A number of companies make devices that help you communicate when speaking is hard. Many of these are tablet based. Apps can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play that make it possible to express your thoughts, needs, and emotions. Some of these apps can also be used to send emails, control a smart home device, or even text your friends.

If you go through insurance to obtain a speech generating device, you will receive what is called a “dedicated device.” These devices are locked down, which means they can be used for face to face communication but not to access the internet. If you need a device to be “unlocked”, you will have to contact the company to find out the steps to take.

Many of these dedicated devices have a touch screen, but there are other ways of accessing them. You may use switches, eye gaze cameras, head tracking, or a stylus. They may be placed on a tabletop, on a stand, or mounted onto a wheelchair. You can either write your message or use picture symbols to choose the words you want to be spoken.

What kinds of communication devices are there?

Here is a list of some of the major companies that sell dedicated communication devices. This list is not comprehensive and the world of technology changes all the time. Contact us directly if you have any questions!

• Forbes AAC: www.forbesaac.com/funding
  • Print out their funding forms or speak to a representative
• Tobii Dynavox: us.tobiidynavox.com/pages/funding
  • You can create and submit your report online through their E-funding portal
• PRC Saltillo: www.prentrom.com/funding
  • Take their Funding Toolkit tour and submit reports online
• Saltillo: saltillo.com/funding
  • Getting a NovaChat? While PRC and Saltillo have merged, they still maintain their website. It will take you to some of their joint resources.
• AbleNet: www.ablenetinc.com
  • Call their funding department for support.
• ACCI: www.acciinc.com
  • ACCI has some funding resources on their website and a price point below most of their competitors for iPad-based communication systems
• Lingraphica: www.aphasia.com/aac-device-funding-options
  • They produce devices for people with aphasia
• Eyegaze Inc.: eyegaze.com/funding
  • Funding documents and support online