Tag Archives: compare AAC apps

Sign Language Symbols, Videos & GIFs in AAC Apps

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Did you know that several AAC apps have a way to add sign language symbols and some have a way to play an ASL video or GIF? It’s cool to have these options to meet very unique needs.

As with anything that I share… there is no “one size fits all” to AAC. Some individuals may prefer just to sign and might use text messaging or hand writing when communicating with those who don’t know sign language. For those who want to use AAC, some users may prefer the regular symbols in that AAC system, some may prefer text-based AAC, some may prefer that ASL letter symbols be added to a keyboard, some may prefer GIFs or videos of signs, some may prefer static pics of signs, some may prefer a combination of options, etc…

So it is very important to include that individual in deciding what may be helpful for them.

This post is purely just to share info about options. I’m in the unique position of having access not just to almost every AAC app but also various extra symbol sets within them. I feel compelled to share info about what I’m able to find in these apps since that often isn’t fully documented in the description in the App Store or on the various companies’ websites.

Note: Most apps allow you to import pics from your Camera Roll. I often take a screenshot of a symbol that I may need and use it in another app. Most AAC apps also offer a way for folks to share things that they have customized directly with another person via AirDrop, email, DropBox, Google Drive, etc…

My focus in this post is on AAC apps that offer sign language symbols as part of their built in (or an add on) symbol library or offer a way to play ASL videos or GIFs and/or offer a way to download premade boards from a website or public online sharing area. This post is primarily about iOS apps but a few are available on other platforms (Android and/or Windows)

AAC apps are constantly changing as new features are added. The info was accurate at the time of this post. I may occasionally update it in the future.

Avaz AAC

I did not notice any sign language symbols when editing in the iOS or Android versions of this app. This seemed odd since I know that other apps that use SymbolStix have some. But the way that you have to tap to see individual symbols vs. being able to scroll through a large list made it more time consuming to look. So it’s possible that I just didn’t find them. The keyboard buttons are not editable and this app doesn’t offer a way to link a button to play an ASL video saved on that device.

Clicker Communicator

SymbolStix sign language symbols in the SymbolStix version of Clicker Communicator
PCS Sign Language symbols in the PCS version of Clicker Communicator

Sign language symbols are available when editing but neither seemed to be as complete of a library as I had seen in other apps that use these symbol sets. I did not find anything in their Learning Grids sharing area related to ASL or sign language. The keyboard buttons are not editable and this app doesn’t offer a way to link a button to play an ASL video saved on that device.

CoughDrop AAC

GIPHY ASL sign GIFs in CoughDrop

CoughDrop can be used on almost any device on almost any platform. It has a unique built in option to include GIPHY ASL sign GIFs when searching for symbols while editing. You can search out in their Find a Board area to see examples of how other folks have used this: https://app.mycoughdrop.com/search/any/ASL. I found it visually overstimulating to have several ASL GIF videos playing simultaneously on a page so please keep that in mind when considering this option.

LessonPix ASL symbols can be made available in CoughDrop by linking your account
LessonPix ASL symbols

You can link your LessonPix account to be able to use their ASL symbols within this app: https://lessonpix.com/clipart/355/ASL

SymbolStix sign language symbols in CoughDrop
The keyboard in CoughDrop is editable. I didn’t find a premade keyboard with ASL symbols but I was able to create one and then link it to be used in my board set. I’m still working on the “numbers” page. This took some time to create and some trial and error to figure out so it’s likely best suited for those who are familiar with the CoughDrop interface.

For those who purchase the SymbolStix add-on that allows SymbolStix sign language symbols to be available when editing. What’s interesting is the PCS symbol add-on did not appear to include PCS Sign Language symbols. I searched for several but didn’t find them. It’s possible that I might have overlooked them. The keyboard page is editable. This app doesn’t offer a way to link a button to play an ASL video saved on that device.

GoTalk Now Plus

SymbolStix sign language symbols in GoTalk Now Plus

GoTalk Now Plus includes the SymbolStix symbol library. When editing this includes access to the SymbolStix sign language symbols. This app offers several different PCS symbol add-ons but PCS Sign Language symbols isn’t one of the options. They also offer a METACOM symbols add-on but I don’t have that so I don’t know whether or not that includes the METACOM sign language symbols.

GoTalk Now allows multiple images on a button. That allows use of a sign language symbol to be paired with a photo or other symbol.

GoTalk Now Plus is unique in allowing you to have several symbols and/or photos on one button. You can program the button to play a video stored on that iPad. This would allow you to link buttons to sign language video clips. Sign language GIFs could be use if those were converted into videos. This iPad-only app uses the iOS device keyboard. Unfortunately I haven’t found an iOS alternative keyboard that is still available that offers the ASL alphabet symbols on the keys.

Grid for iPad / Grid 3

SymbolStix sign language symbols in Grid for iPad (would also be available in Grid 3 on Windows devices)

The SymbolStix library includes the SymbolStix sign language symbols when editing. This app also has PCS symbols but that didn’t appear to include the PCS Sign Language symbols.

ASL Letter Explorer & Text Writer grid set available for download from the Smartbox Online Grids sharing area. This pic shows is with text only word prediction.
ASL Letter Explorer & Text Writer grid set available for download from the Smartbox Online Grids sharing area. This pic shows is with symbol supported word prediction. I edited to change the font & font size to allow the symbols to be large enough to be recognizable.

I searched the Online Grids sharing area and found an ASL Letter Explorer & Text Writer grid set available for download: https://grids.thinksmartbox.com/en/tt-9/98e8ea32-146c-4554-b482-3988248bf294. It is in QWERTY layout and includes word prediction. I adjusted the settings to just have text show up on the word prediction. If you want to have symbol supported word prediction you will need to adjust the font size and type of symbols to allow the symbols to be large enough to be recognizable.

Grid 3 on a Windows device supports use of a button command to play a video saved on that device and there is a Music and Videos grid set available for download from Online Grids. But I haven’t figured out whether or not it’s possible to program a button in one of the symbol-based AAC grid sets to pop up to play a video and then snap back to that page (vs. having it navigate to the separate Music and Videos grid set). The ability to do that would be helpful for being able to link an ASL sign language video to a specific button in an AAC grid set (like I was able to do in GoTalk Now, TouchChat with WordPower & Niki Talk 2 Pro). I’ll update this section if I figure out a way to do this. Unfortunately playing a video isn’t available as an option on Grid for iPad.

LAMP Words for Life

This iPad-only app has its own multi-meaning symbols that are an integral part of the design. It doesn’t include sign language symbols and doesn’t offer a way to link a button to play an ASL video saved on that device. LAMP Words for Life is also available on the company’s SGDs. It is been quite awhile since I’ve used one of those so I’m not sure if it would offer any features related to this.

Niki Talk 2 Pro

This app uses ARASAAC symbols & Les Pictogrammes symbols. I didn’t see sign language symbols in either within the app. But the app does offer the option to program a button to play a video from the iPad Camera Roll. This would allow you to link a button to play an ASL video. This iPad-only app uses the iOS device keyboard. Unfortunately I haven’t found an iOS alternative keyboard that is still available that offers the ASL alphabet symbols on the keys.

Proloquo

Although this iOS Universal app uses SymbolStix I didn’t find SymbolStix sign language symbols when editing. It doesn’t offer a way to link a button to play an ASL video saved on that device.

Proloquo2Go

SymbolStix sign language symbols in Proloquo2Go

The SymbolStix library includes the SymbolStix sign language symbols when editing. The keyboard area is not editable. This iOS Universal app can also use the iOS device keyboard but I haven’t found an iOS alternative keyboard that is still available that offers the ASL alphabet symbols on the keys. It doesn’t offer a way to link a button to play an ASL video saved on that device.

simPODD

Although this iPad-only app uses SymbolStix I didn’t find SymbolStix sign language symbols when editing. It doesn’t offer a way to link a button to play an ASL video saved on that device.

Speak for Yourself

This app uses Smarty Symbols. I didn’t see any sign language symbols included in that library. It doesn’t offer a way to link a button to play an ASL video saved on that device. This iOS Universal app uses the iOS device keyboard. Unfortunately I haven’t found an iOS alternative keyboard that is still available that offers the ASL alphabet symbols on the keys.

Talk Suite Pro

This app uses their own unique Persona symbols. I didn’t see any sign language symbols included in that library. It doesn’t offer a way to link a button to play an ASL video saved on that device. The app’s keyboard can’t be edited to add ASL symbols. This iPad-only app also uses the iOS device keyboard. Unfortunately I haven’t found an iOS alternative keyboard that is still available that offers the ASL alphabet symbols on the keys.

TD Snap AAC

Sign language symbols in TD Snap

This app is available for the iPad and Windows devices. When editing you can have access to the PCS Sign Language symbol library. These appear to be a mix of American Sign Language and Signed Exact English symbols. You’ll need to make sure you have downloaded it and you can drag it to the top of the symbols list if you want to prioritize those symbols coming up first in a search. They also offer METACOM symbols as an add-on via in-app purchase. That includes sign language symbols. I wasn’t able to find details about these but METACOM symbols were designed in and are primarily used in Germany so these might be German Sign Language.

I checked all of the various pagesets including the add-ones for PODD and Gateway. The PCS Sign Language symbols and METACOM symbols (if purchased) were available when editing regardless of the pageset.

Neither version of TD Snap offers a way to link a button to play an ASL video saved on that device.

METACOM & PCS Sign Language symbols are available in TD Snap

When I searched on Pageset Central these two things came up that folks created with sign language symbols and shared:

Eli’s ASL Pageset that can be downloaded from Pageset Central for use in TD Snap
Eli’s ASL Pageset has an Alphabet and Numbers page with ASL symbols on the buttons

It includes an Alphabet and Numbers page with ASL symbols on the buttons. The Keyboard is a regular QWERTY keyboard.

Eli’s ASL Pageset: http://bit.ly/40cUvRW

Core Words ASL pageset that can be downloaded from Pageset Central for use in TD Snap

Core Words ASL (just a page… not a full Pageset. So I imported it and added it within Eli’s ASL Pageset): http://bit.ly/3RjXmo1

TouchChat with WordPower

TouchChat with WordPower – Spelling Sign Language pageset
TouchChat with WordPower – American Sign Language SymbolStix symbols
TouchChat with WordPower – Australian Sign Language SymbolStix symbols

When editing this iOS Universal app you’ll have access to two different sign language SymbolStix symbol libraries: American Sign Language & Australian Sign Language.

They have a “Spelling Sign Language” page set available for free download from their website: https://touchchatapp.com/non-standard-vocabs#SpellingSignLanguage

TouchChat with WordPower also offers the option to link a button to play a video stored on that device. This video shows that being used to play an ASL sign language video. For multiple meaning words with different signs depending on the context you could link to a page that provides a button for each.

The same pageset options may be available in the company’s line of SGDs but it has been awhile since I’ve used those so I don’t know how the features may vary on those.

Twinkl Symbols for AAC

Twinkl Symbols for AAC app includes British Sign Language symbols

Twinkl Symbols for AAC is an iOS Universal app that includes British Sign Language symbols (BSL). The Type 2 Talk keyboard area in this app uses the iOS device keyboard. Unfortunately I haven’t found an iOS alternative keyboard that is still available that offers the ASL alphabet symbols on the keys.

Other Options

ALICE with ASL & Text

ALICE with ASL & Text app

Pre-recorded content is available in spoken English with ASL or English subtitles allowing users to choose the communication mode they feel most comfortable with. It’s easy for users to find their desired messages quickly with the organized and categorized library of content and search function. The app includes over 30 common general and medical phrases with interactive responses – over 130 unique videos are included in this app. Users choose a phrase they want to communicate and play the video for the other person. Depending on the video content, either person can choose a response. Some additional communication may be prompted via other means – paper/pen, speaking or gesturing. More info: https://access.llc/alice-app/. ALICE with ASL & Text, https://apps.apple.com/app/id1467049575 (iOS Universal)

I did a screen recording of the introduction within the app since I couldn’t find any videos of it online:

MyChoicePad2

MyChoicePad2 app with Makaton sign language symbols

I don’t have a subscription for the MyChoicePad2 app since Makaton symbols aren’t really used here in the USA. But I wanted to include this in this post for those in the UK and other countries where it is used. It appears to be for very basic choice making. See their website for info: https://www.mychoicepad.com/read-our-stories/mychoicepad2-a-new-fresh-app-for-2021-10-year-anniversary/. Info about Makaton: https://makaton.org/TMC/About_Makaton/TMC/AboutMakaton.aspx?

Sign2TXT

Sadly the Sign2TXT app is no longer available

Unfortunately the unique Sign2TXT AAC app with sign language symbols by Angie Craft (https://appsto.re/us/NJMz0.i) disappeared from the App Store a few years ago (even gone from the Purchased area). See the website for more info: http://www.handcraftedasl.com/sign2txt/. You can also see it archived on AppAdvice: https://appadvice.com/app/sign2txt/879126759. I had a couple of Deaf students/patients/clients who did really well with that app. The ability to search for signs by hand shape was very unique. I’m including it in this post in the hopes that the app eventually returns or that this might inspire another app developer to create something or existing app developers to add similar capabilities to their AAC apps.

On Social Media

TheSigningSLP is a great account to follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesigningslp

Related Resources

Contact Info

Have a question, found a broken link or know of another AAC option that includes sign language symbols or can support use of ASL videos or GIFs? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

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Updated 12/23/22: Feature Matching Chart for the Top 13 iOS Text-Based AAC Apps

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The Feature Matching Chart for the Top 13 iOS Text-Based AAC Apps has been updated.

Those who have previously purchased it on TPT can download the most current version for no additional cost: https://bit.ly/TextBasedAACapps.

Ko-fi recurring monthly subscribers can find the download link on today’s post: https://ko-fi.com/post/Updated-12-23-22-Text-Based-AAC-Feature-Matching-C-Q5Q5H9777 or the pinned post: https://ko-fi.com/Post/Links-to-posts-about-most-current-feature-matching-F1F5C9DMD.

More info about this and other resources to compare features in AAC apps can be found on this post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources

Have questions? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

Updated Resource: Feature Matching Chart for the Top 12 Robust iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps (12/7/22)

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The Feature Matching Chart for the Top 12 Robust iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps has been updated.

Those who have previously purchased it on TPT can download the most current version for no additional cost: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feature-Matching-Chart-for-the-Top-12-Robust-iOS-Symbol-Based-AAC-Apps-6867853.

Ko-fi recurring monthly subscribers can find the download link on today’s post: https://ko-fi.com/post/12-7-22-Updated-iOS-Symbol-Based-AAC-Feature-Match-U7U2GVW7H or or the pinned post: https://ko-fi.com/Post/Links-to-posts-about-most-current-feature-matching-F1F5C9DMD.

More info about this and other resources to compare features in AAC apps can be found on this post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources

Have questions? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

Updated resource: Feature Matching Chart for Robust Android AAC Apps (Google Play & Amazon Fire) – 12/3/22

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Updated resource: Feature Matching Chart for Robust Android AAC Apps (Google Play & Amazon Fire).

Those who have previously purchased it on TPT can download the most current version for no additional cost: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feature-Matching-Chart-for-Robust-Android-AAC-Apps-Google-Play-Amazon-Fire-8400299.

Ko-fi recurring monthly subscribers can find the download link on today’s post: https://ko-fi.com/post/Updated-Robust-Android-AAC-Apps-Feature-Matching-C-G2G3GSLVD or on the pinned post: https://ko-fi.com/Post/Links-to-posts-about-most-current-feature-matching-F1F5C9DMD

Have questions? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

Basic Feature Chart for Affordable and Free AAC Apps (updated 11-24-22)

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Updated resource: Basic Feature Chart for Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps (iOS, Android Google Play, Amazon Fire, Windows + a few Web-Based options).

Those who have previously purchased it on TPT can download the most current version for no additional cost: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Basic-Feature-Chart-for-Affordable-and-Free-AAC-apps-AAC-Related-Apps-8327157.

Ko-fi recurring monthly subscribers can find the download link on today’s post: https://ko-fi.com/post/Updated-112422-Basic-Feature-Chart-for-Affordab-V7V4GM7G9 or on the pinned post: https://ko-fi.com/Post/Links-to-posts-about-most-current-feature-matching-F1F5C9DMD

More info about this and other resources to compare features in AAC apps can be found on this post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

Updated Feature Matching Chart for the Top 13 iOS Text-Based AAC Apps (11/22/22)

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This resource has been updated. The PAROL+ app was removed since it has totally disappeared from the App Store. The HandySpeech app was added in its place. I get pretty frequent requests for info about handwriting-to-text-to-speech AAC so it made sense to add this app. The SayIt! Easy AAC app changed to a “freenium” pricing model. So if you already had this app be sure to tap “Restore Purchases” to get full access without having to pay a subscription or be charged for the much higher app price.

Those who have previously purchased it on TPT can download the most current version for no additional cost: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feature-Matching-Chart-for-the-Top-13-iOS-Text-Based-AAC-Apps-7740844

Ko-fi recurring monthly subscribers can find the download link on today’s post: https://ko-fi.com/post/Updated-Text-Based-AAC-Feature-Matching-Chart-11-V7V8GJZM9 or on the pinned post: https://ko-fi.com/Post/Links-to-posts-about-most-current-feature-matching-F1F5C9DMD

More info about this and other resources to compare features in AAC apps can be found on this post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

AAC Apps and Features At-a-Glance (Single Page Handouts)

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New Resource: AAC Apps and Features At-a-Glance (Single Page Handouts). https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/AAC-Apps-and-Features-At-a-Glance-Single-Page-Handouts-8799502

TPT preview video:

This 90 page PDF resource was inspired by the numerous requests that I’ve received for simple “at a glance” info about features in AAC apps and single page handouts that could be used with parents, caregivers and anyone involved in the AAC decision making process.

Table of Contents:

A Preview Sample PDF is available for this resource on TPT. It includes the Table of Contents and a few sample pages.

This resource includes:

• A hyperlinked Table of Contents to jump straight to a page. Tap in the top left corner to jump back to the Table of Contents (when being used digitally)

• 11 Features At-a-Glance Handouts

• 36 AAC App Summary At-a-Glance Handouts (see Table of Contents for a list)

• 12 Gestalt Language Processing & AAC Handouts

• 4 Just-a-List Lists of Free AAC apps Handouts

• 2 unlisted videos (5 min demo of how to view 2 pages side-by-side using Split View & a 20 min Resource Overview)

• Links to additional resources

• How to contact me with questions (includes my email address exclusive to TPT)

These will be helpful on either side of an AAC evaluation that involves feature matching and trials of a few options:

• Beforehand to help simplify the process of knowing which apps and/or features you might want to consider during an AAC eval

• Afterwards to place at-a-glance sheets side by side as a reminder of apps that were included in the trials and help simplify the process of deciding which ones warrant a longer term trial or which one might be selected for submission in a funding request.

• These can also be helpful during the feature matching process to help provide simple explanations about some of the features and why they might be important.

It would be impossible to include all of the features in a particular AAC app on a single page handout. These are just “highlights”. These handouts should be used alongside (not instead of) in-depth up to date feature matching resources.

This resource is optimized for both printed and digital use:

Printed:

• Print a single page first to see if you need to choose “shrink to fit” on your printer. Print pages and place them side-by-side to compare features or apps.

• In order to keep the aesthetic of single page handouts the pages are not numbered. If you want to add page numbers, either write them or use a PDF editing app to add them.

Digital:

• The Table of Contents has hyperlinks to tap a page number to jump straight to that page. Tap the top left corner on any page to return to the Table of Contents.

• There a few other underlined hyperlinks in this resource to take you straight to additional information. I purposefully did not include App Store links since those can vary by country and aren’t always redirected.

• There are several options to view two pages side-by-side to compare features or apps:

• Use two iPads or tablets or open on two windows on a laptop.

• On iPadOS 13.0 or later, save the PDF in two different PDF viewer apps and use Split View to view them. The demo video included in the resource shows how.

• The PDF Expert and GoodNotes 5 apps offer a way to view two documents side-by-side within that one app

Looking for in-depth info about features AAC apps? Check out these resources:

• iOS Symbol-Based: https://bit.ly/SymbolBasedAACapps

• iOS Text-Based: https://bit.ly/TextBasedAACapps

• Visual Scenes & Video Visual Scenes: https://bit.ly/AACvsd

• AAC Feature Matching Resource Bundle (includes all three, save 10%): https://bit.ly/aacFeatureMatchingBundle. If you are looking to purchase resources for several staff / team members, take a look at the Multiple Licenses discount (saves 20%)

• Robust Android AAC Apps (Google Play & Amazon Fire): https://bit.ly/RobustAndroidAACappChart

• Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps (iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Windows & a few web-based options): https://bit.ly/BasicAffordableAACchart

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.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

Visual Tools for Prioritizing AAC Features

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Visual Tools for Prioritizing AAC Features. Available on my TPT Store: https://bit.ly/VisualToolsAAC

This 42 page PDF includes visuals and worksheets to be used as tools when prioritizing the features needed most in an AAC app for that individual.

TPT Preview video:

AAC app features are prioritized using the following scale:

• Critical: Features that an AAC app MUST have in order to be of any use for this individual

• Important: Features that an AAC app needs to have in order for it to be of much use for this individual

• Nice to Have: Features that would be beneficial but not essential for that individual

• Optional: Features that wouldn’t necessarily benefit the individual right now

• Not Needed: Features that are not needed for this individual now or in the foreseeable future

The following visual tools and worksheets are included:

• Relevant Info About the AAC User worksheet

• Priority Levels handout

• 25 Priority Tokens (a page with 25 token, 5 for each priority level)

• 5 Priority Brainstorming worksheets (5 pages, 1 for each priority level)

• 42 Feature Comparison Cards (40 features + 2 blank cards, 2 per page. Includes cards for several features that might be uniquely helpful for Gestalt Language Processors)

• Ideas for Use handout (including suggestions to facilitate participation of the AAC user in the decision making process)

Bonus Content: An alternative version with 4 pages per sheet is included as Bonus Content in this resource for those who want an easy way to print smaller cards.

Ideas for Use:

• Print, cut out & laminate to create a reusable tool. Write on it with a fine tip dry erase marker. The priority token can just be laid on a card or you could use Velcro.

• Print in black/white or grayscale, cut out and use as worksheets to write on. Use a glue stick to attach the priority token to each card.

• The last two cards are blank to use for any additional features that may be significant for that individual AAC user.

• Etc…

This resource was designed to be printable. If you want to use it digitally you can save the PDF on an iPad or tablet and annotate it in the free Xodo or iLovePDF apps or another PDF app of your choice. Note: The priority tokens are NOT moveable when the PDF is viewed. Instead I would annotate the priority level on the cards.

Other resources available:

• Navigating Through AAC App Options (Webinar + Interactive Handout): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Navigating-Through-AAC-App-Options-Webinar-Interactive-Handout-8446159

• AAC Test Drive: Device and App Comparison Worksheet: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/AAC-Test-Drive-Device-and-App-Comparison-Worksheet-8213870

Looking for in-depth info about features AAC apps? Check out these resources:

• iOS Symbol-Based: https://bit.ly/SymbolBasedAACapps

• iOS Text-Based: https://bit.ly/TextBasedAACapps

• Visual Scenes & Video Visual Scenes: https://bit.ly/AACvsd

• AAC Feature Matching Resource Bundle (includes all three, save 10%): https://bit.ly/aacFeatureMatchingBundle. If you are looking to purchase resources for several staff / team members, take a look at the Multiple Licenses discount (saves 20%)

• Robust Android AAC Apps (Google Play & Amazon Fire): https://bit.ly/RobustAndroidAACappChart

• Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps (iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Windows & a few web-based options): https://bit.ly/BasicAffordableAACchart

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.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

Symbol-Based AAC Feature Matching Resource (updated 10/30/22)

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The Feature Matching Chart for the Top 12 Robust iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps has been updated to add new rows related to the new iOS 16/iPadOS 16 child and adult voices, use of Google Maps to communicate, apps that can be used in Split View, updated features in these apps over the past month, etc…

Those who have previously purchased it on TPT can download the most current version for no additional cost: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feature-Matching-Chart-for-the-Top-12-Robust-iOS-Symbol-Based-AAC-Apps-6867853

Ko-fi recurring monthly subscribers can find the download link on today’s post: https://ko-fi.com/post/Updated-Symbol-Based-AAC-Feature-Matching-Chart-1-H2H1G23H0 or the pinned post: https://ko-fi.com/Post/Links-to-posts-about-most-current-feature-matching-F1F5C9DMD

More info about this and other resources to compare features in AAC apps can be found on this post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

Gestalt Language Processing & Using Google Maps to Communicate (including Split View and AAC)

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Jennifer from N of 1 recently shared a story in a Facebook group about how a child used Google Maps to communicate. Mind blown 🤯 I had several students/patients/clients who LOVED maps, addresses, countries and flags. At the time I knew that those served a purpose for self-regulation and pleasure. It makes my heart sad though to think that I may have missed communication via what they were looking up on Google Maps or Google Earth. There are definitely times I wish I had a time portal to go back with knowledge that I have now.

Read the story by Faithmummy. I LOVE her posts and have followed her page for years. Somehow I either missed this when it was written in 2016 or don’t remember it: https://themighty.com/topic/autism-spectrum-disorder/autism-son-uses-google-street-view-maps-communicate

After sharing this on my OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook page and subsequent shares on other pages and groups, I’ve seen LOTS of parents & SLPs share stories about their kids doing this to communicate very specific things. Totally amazing!

This got me digging through all of my AAC apps to see which ones either have a button action or opening a website URL to allow Google Maps to be opened within the app and/or that app supports use of Split View or Slide Over to allow this. If you have a specific model of iPad Pro or iPad Air with M1 chip you might also be able to use other multitasking options in Stage Manager (my iPad Pro 9.7” is still on iOS 10.3 so that’s too old for the most current versions of most AAC apps or to use Stage Manager)

  • CoughDrop (in the app: via URL; used in Safari browser: could also use Split Screen)
  • Dialogue AAC (specific button action for this or via Split Screen)
  • GoTalk Now (via URL)
  • LAMP Words for Life (specific button action for this)
  • Niki Talk 2 Pro (via URL)
  • Proloquo2Go (via Split Screen)
  • Speech Assistant AAC (via Split Screen)
  • TouchChat with WordPower (specific button action for this or via Split Screen)
  • Etc…

Here are screenshots showing the two different ways to do this in TouchChat with WordPower:

TouchChat with WordPower (WP60 Basic) in Split View with Google Maps
TouchChat with WordPower (WP60 Basic) where I added a button for Google Maps under Places and used the specific button action to open the Google Maps app.
Speech Assistant AAC in Split View with Google Maps

The easiest option was Split Screen and it allows Google Maps and the AAC app to be on the screen at the same time but only a few AAC apps support use of Split Screen. Split Screen will alter the size of the buttons in that AAC app so it might be tricky when using large grid sizes.

The second easiest option was the specific button action within the three AAC apps by PRC-Saltillo.

Apps that allow you to program a button to open a website URL were a bit finicky / tricky to get it to work. I’ll be adding tips in the feature matching resources.

Another alternative is to use a second iPad or tablet or laptop with Google Maps / Google Earth that can be viewed alongside their AAC device or iPad or tablet being used for AAC.

In-depth details about this will be coming soon. I’m working on this month’s update for my AAC feature matching resources and am adding that info in two new rows. So be watching for it in a few days.

Important Notes:

  • I’m exploring these as ways to supplement (not replace) how an individual is already using Google Maps. It’s likely that a Gestalt Language Processor already has a well established “gestalt” for how they like to do that but it’s likely that adding this to their AAC system might be something that would spark interest and resonate with them.
  • I’d only explore this for individuals who have an interest in this. There is no “one size fits all” to anything about AAC. I’m NOT suggesting that we need to add access to Google Maps for every AAC user or even for every GLP who uses AAC.
  • Guided Access will likely block these methods of using more than one app on an iPad.

Looking for in-depth and up to date info about features AAC apps? Check out these resources: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com