Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Applications

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to the tools and strategies used to assist people who have little or no speech to communicate. AAC apps assist individuals in forming phrases and sentences using symbols and predictive keyboards. These can then be copied to communication apps or web pages to allow for improved communication of needs and wants.

These applications are useful for non-verbal people with Autism, Down syndrome, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS – Lou Gehrig’s disease), cerebral palsy, apraxia, and a range of other diagnoses. However, each individual will require different symbols, layout, and speech and voice option, thus the AAC app selected should be trialled and adapted to the individual’s needs to ensure effective communication.

Type of accessory: Application

Access Needs:

1. Cognitive
2. Physical
3. Speech

Compatibility:

Each application will require a different operating system. While some apps are designed to suit particular keyboards or have compatible key guards, the following apps do not require additional hardware to be used.

 

AAC Applications:

Apple IOS Compatible

1. Sono Flex Lite

Tobii Sono Flex is an easy to use AAC vocabulary app that turns symbols into clear speech. It offers language to nonverbal users who are not yet in full control of literacy. The Lite version differs from the paid version in that there is a limit on the pre-programmed contexts available and reduced customisation settings.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0 or later.

Prices: Free

More information at: Tobii Sono Flex App Web Page.

You can download this application from the Apple App Store. 

2. MyTalkTools Mobile Lite

The app transforms a mobile tablet/phone into an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device for those who are unable to produce understandable natural speech on their own. The Lite version has limited features, allowing for a trial of the app only before purchasing.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0 or later

Prices: Free

More information at: MyTalkTools Mobile App Web Page

You can download this application from the Apple App Store. 

3. QuickTalk AAC

The Quick Talk AAC app is a comprehensive AAC application designed by educators, therapists, engineers, and parents to help individuals who are non-verbal to communicate through images, profiles, and symbols.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0 or later.

Prices: $39.99 as at the 10/04/2024.

More information at: Edshelf Quick Talk AAC Review Web Page.

You can download this application from the Apple App Store. 

4. Sono Flex

Tobii Sono Flex is an easy to use AAC vocabulary app that turns symbols into clear speech. It offers language to nonverbal users who are not yet in full control of literacy.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0 or later.

Prices: $159.99 as at the 10/04/2024.

More information at: Tobii Sono Flex App Web Page.

You can download this application from the Apple App Store.

5. MyTalkTools Mobile – Paid (Lite version is Free)

The app transforms a mobile tablet/phone into an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device for those who are unable to produce understandable natural speech on their own.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0 or later

Prices: $149.99 as at the 10/04/2024

More information at: MyTalkTools Mobile App Web Page

You can download this application from the Apple App Store.

6. Keeble – Paid  

         

This app offers an accessible keyboard which can be fully customised and used with almost any iOS app, allowing for easier and faster typing and communication for people with physical, cognitive, and vision impairments.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0 or later

Prices: $39.99 as at the 10/04/2024

More information at: Keeble Mobile App Web Page

You can download this application from the Apple App Store.

7. TouchChat HD– Paid

TouchChat HD is a full-featured communication solution that allows non-verbal individuals to create words, phrases, and messages using synthesised or digitised speech. TouchChat can be customised to suit individual needs, has a library of over 10,000 symbol stix, four pre-programmed vocabulary organisations, and uses spelling with basic word prediction.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0 or later.

Prices: $229.99 as at the 10/04/2024

More information at: TouchChat App Web Page.

You can download this application from the Apple App Store.

8. Proloquo2Go – Paid

The Proloquo2Go is an AAC and text-to-speech app that is completely customizable and designed for a range of fine-motor and visual skills, making it useful for non-verbal people with a range of other diagnoses. This app allows individuals to customise their own buttons, up to 25,000 symbols or using their own images, to ensure it suits both the vocabulary and accessibility needs of the individual.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 11.4 or later.

Prices: $399.99 as at the 10/04/2024.

More information at: Proloquo2Go App Web Page.

You can download this application from the Apple App Store.

9. Grid for iPad – Paid

The Grid 3 software has been developed into an iPad compatible application for people using touch, allowing access to a range of resource for communicating with symbols or text.

Key features include:

1. Wide range of resources for different ages and abilities
2. Research-based approach to symbol and text AAC
3. Fast and intuitive in-app editing
4. Remote editing from any Windows computer
5. Do more with Grid – new resources added every day
6. Available in 15 languages
7. Text talker to give instant communication for literate users

Compatibility: Requires iOS 11.0 or later. Compatible with iPad.

Prices: Various pricing options. Check app store for more detail.

More information at:

Grid for iPad SmartBox Web Page

Grid 3 Smartbox Hub Web Page

You can download this application from the Apple App Store.

10. GoTalk NOW

The GoTalk Now is designed for iPad use, allowing for an effective AAC app with adjustable page layouts, customizable navigation, recorded and text-to-speech capabilities, and an included symbol set.

1. Use images from your iPad camera, photo library, or the Imagine Symbol set.
2. Combine multiple images in a single communication location.
3. Move and size text with your fingers so it feels just right.
4. Record your voice or use our free text-to-speech voice.
5. Add spoken labels (auditory cues) to any button. Great for scanning, guiding visually impaired users, and identifying any new or difficult vocabulary.
6. Include a core vocabulary button for extra quick access to important messages.
7. Create multimedia social stories and step-by-step instruction layouts by linking pages with an after action.
8. Access with single or two-switch scanning.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0 or later

Price: $199.99 as at 10/04/2024.

More information at: Attainment Company Web Page

You can download this application from the Apple App Store.

11. InnerVoice: Communication

Compatibility: Requires iOS 11.4 or later

Prices: $149.99 for InnerVoice Lifetime Access as at 10/04/2024.

More information at: InnerVoice App Web Page

You can download this application from the Apple App Store.

Android Compatible

1. JABTalk - Android

Compatibility: Requires Android 4.0.3 and up

Prices: Free

More information at: JabTalk Web Page

You can download this application from the Google Play Store.

2. PicsTalk app

PicsTalk is a simple communications app for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically designed for kids. Imagine a set of PECS cards which is always with you - anytime, anywhere. Imagine it only takes a few seconds to create a new PECS card - a card you will never lose and will always have it available.

Prices: Free, offers in-app purchases

More information at: Picstalk Mobile App Web Page

You can download this application from the Google Play Store

3. Avaz

Avaz is a picture and text based communication app for children and adults with communication challenges.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0 or later or Android OS 5.0 and up

Prices: Free

More information at: Avaz App Web Page.

You can download this application from the Google Play Store.

Apple IOS and Android Compatible

1. TouchVoice Gold   

        

The app transforms a mobile tablet/phone into an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device for those who are unable to produce understandable natural speech on their own.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.2 or later or Android OS 4.3 and up.

More information at: Touch Voice Web Page

Prices: $19.99 as at the 10/04/2024 at the Apple Store, and $18.99 as at the 10/04/2024 at the Google Play store.

You can download this application from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

2. Predictable AAC – Paid

The Predictable app combines AAC and text-to-speech technology to allow non-verbal individuals to communicate. It features full customisation of layout and voice options, can be used across apps, and allows for switch access.  

Compatibility: Requires iOS 10.0 or later or Android OS 4.2 and up

Prices: $249.99 as at the 10/04/2024 at the Apple Store, and $264.99 as at the 10/04/2024 at the Google Play store.

More information at: Predictable App Therapy Box Web Page.

You can download this application from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

3. 2Talk-AAC

Compatibility: Requires iOS 8.0 or later.

Prices: Free to download and has in-app purchases.

You can download this application from the Apple App Store

4. Voice4u AAC

Compatibility: Requires iOS 8.0 or later or Android OS 4.4 and up

Prices: $99.99 as at the 10/04/2024 at the Apple Store, and $59.99 as at the 210/04/2024 at the Google Play store.

More information at: Voice4u Web Page

You can download this application from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.