Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP. Over 36 years experience in AAC. OMazing Kids AAC and app consulting. Creator of several AAC Feature Matching resources (https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links/). Includes info about unique features to support Gestalt Language Processors
Info about all three Feature Matching Resources for AAC Apps (comparing features in AAC apps) + TPT bundle and multiple license discounts: https://bit.ly/3aacFeatureMatchingResources
There is no “one size fits all” to anything about AAC and many individuals will need to use a variety of options (non tech, mid tech, high tech (SGDs, apps on an iPad or iPhone or other tablet or phone), sign language, gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, segments of videos for gestalts, handwriting, etc…) as part of a multimodal system to support communication across environments and situations.
An AAC app is often part of a successful multimodal AAC system. While there isn’t any “perfect” AAC app there are features in these apps that might make some a better “fit” over other options.
It’s similar to taking a test drive to find a form of transportation that you like and meets your needs at that point in your life. All cars have an engine, tires and seats. Your first car may have been very basic transportation. But think about your dream vehicle. What features would it have? Why would you choose it over a different option? Older individuals might prioritize safety features. A teen or single young adult might prioritize the “look” / how “cool” it is. A family with young children might prioritize how many car seats can fit and storage. Others might prioritize fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. You might ride a bike, subway, train, take an Uber ride, take a ferry, paddle in a canoe, etc. None of these is necessarily “better” than another or the “best” form of transportation. The “best” option is the one that meets the needs of that individual in that situation.
This new FREE handout includes info about how SLPs / SLTs and other AAC professionals can get access to over 25 robust and unique AAC apps or software for iOS, Android, Amazon Fire and Windows.
Important Considerations:
* When available, please try the free version/free trial to take a look at an app before requesting an app code. App codes are limited and are intended for SLPs who do AAC evals frequently and need quick ongoing access during evaluations, feature matching & trial of options.
* The official process for requesting a code was verified for inclusion in each of these handouts and the feature matching charts.
* These app codes are typically NOT compatible with a mobile device management also known as a MDM-managed device. They require a standard non-managed Apple ID.
* Most app developers will ask for info regarding your role in AAC evals, how many you do in a year, where you are located, type of setting you work in, etc. to substantiate the need. It is likely that those working in a non-profit setting or school or specific geographic areas may be prioritized. App developers receive a very limited number of codes per app release or update so there will likely be waiting lists.
* Codes do expire so please make sure to redeem it immediately so it’s not wasted.
* When needing switch scanning as a method of access, be sure to also consider traditional SGDs that have built in switch ports that will likely provide a more reliable means of access. When exploring switch access on an iPad, it is important to try out any options (switches, switch interface, iOS Accessibility) being considered to insure that they will work for that particular user and within that particular AAC app. Seating, positioning and identification of the best type of switches and optimal switch sites are crucial for AAC users to be successful with this method of access. Please collaborate with that user’s PT, OT and/or AT specialist.
For those who only have an occasional need, please consider alternative means of trying that app:
* Another option in the USA is to contact your state’s AT Lending Program. They will likely have iPads with AAC apps available for short term loan.
Want in-depth up to date info about the features in these apps? Check out “Five Feature Matching Resources for AAC Apps (comparing features in AAC apps) + several videos comparing AAC apps across platforms (iPad, Android, Amazon Fire, Windows)”: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. The chart for iOS symbol-based AAC apps includes a free supplemental handout “Unique Features in Symbol-Based AAC Apps to Support Gestalt Language Processors”.
Info about all three Feature Matching Resources for AAC Apps (comparing features in AAC apps) + TPT bundle and multiple license discounts: https://bit.ly/3aacFeatureMatchingResources
Info about all three Feature Matching Resources for AAC Apps (comparing features in AAC apps) + TPT bundle and multiple license discounts:https://bit.ly/3aacFeatureMatchingResources
Info about all three Feature Matching Resources for AAC Apps (comparing features in AAC apps) + TPT bundle and multiple license discounts: https://bit.ly/3aacFeatureMatchingResources
Watch the TPT preview video where I’m viewing the PDF on my iPad in the free Xodo app. You’ll get a feel for how much info will be at your fingertips in this chart. There are 85 rows in the chart. But it’s super easy to use the “search” option to find what you want quickly.
This resource includes an in-depth comparison of features & support resources across the most commonly used 13 iOS text-based AAC apps:
Inclusion in the “Top 13” is based on features, long term availability of apps by that developer in the App Store, good history of that app developer updating apps, no subscription required or having a 1x purchase alternative, having patients who benefited from using the app, gathering data from app recommendations from SLPs who have expertise in AAC, etc. and then distilling all that info into one PDF. You can search to find exactly what you’re looking for and can copy wording from this chart and paste it into your AAC reports to save time.
** All info is comprehensive, 100% up to date and verified by app developers **
I will be maintaining and updating this chart to help meet the need for current and comprehensive info to be used in feature matching.
Includes info about features in these particular apps that may be helpful as folks are exploring ways to modify AAC for Gestalt Language Processors.
This product includes free access to 13 unlisted YouTube videos where I highlight some of the most unique features in each app as well as a few other more in-depth videos related to specific features
A link to the Alternative Printable Version can be found at the very bottom left corner within this PDF. That will allow you access to a separate PDF that can be downloaded and is formatted for printing. The link to that changes every month as I update this resource.
See the full description on TPT for more important info.
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Have questions? The best way to reach me with any questions is via messaging on the OMazing Kids Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/. That way AAC related messages don’t get lost among the spam in my e-mail.
This resource now includes the following AAC apps:
Avaz AAC – Lifetime Edition
Clicker Communicator: AAC
CoughDrop
GoTalk Now / GoTalk Now Plus
Grid for iPad VPP
LAMP Words for Life
Niki Talk 2 Pro
Proloquo2Go
Speak for Yourself
Talk Suite Pro
TD Snap AAC (formerly known as Snap Core First)
TouchChat HD with WordPower
What’s new:
Niki Talk 2 Pro has been added as the 12th app in the chart
The chart now has 105 rows with in-depth up to date info about features in the top 12 iOS symbol-based AAC apps
Includes a handout that I created listing the 27 languages have a translation + at least one voice in the iOS version of the CoughDrop AAC app
Includes links to 12 separate “quick look” unlisted YouTube videos showing an overview of the unique features in each of the apps as well as several other more in-depth videos related to specific features
Includes info about any new features added in the apps since 12/4/21
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As of 4/15/22, the symbol-based feature matching resource now includes a supplemental handout “Unique Features in Symbol-Based AAC Apps to Support Gestalt Language Processors”. That handout includes info related to all 12 apps + additional info about features in 8 free and affordable symbol-based AAC apps (mainly iOS, some Android and a couple of Window) priced $2.99 or less. This supplemental handout is exclusive content that is only available as part of this resource.
See a preview of the new supplemental handout: Unique Features in Symbol-Based AAC Apps to Support Gestalt Language Processors
Preview:
Updated 4/15/21
Thanks SO much to Lauren S. Enders for this shout out for my AAC Feature Matching Chart in her presentation on 6/24/21 at AAC in the Cloud! See the whole presentation and get her handouts for “Personalizing AAC – A Deep Dive into Vocabulary Customization”: https://presenters.aacconference.com/videos/UVRRd1FUSXg=?. Be sure to also check out her Waklet with links to resources: https://wke.lt/w/s/7ldtJE.
Thanks Vicki Clarke / Dynamic Therapy Associates Inc (aacchicks)! The shoutout for the AAC feature matching chart in your IG Stories on 7/20/21 made my day 🥰
See the awesome reviews for it on TPT. Thanks to everyone who has written a review and helped spread the word about this resource 😊
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 