DAY TWO - PART 2

AAC APPS

When searching for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) APPS on the Internet, the choices are quite overwhelming. The APPS range from speaking to non-speaking, one-word to multi-phrases, basic and simple to colorful and elaborate. To try and determine the best APP for you would be next to impossible. I started at a few I had heard of and then continued my search from there. I wanted to focus on APPS that were rated quite high, as that would be important to me if I required such an APP. The individual ratings from people who have tried the APPS are extremely valuable and important feedback for anyone trying to navigate through the numerous choices.

I focused on the following FIVE as being useful AAC APPS for effective communication.

1.  MyTalk

MyTalk is an APP that speaks for you. It allows users to customize their Boards through intuitive, user-friendly design. Information is stored in an online Workspace to provide increased access to the content, as well as allowing other people (parents, friends, support workers) to add relevant phrases and Boards to the user's individualized set-up. The initial set-up is time consuming but well worth the effort. The cost of this APP depends on the type of access and extras you want. There is a "Lite" version which is free and the regular mobile verison which costs $49.99. Both versions come with a 30-day FREE "Workspace" trial. After this time, it costs depending on the access you desire. There are numerous videos on youtube that provide support, as well as online support via the homepage itself. This APP has a high rating based on consumer reports.

2.  MyVoice

MyVoice is a voice output AAC APP designed for a wide range of individuals and disabilities. Features include online support, location awareness (that allows specific location appropriate phrases to be immediately available on your device), expressive voices, and automatic back-up. This APP allows you to communicate through phrases, questions, stories, schedules, etc. You can go online to click and drag entire topic books onto your device to be used immediately.

One of the many things I like about this APP was that it was created by a Canadian who saw a need for a better way of communicating. This APP received a very high rating and many reviews state that it has "fixed" all of the gliches that are present in other AAC APPS. There is a lot of support and training available for this APP; it is customizable, and fun to use. It is attractive and intuitive. The cost is $189 and is available for both Apple products and Android phones.

3.  iCommunicate

iCommunicate is an APP that allows you to create pictures, flashcards, storyboards, routines, and visual schedules. You can use the text-to-speech voice provider or record live voice. This is a user-friendly APP in which you can add new words to increase your vocabulary, as well as add pictures to help with word retrieval. Users can access pictures to use from their own device and/or the Internet. This APP costs $49.99 and has received a high rating from users.

4.  Grace

The Grace APP is a basic APP that does not speak for the user, but is intended to be a picture communication/picture exchange system. It does not replace the voice. The purpose of this APP is to provide visual support for the user and receiver/listener while allowing the user to articulate the word/sentence/phrase, etc. The intent is for user and receiver to work together and provide oral feedback to one another. There are many online supports and resources for this APP. The Grace APP costs $24.99 and has a very high rating by users. It has also been recognized through the many awards it has received.

5.  augie AAC

The augie AAC APP is a voice output communication tool. It is easy to use and can be modified according to the user's preferences. You can also create schedules or use the note pad. Support people (teachers, parents, etc) can add content to the device as per the individual user's specific needs. There is a lot of online support via the augieAAC.com website. This APP costs $159.99 and there is currently no "free" version available in the US/Canada yet. This is a fairly new APP so it was difficult to find videos, etc. I can only assume that with more and more users trying it out, the videos, etc. will come.

Below are various screen shots that show the many features of the augie AAC APP: