: http://www.poddusa.com/links.html .
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Options for purchasing premade PODD books (you have to sign a confirmation that you own both the Boardmaker and PODD software). A big shout out to Rachael Langley & Kelly Fonner for helping me find the first two options! The third one was seen in a Facebook group:
* http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1970606/PODD-Book-Order-Form-3 (several sizes and styles to choose from. This is where we ordered this patient’s book from. The spiral binding is not very large so we had to use a wooden dowel rod to hang it on the PVC stand.)
So Iāve been frustrated that Iām always fumbling through this patientās PODD book in sessions. I wish there was a āword finderā for PODD (one of the downsides of a no tech system). Iām pretty āat homeā with most AAC devices and apps since I have had lots of time to look through them and use them. I wanted to have this same level of ease in using PODD so I decided that I needed a copy of the same style of PODD book that she is using.
Unfortunately I canāt use the Tobii Dynavox PODD pageset in the Compass app to model since it doesnāt look anything like my patientās PODD book. Since I am only 14 weeks away from retirement it did not make sense to spend about $80 to order a premade PODD book for me. I had seen comments online of folks saving a PODD book as a PDF so thatās what I decided to do. I saved the PDF in iBooks on my iPad. Now I have a way to look through it to get a feel for what vocabulary is in it and the pragmatic branching.
Be forewarned ā¦.. itās a VERY tedious & time consuming process to save a PODD book into one PDF if you are using Boardmaker 6 on a CD. It took me about 3 hours for a 123 pages of PODD. Itās not hard but time consuming.
Open the first page of your PODD book in Boardmaker.
Go to File ā Print Set Up ā Print Set Up ā selected āMicrosoft Print to PDFā ā OK ā Remember Board Settings for New Boards – OK
Go to File ā Print (make sure it says āMicrosoft Print to PDFā as the printer) ā OK
You have to repeat the process for every single page that you want to include in the PDF of your PODD book. (I donāt have access to Boardmaker Online so I donāt know what the steps are there).
After you have all your pages saved as PDFs, then go to the Small PDF website (https://smallpdf.com/merge-pdf). This website lets you upload an unlimited number of PDFs. I uploaded all 123 of the PDF documents that I wanted included in this PODD book. After they are all uploaded then you hit āmergeā. I was surprised how quickly this website handled merging 123 separate PDFs into one 123 page PDF document. I then uploaded the merged PDF from my computer into the media storage on my blog (a secured area that only I have access to). From there I was able to e-mail the link to the iPad that I use for AAC and opened the PDF in iBooks to save it on the device.
But I’m hearing that the solutions offered in the Quick Guides may not resolve the issues especiallyifyou are trying to do 2-sided printing. Contact yourlocal Boardmaker support team.
. More PODD tips: http://praacticalaac.org/?s=PODD
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Mary-Louise Bertram demonstrates how to make a portable stand for a PODD book, that could also work well for other kinds of communication books.
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How We Speak PODD makes their carrying rods:
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Here are some examples of PODD book stands made out of PVC. The amazing PT tech at our facility made some of the first style ones for us: PODD PVC stand examples
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See Facebook groups for each digital PODD app below.
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Gayle Porter has reportedly been working on an “alternative access” version of PODD for quite awhile but as of the time of this post it is still not available here in the USA. So I made these very simple eye gaze boards with pragmaticbranching to use with a couple of other older patients. (Update: As of 1/13/21 the Alternative Access version of PODD is still not available in the USA and no info could be found regarding when it will be available)
Digital PODD books are available on the iPad in four ways: simPODD, Grid for iPad, Snap Core First and PODD with Compass. This post is based on my personal experiences in trying all four options.
Update 7/22/21: Snap Core First has been re-branded as TD Snap AAC. The process of setting up a new user in the app has been improved. The other features remain the same.
Prices, availability & device/iOS compatibility were all checked in the USA App Store and website links were all working at the time this post was updated (7:00pm CST on 1/9/21). Prices may vary outside the USA based on the exchange rate. Screenshots and descriptions are based on features available at the time of this post. AAC apps change frequently as updates are released.
Note: Digital PODD options are intended to supplement not replace a paper PODD
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How SLPs can get access to digital PODD options to try during the eval process:
Grid for iPad: You can try out the full PODD grid sets as part of the free trial of Grid 3 on a computer running Windows 10. I initially got an error message when attempting to open them on my laptop but when I restarted my computer they all worked fine: https://thinksmartbox.com/news/new-podd-grid-sets/. I received this helpful info from Smartbox: https://thinksmartbox.com/answer/unable-access-phonics-free-trial/. I wish they had included the full PODD grids in the free trial in the app so we could actually trial them on the device that would be used for that patient/student. But viewing them on my laptop at least let me see what was in each grid set and in the controls area on each one. And I was able to install different voices to try.
SimPODD: AssistiveWare provides a complimentary license for simPODD for SLPs. This is a one-year license with access to simPODD digital only (canāt print PODD books). E-mail them at: support@assistiveware.com
TD Snap AAC: The MyTobiiDynavox for Professionals Program provides certified SLPs with free voice output + free access to the premium pagesets (PODD & Gateway) within the free version of the app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snap-core-first/id1072799231). Process a bit convoluted ā see this post for tips:
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simPODD
1. simPODD app by AssistiveWare, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/simpodd/id1464489596, iPad only, iOS 12.1 or later. Most recent update: 12/21/20. The app is free & has a 1-month free trial (digital only, cannot print). Then you would need to subscribe ($13.99 per month for digital only, $139.99 per year for digital + printing capabilities). There is currently not an option to purchase it in full up front but they have recently added the option to purchase a multi-year license (3-year: $419.99 & 5-year: $699.99) that will be helpful to those wanting to pursue funding options that wonāt or canāt purchase a subscription (ex: insurance, school districts, state run facilities, etc.). Those must be purchased directly from AssistiveWare: https://assistiveware.onfastspring.com. Info for schools needing to manage multiple simPODD subscriptions: https://www.assistiveware.com/simpodd-for-schools.
Key features:
* SymbolStix symbols with the option to globally change Skin Tones
* Lots of high quality voices with the ability to adjust the pitch and speech rate
* Easy to access āControlsā page where you can expand the sentence bar and then use ācursor controlsā to be able to delete specific items in the sentence bar. The options vary based on the version of PODD being used. This is also where you can āshareā and ācopyā messages and adjust the volume to whisper, talk or shout.
* Option to share messages via e-mail, iMessaging, share messages to social media (Twitter and Facebook⦠must have those apps installed and be logged in), copy them to the clipboard to use in other apps, add to the Notes app, or save to Files (only the text is shared not the symbols)
* Ability to edit multiple buttons at a time
* Unfortunately there is no āSearchā option like they have in Proloquo2Go. It would be very helpful for those wanting to find specific items to model on PODD.
* The PODD 15 and 15+ page sets all have the option to show symbols + text in the sentence bar plus the ability to adjust the type of font and color of font.
* Unfortunately there is not an option to show symbols + text in the sentence bar in the PODD 60 page sets. Just text but you can adjust the type of font and color of font.
* In-app āHelpā area with links to help articles, AssistiveWareās user groups on Facebook and e-mail for support (available 7 days a week).
* iCloud backup is done automatically and can also be done manually
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Includes 6 PODD book options:
PODD 15 Preschool
PODD 15+ Preschool
PODD 15 School
PODD 15+ School
PODD 60 Expanded Key Word
PODD 60 Complex Syntax
If you have a yearly subscription, it includes the ability to export and print PODD books. Different versions of PODD are available to edit and print than are available digitally. Samples can be viewed within the app:
9 Early Functions
9 Expanded Functions
12 Early Functions
12 Expanded Functions
16 Expanded Functions
20 Expanded Functions
36 Key Words
40 Key Words
48 Expanded Key Words
70 Expanded Key Words
90+ Complex Syntax
100+ Complex Syntax
Group Early Functions VEST
Group Expanded Functions
Group Expanded Functions VEST
2. Grid for iPad app by Smartbox Assistive Technology, iPad only, iOS 11.0 or later. Most recent update: 1/4/21.
Key features:
* PCS / Boardmaker symbols with the option to globally change Skin Tones. Some of the symbols look a little odd when adjusting the skin tone but itās at least a step towards diversity. Can also edit buttons to use other symbols: PCS High Contrast, SymbolStix (with the option to globally change Skin Tones), Widgit & Grid 3. You can use a mix of different types of symbols on a grid.
* Several languages and lots of high quality voice options
* Can add recorded speech Message Banking
* Can alter pronunciation of words
* Settings for writing (editing the dictionary for word prediction, chat history, capitalization, auto replace, toggle on/off adult symbols, edit the small words list, abbreviations)
* Has the option to include symbols + text in the sentence bar for all of the PODD grid sets
* Volume controls that are easily accessible in all grid sets. The cursor controls and lots of other controls are included in both PODD 60 grid sets.
* Has a āSearchā feature that will show the path to specific items. FYI⦠the search must match the exact wording on the button in order to find it. Having a Search feature is especially helpful for SLPs and teachers who may be using lots of different types of AAC with students / patients and want to model PODD.
* Has the option to include symbols + text in the sentence bar for all PODD grid sets (this is not an option in the PODD 60 page sets in simPODD)
* Several formatting options for the chat writing area (sentence bar)
* Has the option to have buttons highlighted when activated (options: color cell background, color cell border or no visual highlight & lots of options for the specific color of highlighting). Used with Touch Accommodations in Accessibility Settings.
* Can easily edit the style of a grid set (theme: modern, bubble or blocky font; cell layout: label above or below the symbol; empty cells: toggle between visible/hidden; cell spacing: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, jumbo)
* Lots of color options for the grid background
* Ability to add rows and columns to grids
* Remote editing capabilities via their free Grid 3 software for Windows computers. This is especially helpful in the midst of the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic where lots of services are being provided via teletherapy or distance learning.
* DropBox backup
* Their website indicates works with all access methods, including a version optimised for eye gaze access.
Has the following PODD Grid options:
PODD 15 Preschool
PODD 15+ Preschool
PODD 15 School
PODD 15+ School
PODD 60 Expanded Key Word
PODD 60 Complex Syntax
There are two versions of the app that both include PODD 15 Preview & PODD 60 Preview grid sets. There is not access to full PODD grid sets within the apps without purchasing the $79.99 in app purchase:
* Grid for iPad – AAC, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/grid-for-ipad-aac/id1064332378 (free and has 30 day free trial but the full PODD grid sets are not included, then requires a subscription for $9.99 per month but in order to have access to PODD you would need to purchase the in-app purchase $79.99 that includes all of the PODD grid sets)
I wish they had included the full PODD grids in the free trial in the app so we could actually trial them on the device that would be used for that patient/student. But viewing them on my laptop at least let me see what was in each grid set and in the controls area on each one. And I was able to install different voices to try.
The PODD Manual for Grid 3 contains info explaining the differences between paper PODDs vs. high tech PODDs and lots of other helpful info: https://thinksmartbox.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/PODD-manual-v2-April-2020.pdf. Since the developer of PODD wonāt allow the digital versions to be identical to paper PODD books, I found it especially helpful to have info about which digital PODD grid sets correspond best to a particular type of paper PODD book. It’s very helpful that the Grid for iPad app includes these details when looking through the grid sets as well as having it in their manual. Read the manual for in depth details about each grid set. Hereās a brief summary:
* PODD 15 Preschool & PODD 15 Preschool grid sets have a similar vocabulary and organization to the one-page opening 12
per page expanded function PODD paper communication books.
* PODD 15+ Preschool & PODD 15+ School grid sets have a similar vocabulary organization to the one-page opening 20 per
page expanded function PODD paper communication books.
* PODD 60 Expanded Key Word grid set has a similar language complexity and vocabulary organization to the two- grid opening 70 and two-grid opening with a side panel 48 expanded key word PODD paper communication books.
* PODD 60 Complex Syntax grid set has a similar language complexity and vocabulary organisation to the two- grid opening 90+ and the two-grid opening with a side panel 100+ complex syntax PODD communication books.
Key Features:
* PCS symbols
* PCS High Contrast symbols are included in the Snap Core First AAC app but will need to be downloaded before you can use them. There are not any premade pagesets with the high contrast symbols and there is not a quick way to swap out to use them (requires button by button editing)
* PCS Safeguard symbols available (requires download, can toggle on āsafe symbol searchā when editing to exclude explicit symbols)
* Lots of high quality voice options
* Only available in English (USA & Australia)
* Can add recorded speech
* Can alter pronunciation of words
* Settings for User (options to toggle on/off: use symbols in message window, use highlighting in message window, speak when inserting into message window, automatically inflect grammar buttons, automatically form contractions, show symbols on word prediction buttons on keyboard)
* Has the option to include symbols + text in the sentence bar for all PODD grid sets (this is not an option in the PODD 60 page sets in simPODD)
* Has a āSearchā feature that will show the path to specific items. Doesn’t have to match the exact wording on the button in order to find it. Having a Search feature is especially helpful for SLPs and teachers who may be using lots of different types of AAC with students / patients and want to model PODD.
* Can edit page background color (for entire pageset & for individual pages, lots of color options)
* Can easily edit the style of a Pageset: font (type, size, boldness), text position (above, below, left, right of symbol, image only, text only), spacing between buttons, page background color, toolbar background color, message window font (type, size, color) and message bar background (but not color of the white window itself). Button editing: background color, border, button label, label position (so individual buttons can be different than the pageset)
* Ability to add rows and columns to a page
* When you add a button it automatically sets the background color to match the word type (can be edited)
* Options for formatting the Message Window (can change size, can change the color of the background behind the message window under pageset editing but cannot change the color of the message window itself)
* Controls button on Main/home page leads to Controls page (Options vary based on version of PODD: volume options (whisper, talk, classroom, yell), Siri, Google Home Speaker, Alexa, Boardmaker Activities, AccessIT Menu, time, date, etc…)
* Whiteboard (included in PODD 60 Expanded Key Word & PODD 60 Complex Syntax, can be added as a button action in other versions)
* Can add Positive Behavior Supports as button actions (First Then, Mini-Schedule, Script, Visual Timer)
* Access method options: touch, touch enter, touch exit, scanning (1 switch auto scan, 2 switch step scan, 1 switch scan, 1 switch dwell scan, inverse scan), navigation type (swiping, navigation buttons, both), selection feedback sound
* Can create and name an unlimited number of Users to easily toggle between PODD pageset options (very helpful when using the app during AAC evals)
* Data tracking
* Can lock areas via passcode: edit, sync, data tracking, search, lightbulb
* Can print pages (in edit mode, tap the āPageā button ā Print Pages – Print (Note: a warning pops up that the app may close unexpectedly if you attempt to print more than 100 pages at a time)
* Back up via myTobiiDynavox (User, Page Set, Page Bundle). Sync (Page Set). Export/Import Locally (User, Page Set, Page Bundle) – see manual for details
* Can sync between devices (an icon on the Home page notifies you when syncing is needed)
* MyTobiiDynavox for Professionals Program that provides certified SLPs with free voice output + free access to the premium pagesets (PODD & Gateway) within the free version of the app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snap-core-first/id1072799231). Process a bit convoluted – see this post for tips: https://bit.ly/37z2oHS
Includes 6 PODD book options:
PODD 15 Preschool
PODD 15+ Preschool
PODD 15 School
PODD 15+ School
PODD 60 Expanded Key Word
PODD 60 Complex Syntax
4. PODD with Compass by Tobii Dynavox LLC, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/podd-with-compass/id907333758, iPad only, iOS 8.0 or later, $299.99. Last update: 12/3/18. Now that Tobii Dynavox has released PODD as an in-app purchase within Snap Core First there is essentially no reason to recommend this older app for purchase. The only exception I can think of are those who have an older iPad that cannot be updated to the iOS needed for simPODD or Grid for iPad but then you have to consider how much longer that old of an iPad will continue to function. Hereās the PODD with Compass manual for anyone who may need it: https://www.mytobiidynavox.com/Support/Documentation.
Which is the best digital PODD option? It depends on what features you need the most. There are features that I love in all 3 (simPODD, Grid for iPad and Snap Core First). They are all HUGE improvements over what you may have used in the PODD with Compass app. I wish I could take the best features out of each of those three and combine them into one appā¦.. but since thatās not possible here are a few thoughts.
Features that would lead me to choose simPODD⦠if I needed:
* a simple way to customize and print PODD books all from the convenience of an iPad (this is a HUGE plusā¦. especially since Boardmaker 7 is not useable on an iPad, making PODD books still requires the separate PODD CD & there are significant issues right now with Boardmaker 7 importing PODD books)
* the option to globally change Skin Tones
* intuitive editing and use of grammar pop-ups (especially nice for those familiar with their Proloquo2Go app)
* cursor controls that are easily accessible in all page sets
* an āexpand messageā feature where you can expand the sentence bar and then use ācursor controlsā to be able to delete specific items in the sentence bar.
* options to share messages via e-mail & iMessaging, share messages to social media (Twitter and Facebook⦠must have those apps installed and be logged in), copy messages to the clipboard to use in other apps, add to the Notes app, or save to Files (only the text is shared not the symbols)
* fast and automatic backup to iCloud
Features that would lead me to choose Grid for iPad with PODD added as an IAP⦠if I needed:
* a variety of symbol options (PCS is the default but other symbols can be used when editing: PCS High Contrast, SymbolStix, Widgit, Grid 3)
* the option to globally change Skin Tones in both PCS & SymbolStix symbol sets
* several language options
* a āSearchā feature that will show the path to specific items (FYI⦠The search must match the exact wording on the button in order to find it). This is especially helpful for SLPs and teachers who may be using lots of different types of AAC with students / patients and want to model PODD.
* the option to add recorded speech Message Banking
* to alter pronunciation of words
* settings for writing (editing the dictionary for word prediction, chat history, capitalization, auto replace, toggle on/off adult symbols, edit the small words list, abbreviations)
* the option to include symbols + text in the sentence bar for all PODD grid sets (this is not an option in the PODD 60 page sets in simPODD)
* the option to have buttons highlighted when activated (options: color cell background, color cell border or no visual highlight & lots of options for the specific color of highlighting). Used with Touch Accommodations in Accessibility Settings.
* free remote editing capabilities. This is especially helpful in the midst of the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic where lots of services are being provided via teletherapy or distance learning.
* DropBox backup
Features that would lead me to choose TD Snap AAC with PODD added as an IAP⦠if I needed:
* a āSearchā feature that will show the path to specific items and doesn’t require an exact match to wording on the button in order to find it. This is especially helpful for SLPs and teachers who may be using lots of different types of AAC with students / patients and want to model PODD.
* to alter pronunciation of words
* access to PCS Safeguard symbols
* the option to include symbols + text in the sentence bar for all PODD grid sets (this is not an option in the PODD 60 page sets in simPODD)
* to edit the page background color for the entire pageset (especially helpful if you are wanting to use a dark background for use with high contrast symbols
* to have a button background color automatically match the word type while editing
* integrated controls for Siri, Google Home Speaker, Alexa & Boardmaker Activities
* the option for a Whiteboard (included in PODD 60 Expanded Key Word & PODD 60 Complex Syntax, can be added as a button action in other versions)
* options for Positive Behavior Supports as button actions (First Then, Mini-Schedule, Script, Visual Timer)
* to create and name an unlimited number of Users to easily toggle between PODD pageset options (very helpful when using the app during AAC evals)
* data tracking
* to print pages (note: a warning pops up that the app may close unexpectedly if you attempt to print more than 100 pages at a time. This is to print pages as seen within the app… NOT to print official paper PODD books like is available within simPODD)
* MyTobiiDynavox for Professionals Program that provides certified SLPs with free voice output + free access to the premium pagesets (PODD & Gateway) within the free version of the app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snap-core-first/id1072799231). Process a bit convoluted – see this post for tips: https://bit.ly/37z2oHS
Unfortunately TD Snap AAC with PODD doesn’t offer the option to globally change Skin Tones for PCS Symbols like is available in Grid for iPad
Comparison of the total costs over time:
1 year period:
simPODD yearly subscription: $139.99
Grid for iPad – subscription: $9.99 x 12 months = $119.88 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $199.87 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
Grid for iPad – up front purchase: $349.99 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $429.98 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
TD Snap AAC – up front purchase: $49.99 + PODD in-app purchase: $149.99 = $199.98 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
2 year period:
simPODD: $139.99 yearly subscription x 2 years = $279.98
Grid for iPad – subscription: $9.99 x 24 months = $239.76 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $319.75 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
Grid for iPad – up front purchase: $349.99 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $429.98 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
TD Snap AAC – up front purchase: $49.99 + PODD in-app purchase: $149.99 = $199.98 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
3 year period:
simPODD: $139.99 yearly subscription x 3 years = $419.97
simPODD 3-year license: $419.99 (purchased at : https://assistiveware.onfastspring.com)
Grid for iPad – subscription: $9.99 x 36 months = $359.64 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $439.63
Grid for iPad – up front purchase: $349.99 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $429.98 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
TD Snap AAC – up front purchase: $49.99 + PODD in-app purchase: $149.99 = $199.98 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
4 year period:
simPODD: $139.99 yearly subscription x 4 years = $559.96
Grid for iPad – subscription: $9.99 x 48 months = $479.52 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $559.51 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
Grid for iPad – up front purchase: $349.99 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $429.98 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
TD Snap AAC – up front purchase: $49.99 + PODD in-app purchase: $149.99 = $199.98 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
5 year period:
simPODD: $139.99 yearly subscription x 5 years = $699.95
simPODD 5-year license: $699.99 (purchased at : https://assistiveware.onfastspring.com)
Grid for iPad – subscription: $9.99 x 60 months = $599.40 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $679.39 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
Grid for iPad – up front purchase: $349.99 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $429.98 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
TD Snap AAC – up front purchase: $49.99 + PODD in-app purchase: $149.99 = $199.98 (+ any costs associated with creating any paper PODD books)
The bottom line: If you already have a paper PODD, TD Snap AAC with PODD is the most affordable option if you are just comparing digital PODD options. simPODD is the most affordable option if needing to create a paper PODD + have the digital PODD. If just comparing digital PODD options, the prices of simPODD vs. Grid for iPad with PODD added are similar especially when you consider most individuals who use PODD for AAC have complex communication needs and would be using it for a long period of time.
Other electronic PODD options
The section above is focused solely on PODD options available in iOS apps on the iPad. So at least the hardware (iPad) is the same (although there are also various models / sizes of iPads to consider).
For those looking for more options…. there are other high tech alternatives available for PODD on a variety of traditional speech generating devices and locked/dedicated/fundable/managed iOS-based or Windows-based devices from several different companies:
* Smartbox (Grid Pad series of devices, Grid Pad with eye gaze device, iOS-based Talk Pad series of devices, Microsoft Surface Go tablet-based Touch Pad series of devices. See info under the Devices tab on their website: https://thinksmartbox.com)
* AbleNet (possibly. QuickTalker series of iOS-based devices. You would need to contact them to ask whether PODD is available as an add-on. Although their website doesn’t specifically mention PODD it does state “Your choice of any augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app available from the iOS App Store” which would then open this up as another fundable/locked/managed device option for the three apps compared above. See their website: https://quicktalkerfreestyle.com/quicktalker-freestyle-speech-device/
* ACCI (possibly. You would need to contact them to ask whether PODD is available as an add-on to their Snap Core First option: https://www.acciinc.com/dedicated-acci-choice-snap-core-first-full/ or if they offer a bundled option for Grid for iPad plus PODD as an ad-on)
* Forbes AAC (possibly in their ProSlate series of iOS-based devices or WinSlate series of Windows-based devices. You would need to contact them to ask whether PODD is available as an add-on since PODD isn’t specifically mentioned on their website: https://www.forbesaac.com/proslate-series & https://www.forbesaac.com/new-winslate)
I wonāt be tackling the task of comparing PODD on all of these various SGDs. That would be an even bigger undertaking to compare in a post since then you are talking about hardware and software features to compare and consider.
There are many reasons why one would consider a traditional SGD vs. just an iPad with an app (simPODD, Grid for iPad or Snap Core First) or just a Windows tablet with an app (Grid 3, Snap Core First or possibly Jabbla/MindExpress): durability, warranty, tech support, built-in switch ports for scanning, eye gaze access, etc…
These options are all much more expensive and very few families, SLPs, schools or facilities would be purchasing them unless they are doing so as part of a full AAC eval for funding through private insurance or Medicaid for an individual. That is a complex process that’s too detailed to include in this post.
Just wanting the ability to make printed paper PODD books? Tobii Dynavox recently launched Boardmaker 7. There have been lots of issues but hopefully those will be resolved. They offer the following pricing options for Boardmaker 7:
Personal (single account with one license): $99 per year
Professional (single account with up to 10 students): $199 per year
Organization (multiple accounts with multiple students): no price listed – request a quote
Standard – Individual (one-time purchase): $399
Standard – Group: no price listed – request quote
[The previous price of purchasing a Boardmaker version 6 CD was $399.00]
In order to have PODD you still have to purchase their separate PODD CD ($300.95)
The bottom line: It would take 5 years of using simPODD to equal the cost of the Boardmaker 7 Standard Individual + the PODD CD and simPODD can be used on the fly on an iPad plus can be used as a digital PODD in the event that you decide to do that. Plus Boardmaker 7 is currently having significant issues importing PODD books.
So those wanting to look for a more affordable and portable way to make and edit PODD books to be printed should really consider simPODD vs. Boardmaker. I find most kids do equally as well with SymbolStix symbols as they do with PCS symbols. And if you want a very affordable way to create other materials with SymbolStix symbols, take a look at the iESLp app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ieslp/id912953895iESLP, iPad only) a bargain for a one time purchase of $19.99 (no subscription needed) and it includes a large library of SymbolStix and lots of templates. A similar app that can be used to create items with PCS symbols is the Tools2Talk+ app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tools2talk-create-your-own-communication-aids-and-chat/id1074982035, iPad only) for a one time purchase of $47.99.
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As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog post, I did not have the opportunity to attend a formal PODD training. Iām in Oklahoma and PODD trainings were always too far away and too expensive for the state agency to send us. There was finally one in Texas just a few months before I retired but I gave my spot to another SLP on the team since spending that much for me to attend did not make sense that close to retirement.
So in order to support the patients that I used PODD with I taught myself via all of the resources that I shared on this blog post: videos, webinars, handouts, reading everything included with the PODD CD, participating in several AAC Facebook groups, and being cross-trained by the two SLPs who did go to that PODD training in Texas, etc. Since then I have continued to remain active with AAC.
Iām glad to answer questions or point you in the direction of who may be able to answer them š
Want to suggest PODD resources or info to be added to this list? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/. If you are an app developer and would like to have me review a new digital PODD app for the iPad or PODD that was added to an existing app via IAP, 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 is compatible in order to try it out.
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I’m retired from providing clinical services but am doing AAC consulting, actively posting about AAC and apps and using AAC in volunteer work.
It’s amazing to see how much the field of AAC has changed over the course of my 28 year career as a SLP. Long gone are the old days of it taking years to see any major changes or improvements in AAC options. We are living in an era of rapid advancement thanks largely to social media that provides the opportunity for AAC users, therapists, teachers & parents to provide direct input to app and technology developers regarding what features we need. Most good AAC apps are now updated several times a year. Here is my list of top 10 updates that occurred for AAC apps in 2017:
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#1: Proloquo2Go – in March 2017 version 5.0 added an amazing Search feature & Progressive Language. If you haven’t checked out this AAC app in awhile, I invite you to take a look at it again. These new features are a game changer. It also now includes English, Spanish, French & Dutch languages.
#2: Speak For Yourself – in January 2017 version 2.6 made this a Universal iOS app that can be used on an iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad. It also includes room for up to 40 different users (a great feature for SLPs trialing AAC with several different patients). Other updates this year added options to share vocabulary via AirDrop, more buttons became editable, the sentence bar background color can be changed & a “Manual Whisper Mode” was added to allow users to create a whole sentence prior to speaking.
#3: LAMP Words for Life – in July 2017 version 1.6.0 added a bilingual Spanish/English pageset, Word Finder updated to show and take you through the path to a word and added the option to backup to DropBox.
#4: TouchChat with WordPower HD – several updates added new pageset options, Arabic language added through an in-app purchase, Canadian French vocabulary files available as free upgrade and vocabulary files can now be backed up to DropBox and can be shared via E-mail and iMessaging.
#5: GoTalk Now Plus – in March 2017 version 4.11.6 added PCS Thinline symbols as an option through in-app purchase. In September 2017 version 4.11.11 added the option for Hybrid Scene pages (visual scene + up to 4 buttons) & the option to share messages from the Express Bar to Facebook, e-mail and text messaging.
#6: Snap + Core First – this new app was just released in June 2017 and in December 2017 already had a major update to add a bilingual Spanish/English pageset option & Spanish voices. At the end of October 2017 they added access to voice output in the free version of this app for ASHA certified SLPs as part of your MyTobiiDynavox account.
#7: Avaz Pro – in May 2017 version 4.2.6 added the option of having up to 77 buttons per screen. In September 2017 version 4.3 added the option to share via AirDrop and the Search now takes you through the path to a word.
#10: Custom Boards Premium by Smarty Ears had a major overhaul. New templates and updated Smarty Symbols were added. A great affordable option for making printable choice boards and visual supports.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/custom-boards-premium/id463344117?mt=8
. See this updated post for info about how SLPs can get free access to several AAC apps, funding tips & links to AAC user Facebook groups: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2016/06/11/aac-tips-how-slps-can-get-free-access-to-aac-apps-aac-app-user-groups-funding-options-more/.
. 2017 was a years of ups & downs in the world of AAC apps. It was exciting to see so many great improvements in apps and a couple of new apps released but at the same time very sad to see a few AAC apps either disappear or no longer function properly after the release of iOS 11. Iāve received numerous messages on my OMazing Kids page from parents and therapists 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. Itās one thing to lose a favorite game or therapy app but a whole different thing to lose an AAC app. It’s a cautionary tale to anyone who has thoughts of developing a new AAC app. Beyond the initial costs of developing the app, it is imperative that you also have a very well thought out long term plan and finances for supporting and keeping an AAC app updated.
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{New App} Looking for an easy way to make choice boards? Check out the brand new Make A Choice AAC app by pkclSoft
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The app was developed to meet a need expressed by a parent of a child with special needs to be able to quickly create choice boards on the go. I enjoyed helping with beta testing and used it today to quickly prep for a cookie decorating activity we have on Monday. Unique features include the “Pick a Choice Board” area where you can tap on a pic to open that board, the ability to copy/paste pics into the app and the ability to reuse buttons in new boards. I like that it has a plain black background and that there is a lot of space between the buttons. Busy SLPs and parents will appreciate the value of this inexpensive and user friendly app. It would make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas š
. Purchase it on the App Store:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/make-a-choice-aac-buttons/id1295966224?mt=8, $4.99 in the USA App Store (prices vary elsewhere based on the exchange rate)
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See examples and “how to” videos on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AppMakeAChoice
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC ā inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYogaĀ (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesnāt work head over to my page and click on the āSend Messageā button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
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YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.
{App Review} Communication Adventure – An app for communication training for caregivers of children with complex communication needs by Avaz, Inc.
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This app from Avaz provides several scenarios to practice opportunities for encouraging and expanding communication. The tips are pretty universal and could apply to any robust AAC system or even general language development. There were a couple of items that I might have coached a parent a little differently in but overall the app has good info and would be a fun and very affordable way to train parents, teachers, aides or other caregivers on ways to encourage & expand communication. After you complete all the modules you then have access to an area with additional tips / ideas.
[FYI… if you have the Ā Avaz Pro – AAC App (https://appsto.re/us/19nrH.i) then you have similar scenarios in the “dashboard” area but they take longer to unlock there since that is contingent upon practicing sentences]
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language PathologistĀ
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC ā inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilitiesĀ
Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.Ā
{AAC Tips: Teaching “I hear”}Ā I love to help kids learn to listen and comment about what they hear using a variety of Melissa & Doug sound puzzles, the Cranium Bloom Let’s Play Neighborhood Sounds Bingo game, books with sound buttons and reading the book The Listening Walk and then going on a listening walk ourselves….. but I explain that our listening walk will be a little different than the one in the book since we will be stopping periodically to “talk” about what we hear š
In addition to these activities, I have a collection of apps that I like to use for teaching “I hear”. I have these on a separate device than the one being used for AAC and make sure the child’s AAC system has the vocabulary in it for the sounds we will be listening for.
Sound Touch by SoundTouch, https://appsto.re/us/O_3Vu.i (this developer has several apps in this series; great options for customization hidden in the iPad settings area for each of their apps. You can change the size of the field of pictures, toggle on/off the voiceovers, choose the voiceover language, whether or not the title for each picture is shown, the option to not use certain pictures, etc.. After learning about these secret settings I always look there for new apps that I install to see when hidden gems there may be.)
Toddler Sound 123 – Flashcards for baby to touch and play by GiggleUp Kids Apps And Educational Games Pty Ltd, https://appsto.re/us/G7whO.i (similar to Sound Touch, can toggle off the title and voiceovers for the pictures)
I’m always looking for fun and motivating ways to target core vocabulary for my patients that are AAC users. I use a variety of toys, books, sensory activities & apps to provide lots of opportunities for practice in the short amount of time I have with them in OMazing Kids speech therapy each week. My iPad loaded with fabulous apps is one of the best tools in my SLP therapy toolbox!
. Here are some of my favorite iOS apps for targeting core vocabulary (listed in alphabetical order, prices were verified and all were available in the USA App Store at the time of this post. I have no way to know if these apps are available in other countries or what the prices would be if they are):
Tips: Apps come and go frequently in the App Store. New apps are released. Sometimes older apps disappear while they are being updated. Sometimes they never reappear. So it’s always wise to periodically back up your iPad by plugging it into a computer logged into your iTunes account. This insures you won’t lose any apps that may disappear from the App Store. I originally got most of these apps by grabbing them quickly when they were free for a day or two. Watch my OMazing Kids Facebook page and AppPeeps Facebook group where I share these as “free app alerts”. Others I got on sale or via doing app reviews.
The main thing I look for when searching for apps to use for targeting core vocabulary for AAC users in therapy sessions are open-ended play apps that are intuitive, have large engaging graphics, are ad-free, have the option to toggle off any background music or it is very subtle (not over stimulating) while still leaving on any sound effects or voiceovers and any outside links are well hidden behind a parental gate.
. Of course these apps must be on a separate iPad from their “talker” so you can “talk” while playing
. I use these apps to target the same core vocabulary that I would with a “real” toy or activity. Think of it as the “virtual” version of that. I lock the “play” iPad into the app that I have selected by enabling Guided Access. If the child is using an iPad as their “talker”, then it is also locked into their AAC app via Guided Access.
. Need ideas for how to target core vocabulary? I’m LOVING the Core Word 5-Minute Fillers on the NEW AssistiveWare Core Word Classroom website. Here’s a screenshot of the one for Mr. Potato Head.
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You could use these ideas with a “real” Mr. Potato Head or the app version (Mr. Potato Head – Create & Play: School Edition by Originator Inc., $4.99, https://appsto.re/us/Y6JCI.i)
{Game Apps & AAC} Here is a perfect example of why an AAC app needs to be on a separate iPad from the “fun stuff”. Last week one of my patients earned 5 minutes of play time at the end of a session. We had already done a full session of aided language input and practice in using the TouchChat with WordPower AAC app. But I did not turn that off when I got out my secondary iPad with all the fun game apps… I always leave a “talker” out and available. This patient chose a basketball game and was having a blast shooting virtual hoops. But the true magic happened next. The game app has a variety of vehicles that go by on the street in the background. To be honest I hadn’t even noticed that they were there. He got so excited and spontaneously activated “groups” -> “vehicles” -> and then found the button for the vehicle that had just gone by in the app. It was fun to watch him go back and forth between shooting hoops and commenting on vehicles. I modeled use of social comments “sweet” & “awesome” when he made a great shot. If I only had one iPad, he would not have had the opportunity for this spontaneous language experience.
I just checked and the game app that we used is still currently FREE:
Streetball Game by Rodrigo Schmitt de Andrade https://appsto.re/us/Vv80bb.i
(Updated 7/26/22: Unfortunately that particular Streetball basketball app has disappeared from the App Store. But it was just an example. There are lots of apps that a child would enjoy talking about on their AAC device while playing)
{FYI… yes this patient has his own NovaChat AAC device. Unfortunately the charging port is damaged so it has been shipped back for repairs. Glad I have TouchChat set up with the same pageset so we can continue to practice AAC use while his talker is being fixed during his inpatient admission at the hospital where I work as a SLP}
I was excited to have the opportunity to test the upgraded version of the Bluebee Pals. I’ve been using them since April 2015 (see this post: http://bit.ly/2aAAsqO). Always fun to watch products evolve over time. Here’s what I love about the new Bluebee Pals Pros:
They are slightly larger, slightly heavier & fluffier
The sound output is louder with more noticeable mouth movement
The Bluebee Pal Pro tells you to connect it via Bluetooth, provides verbal feedback when it is connected and tells you when it needs to be charged
The process of connecting it to a device via Bluetooth is easier than before
The only slight glitch I noticed is that part of the word was left off when using it with an AAC app but this appeared to resolve after the first couple of activations. When doing a side-by-side comparison of the original and new Bluebee Pals, this was less noticeable with the new version.
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The company continues to be dedicated to getting Bluebee Pals into the hands of professionals working with kids with special needs. They have generously donated numerous Bluebee Pals to teachers, SLPs, OTs, etc… Check out their Bluebee Pals Ambassador program:
{App Review} Looking for an affordable way to access Mayer-Johnson PCS symbols to make communication boards, PECS symbols or visual supports? Tools2Talk+ is a brand new app designed by SLPs from Scope. Create communication aids with PCS symbols, Compic symbols or your own photos. There are nearly 100 different page layouts options available, including 81 grids and 14 templates. Print or share via email. Use “chat mode” to have a button spoken with one of the text to speech iOS voices.
Key Features:
Over 20,000 PCS symbols (PCS Classic & PCS ThinLine)
Over 1,500 Compic symbols
Add your own images to cells via the iPad camera or images saved on your Camera Roll
Use the boards on your iPad with text to speech via iOS Voices with adjustable rate in Chat Mode
Print boards
Email boards in PDF
Customize cell color, cell font, page background color and more. Love the option to set a default font, font size & font color!
Undo/Redo options to fix mistakes quickly
Edit multiple cells at the same time (love this feature!)
Change the board configuration in edit mode
Drag and drop cells to different positions on the board
Easily navigate using the dropdown menu in chat mode
Special intro pricing: $47.99 (USA App Store) – pricing varies in other countries based on the exchange rate. An affordable option to get access to PCS symbols compared to the subscription rate for Boardmaker Online (starts at $99 per year) or Boardmaker software (starts at $399).
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Tip: Want to use a PCS symbol in one of your other AAC apps? Use this app. Make a 1×1 template, add the PCS symbol you want and delete the label text. Then take a screenshot on your iPad. It will save it to your Camera Roll. Crop that pic and then import it from your camera roll into most AAC apps. Some AAC apps do best with a square pic so I usually crop my pics accordingly.
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I’m LOVING this app as a way to finally be able to make printable communication boards, PECS & visual supports with the PCS symbols many of my patients are accustomed to without having to sit at a computer or pay for an online subscription!Ā While this app is not as full featured as the Boardmaker software I use on a computer, it’s the perfect solution when I want to make a few simple things while sitting in the comfy spot on my sofa in the evening or in the middle of a session where I have my iPad but don’t have access to a computer. Seriously cool to be able to create a simple visual support with parent input in the middle of a session and e-mail it to the parent right there. I even used the app to quickly make some minimal contrast pairs in the middle of a session and then used them in chat mode on my iPad with that patient. A busy SLP’s dream come true!
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Video with a few tips:
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I have just a few wishes for a future app update to make the app even better:
add a freestyle option where buttons of various sizes can be placed anywhere on the page rather than being limited to a grid. I have a patient with limited hand mobility that I want to try symbols in an arch with an empty spot for her hand to rest underneath. It would be awesome to create this type of configuration in this app!
make the symbol search more efficient. For example, when I searched for the pronoun “I” it was not at the top of the list…. had to scroll down pretty far to find it. I also noticed a few instances where a particular symbol did not come up as available in a search by the whole word but then did when just the first couple of letters were entered.
make the spoken text automatically adjust when editing the symbol on a button. I found that it still spoke whatever the original symbol text was. I was able to fix it by then editing the spoken text but it would be nice to not have to do that extra step.
add option to create specific size symbols. I often make 1.5″ x 1.5″ or 2″ x 2″ symbols for PECS books. It would be great to know what size symbols are being made in this app when I will be printing them.
include the PCS High Contrast symbol library.
add templates for overlays for common mid-tech AAC devices. For example, we still use various sizes of the GoTalk AAC devices at the hospital where I work so it would be cool to be make paper overlays for those.
FYI… the previous version of this app that contained SymbolStix symbols is no longer available in the App Store. If you have that app be sure to back up your iPad with iTunes on your computer so you will still have it in the event of the app being deleted or your iPad having to be restored to factory settings.
UPDATE: If you previously purchased the original app and then lost it because it was not installed on your iPad at the time the app was removed from the App Store, please contact the company at the e-mail address (circ@scopevic.org.au)Ā listed in this comment on their Facebook page on 10/10/16:
. Disclaimer: I received this app via a promo code from the developer. No compensation was received to review it and my opinions are strictly my own.
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