Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP. Over 34 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
This new FREE handout has info about how individuals can access a free trial of several robust AAC apps to try out on their own iPad, Android tablet, Amazon Fire tablet, or Windows tablet. Or use online.
If you are an SLP/SLT making funding/purchasing recommendations or another professional supporting AAC users and need ongoing access to robust AAC apps, see this blog post: AAC Test Drive & Getting Access to Robust AAC Apps,https://bit.ly/AACtestdrive. It has links to four FREE handouts with the details on how to get access to these apps.
Notes:
Each app has its own minimum spec requirements. You can find those either in that app store or on the website where you download it.
Some of these apps could also be trialed via a loaner AAC device from that company, via a company that sells a fundable iOS-based or Android-based device or a loaner from your state’s AT Lending Program.
Terms of Use: You may not copy any part of this document (including the content, layout, format, ideas or design) and reproduce it or distribute it as your own work. Please do not copy/paste this info onto other blogs or save this PDF in any online groups or files. It is available for free on my TPT store: https://bit.ly/OMazingKidsAAConTPT.
Looking for other in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Image ID: Screenshot of the cover image for this resource in my TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers) Store. Includes the icon for each app in the Apple App Store, the OMazing Kids logo and logos for TPT and Ko-fi. Date updated: 5/20/23.
For those asking about the the new Proloquo + Proloquo Coach app:
I have some info about them in this resource in the column about Proloquo2Go. I agree that Proloquo + Proloquo Coach is a great app but is missing some features to make it officially into the top 12. I was part of beta testing this app and have continued to provide feedback to AssistiveWare. Top of my list is the Proloquo app needs to allow editing of existing buttons to meet the cultural and religious identity of that individual. There have been a couple of discussions in AssistiveWare’s Proloquo and Proloquo Coach Community Facebook group about the need to allow flexibility in editing existing buttons. There’s also a need for being able to use recorded speech to get proper pronunciation of some names.https://www.facebook.com/groups/381836780082796/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF.
Looking for other in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Image ID: Screenshot showing the Proloquo AAC app in Split View alongside the Apple Books app with the book “A Day With No Words” by Tiffany Hammond. Includes a notation to tap the three tiny dots to access Split View.
AAC apps that offer full support of Split View / Split Screen offer the opportunity for greater accessibility and access than AAC apps that don’t support this. Why does this matter?There are many adult AAC users who multitask with their tech. But this isn’t just a feature that benefits adults. Here is an example of how I’m using the Proloquo app by AssistiveWare alongside the Apple Books app with “A Day With No Words” by Tiffany Hammond (Fidgets and Fries). I also own a hardcover copy of this same book and loved it so much that I decided to purchase the ebook version in Apple Books to offer another means of access and use (both alongside AAC and separately).
My only “wish” is that iPad Accessibility – Spoken Content – Speak Screen was able to properly detect the text in picture books. I tried it in both Apple Books and the preview in the Kindle for iPad app. Both weren’t able to perceive the text separately from the gorgeous illustrations. Which I wouldn’t trade the stylized text in this book for that. I just wish there was something behind the scenes that made this type of text accessible. (Hey Apple & Amazon Kindle if you happen to read this… please make it so.)
Basic Feature Chart for Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps (iOS, Android Google Play, Amazon Fire, Windows + a few Web-Based options): https://bit.ly/BasicAffordableAACchart
The perfect companion to supplement these in-depth resources are the “AAC Apps and Features At-a-Glance (Single Page Handouts)”: https://bit.ly/AAC-At-a-Glance
Updated 5/25/23:
Excited to discover that there’s a way to do Split View on my Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite tablet. This is the Android version of Avaz alongside “A Day With No Words” by Tiffany Hammond (Fidgets and Fries).
Guess what… there’s a way to do Split Screen on an Amazon Fire tablet too. This is the CoreVoice app. Be watching for a video tutorial soon 🎦
Looking for other in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Looking for other in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
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…
In addition to creating communication boards, flip books and true object based icons for non-tech AAC, I look at using whatever tech an individual has and finding a good affordable option to put on that so they have something to use immediately.
These can be helpful to use until an AAC eval can be completed, until a more robust option can be purchased, to meet a short term need or as a secondary tool to offer features that might not be available in their main AAC device, etc.
Or this may be what they use long term. Unfortunately not everyone has access to getting an AAC eval or options for funding more robust AAC so there are individuals who may rely on these affordable devices and apps as their only option.
It is also a reality that not everyone can afford an iPad so that’s why this blog post covers the three main app stores.
This is intended to give you a *general* idea of the overall cost of purchasing AAC for use on Amazon Fire vs. Android vs. iPad.
Total cost of a good model of tablet + good case with a rotating stand + a robust symbol-based AAC app:
• Amazon Fire: $310.00
• Android: $480.00
• iPad: $520.00
Prices would be $100 less if purchasing the app during a 50% off sale (typically in April and October). Additional savings if purchasing a tablet or iPad during a sale. These prices don’t include any extras like in-app purchases for premium symbols, premium voices, extra pagesets / vocab files, Apple Care, a screen protector or a extremely protective case, etc…
This is a cost comparison based on prices of devices and cases that I purchased and is just a general comparison. Avaz and CoughDrop are used in this comparison since they are the most robust symbol-based AAC apps available across all three platforms. Prices will vary based on the AAC app and whether or not you wait to purchase during sales.
Amazon Fire Tablet:
Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet (2020 release): https://a.co/d/j0doVDO, $89.99 ($44.99 during Amazon Prime Days Sale)
Total: $108.98 ($63.98 during Amazon Prime Days Sale)
Robust symbol-based AAC app options:
• Avaz (Free app, 2 week free trial, then subscription ($9.99/mo or $99.99/yr) or a one time $199.99 purchase), side loaded from Google Play App Store
• CoughDrop (Free app, 2 month free trial, then subscription ($6/mo) or one-time purchase ($200). More info about their other subscription options: https://bit.ly/3h8aEC1)
• CoreVoice: $49.99
Total cost of tablet + case + robust symbol-based AAC app:
~ $158.97 – $308.98 (or as low as $113.97 – $163.98 if you get the tablet on sale and get Avaz or CoughDrop when they are 50% off – typically in April & in October).
Android Tablet:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4″, 64GB: https://a.co/d/07JEMhI, $249.99 (the price has gone down since I purchased mine for $299)
Case with rotating stand (similar to the Pepkoo). I ended up purchasing one on eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/374088538546. Sadly that case is out of stock. I contacted the seller on eBay and they won’t be getting any more). It’s difficult to find cases with this type of rotating stand for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4” Android tablet. I found this one but haven’t seen it in person: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114920453285, $28.99
Total: ~ $278.98
Updated 9/20/22: Looking for an affordable option for pocket-sized AAC? Many users prefer to just add an app to their iPhone or Android phone but some settings don’t allow phones (or it would be a battle to get an exception). The iPod Touch used to be my “go to” option for this. Since the iPod Touch was discontinued I purchased an Android Samsung Galaxy A03s (prepaid TracFone that has NOT been activated for cellular service) on Amazon. Shout out to Karen Erickson for sharing that idea in a comment in the AAC for the SLP group. It was only $59.88 and essentially gives me an Android equivalent to an iPod Touch (which Apple has discontinued) for pocket-sized AAC. I added a $12.99 case that has a tiny ring stand and sliding cover for the camera. So for $72.87 (+ the cost of the app) I have a very affordable pocket-sized AAC device:https://omazingkidsllc.com/2022/09/20/affordable-pocket-sized-android-aac/
Robust symbol-based AAC app options:
• Avaz (Free app, 2 week free trial, then subscription ($9.99/mo or $99.99/yr) or a one time $199.99 purchase)
• CoughDrop (Free app, 2 month free trial, then subscription ($6/mo) or one-time purchase ($200). More info about their other subscription options: https://bit.ly/3h8aEC1)
• CoreVoice: $49.99
Total cost of tablet + case + robust symbol-based AAC app:
~ $328.97 – $478.98 (or $378.98 if you get Avaz or CoughDrop when they are 50% off – typically in April & in October)
If you also need a shoulder carrying strap look at the Pepkoo Triple Shockproof Case: https://a.co/d/0RyWDMz, $26.99
Total: ~ $319.99 – $325.99
Robust symbol-based AAC app options:
• Avaz: Free app, 2 week free trial, then $9.99/mo or $99.99/yr subscription or $199.99 one time purchase
• Clicker Communicator: $199.99
• CoreVoice: $49.99
• CoughDrop: Free app, 2 month free trial, then $6/mo subscription or $200 one time purchase. More info about their other subscription options: https://bit.ly/3h8aEC1
• GoTalk Now / GoTalk Now Plus: $99.99 / $169.99
• Grid for iPad: free version with 30 day free trial, then $10.99/mo subscription or $399.99 one time purchase
• LAMP Words for Life: $299.99
• Niki Talk 2 Pro: $89.99
• Proloquo + Proloquo Coach: free app, 30 day free trial, then $9.99/mo or $99.99/yr subscription
• Proloquo2Go: $249.99
• Speak for Yourself: free version with 30 day free trial, then $299.99 one time purchase
• Talk Suite Pro: $199.99
• TD Snap: free version with 60 day free trial, then $49.99 one time purchase
• TouchChat with WordPower: free version with 30 day free trial, then $299.99 one time purchase
Total cost of iPad + case + robust symbol-based AAC app:
~ $369.98 – $725.98 (varies depending on the app, some of these apps are ~50% off twice a year. As a comparison to the Amazon & Android versions, the total if you got Avaz or CoughDrop for 50% off = ~ $419.99
Apple launched the iPad 10th gen today (10/18/22). Unfortunately they changed the size. It’s 10.9” instead of 10.2”.
Which means the cases that we have been using/recommending for the 7th gen/8th gen/9th gen iPads won’t fit the 10th gen.
It might be awhile before case manufacturers get good cases for the 10th gen on the market. Especially cases with the features that we want for AAC users.
Apple also raised the price by $120.
10th gen, 64GB: $449
9th gen, 64G: $329
Amazon currently has the 9th gen, 64GB iPad on sale for $269: Limited-time deal: 2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Silver https://a.co/7YHiqTO
<< sigh >> 😢
I had hoped that Apple would continue to leave that base model iPad at the same size and price since we had been having a good multi-year run of Apple leaving the base model iPad specs alone. So on the verge of a recession they decided that it’s time for a $120 price jump and put stress on case manufacturers with the size change. This is why we have lost so many great case options over the years (GripCase, LifeProof Nüüd, etc..). Apple claims to care about accessibility but then is this clueless 🙄😢
If you know someone who was thinking about getting an iPad for AAC, I’d let them know so they can get a good price on the 9th gen before those are no longer available
Windows: The cost would vary greatly depending on the type of tablet or laptop purchased. The Windows tablet that I purchased would not be durable enough for primary use for AAC.
This post is not implying that price should be the sole factor when choosing AAC but it is acknowledging that in real life many folks have to purchase this on their own and price is a factor.
Tips: If you are using an Android tablet & an Amazon Fire Tablet with the Google Play App Store side loaded, be sure to toggle on Family Sharing before making app purchases & make the purchases from the Google Play App Store on your Amazon Fire Tablet. Those have been recognized by Google Play on my Android tablet. The reverse was hit and miss (likely due to the side loading).
🔎 While there isn’t a “perfect” AAC app or device there are features that might make one a better “fit” over another option.
🚘 Finding a good “fit” is 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 or in that situation.
✅ The “best” AAC options are the ones that meet the needs of that individual in that situation. Be open to using a combination of options and supporting multimodal communication.
Here are a few of the important considerations when navigating through the AAC options…
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 😊
Pragmatic Vocabulary Organization AAC Apps (PODD & other options)
TPT Preview video:
Watch the Intro video. It provides info about the intent of this resource:
iOS Text-Based
iOS Visual Scenes & Video Visual Scenes:
Each chart includes info about features that are being explored as potentially being helpful for Gestalt Language Processors. The easiest way to find that info is to open each PDF in the free Xodo PDF reader and enter “gestalt” into the Search. See this blog post for more info about Xodo: https://bit.ly/XodoApp.
The symbol-based feature matching resource 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
Want more info about Gestalt Language Processing & AAC? See this FREE handout: https://bit.ly/GLPandAAC
Looking for resources to compare features in a wide variety of AAC apps? I added a bundle on TPT includes all three of my iOS AAC feature matching resources at a discounted price compared to purchasing them individually (saves about 10%). If you are looking to purchase resources for several staff / team members, take a look at the Multiple Licenses discount (saves 20%): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/AAC-Feature-Matching-Resource-Bundle-7849416
Please read the full description, the reviews and watch the TPT preview on each individual resource prior to purchasing the bundle
I’ve also set the Multiple Licenses discount on the individual resources to 20%off since I’ve been receiving some inquiries about discounts for bulk purchasing.
Robust Android:
Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps (iOS, Android Google Play, Amazon Fire, Windows + a few Web-Based options) – all priced $9.99 or less:
A series of four videos comparing AAC options across four platforms: Apple iOS, Android Google Play, Amazon Fire & Windows:
* Comparison of voice loudness and quality for AAC: iPad, Samsung Android, Amazon Fire & Windows (4:20):
* Considerations for AAC on Different Platforms: iPad, Android, Amazon Fire & Windows (6:17):
* A look at AAC options across platforms: Windows, Amazon Fire, Android Google Play, Apple (12:55):
* A comparison of the sound loudness and quantity on a Microsoft Surface Go 2 & an iPad 9th gen (2:33)
Tips: If you are using an Android tablet & an Amazon Fire Tablet with the Google Play App Store side loaded, be sure to toggle on Family Sharing before making app purchases & make the purchases from the Google Play App Store on your Amazon Fire Tablet. Those have been recognized by Google Play on my Android tablet. The reverse was hit and miss (likely due to the side loading).
This resource is the perfect companion to the in-depth feature matching resources. AAC Apps and Features At-a-Glance (Single Page Handouts): https://bit.ly/AAC-At-a-Glance. 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. More info: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2022/11/20/aac-apps-and-features-at-a-glance-single-page-handouts/
New Resource: Feature Matching Chart for Robust Android AAC Apps (Google Play & Amazon Fire).
This resource includes an in-depth comparison of features & support resources across 5 robust Android AAC apps:
• Avaz AAC
• CoreVoice
• CoughDrop
• Predictable
• Speech Assistant AAC
(** Note: The info about Predictable is currently basic. In-depth info about features in that app will be added to this resource in a free update after the anticipated update for the Android version is released in the Google Play App Store **)
There are lots of simple affordable and free AAC apps available for Android and Amazon Fire tablets. See this resource for basic info about those apps: https://bit.ly/BasicAffordableAACchart
Looking for info about other AAC apps? Check out these resources:
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 