Many companies make dedicated communication devices that come with your AAC software pre-installed. These machines can be expensive and are usually gotten through insurance. Some people prefer to use “consumer electronics” – generic devices like the iPad – for communication instead. A number of companies make apps for AAC (augmentative and alternative communication).

The fact that we now have AAC apps means that you can go to a store, buy an iPad, and download the software. You have a few different ways to get a communication device! It is still a good idea to try before you buy. If you live in Pennsylvania, you can borrow a communication device – dedicated or iPad-based – from the AT Lending Library.

What kinds of AAC apps are there?

Most of these communication apps/software share some common features. They use synthesized speech. They can be customized. Some use symbols to support communication and others use writing (text to speech). Most are folder-based. They include folders for a variety of things, like food, entertainment, hygiene, and sports. Good AAC software gives someone the ability to say whatever they want to say. This means they don’t just have nouns. They have access to action words, descriptive language, and locational words (Core Vocabulary).

Related Apps

Here is a list of some of the apps available for augmentative and alternative communication. This list does not include every app on the market.

Text-Based:

• Dialog AAC – Apple
• Jabberwocky AAC – Apple
• Predictable – Apple
• Proloquo4Text – Apple, including Macs
• Talk for Me – Apple and Android
• Verbally – Apple

Symbol-Based:

• Avaz – Apple and Android
• CoughDrop AAC – Cross Platform
• Go Talk Now – Apple
• Grid for iPad – Apple (Grid 3 software exists for Windows devices)
• LAMP Words For Life – Apple
• Proloquo2Go – Apple, including Macs
• Speak for Yourself! – Apple
• TouchChat HD with WordPower – Apple