Avaz is a full-featured AAC app. Avaz has been developed for children who are non-verbal or who have difficulty speaking. Avaz has been designed with the aim to help autistic children to communicate and develop an intent to learn. Avaz has numerous personalization and customization options. It also has features like multiple sensory reinforcement, picture prediction, tracing of therapy sessions, integrated keyboard and text mode, all of which makes it extremely easy for the child to use. Avaz grows with the child.
Ablah is an augmentative communication tool designed to help all people who have some type of language disorder. This app supports voice output in Spanish and English. Beyond a simple communication program, Ablah allows therapists and parents who live or work with people with language disorders such as autism, afasianentre Down syndrome or others to improve their quality of life and improve interaction with their environment. It is as simple as choosing an image and assigning a sound.
To see a demonstration of Ablah using the Spanish language, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
Look2Learn (L2L) -AAC, an AAC software application for the iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad that allows individuals to work at their communicative level using photographs to express wants and needs. The system integrates preloaded vocal output so that individuals can use their “voice”. In addition, users are able to record their own personalized audio and pair it with photos. L2L offers a variety of features that can be quickly learned by the user and offers outstanding individualization. In addition, Look2Learn has a targeted assessment that can be downloaded at the Look2Learn website which will allow for easy setup and precise customization.
Look2Learn allows educators and/or parents to adjust picture sizes to assist individuals with fine motor and/or visual challenges. The system comes pre-loaded with over 80 photos distributed into six categories, but can be customized to accommodate the individual’s needs. Also, L2L’s vocal output allows for the individual to hear and model familiar voices. L2L addresses the communication needs of multiple populations including: early development communication enhancement; individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder; individuals who have short or long-term communication challenges due to medical needs; as well as others who have a speech and language disorder.
To watch a tutorial for the Look2Learn app, view the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
Voice4U is a simple application that consists of numerous fun and memorable images that can help assist and improve language. With Voice4U, you can easily bridge the communication gap and have a better and accurate understanding of the individual’s wants and needs. Some features of Voice4U are that you can customize your icons with your own pictures and voice; this app is switch accessible using Bluetooth Switch Interface; you can create a visual schedule; tell stories and explain an event or occasion, even share recipes.
For an overview of Voice4U features, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.
Speakall! was recently featured in an online news article, describing its development as a service learning project at Purdue University. It is described as an app designed to help teach the process of constructing sentences. Targeted to users with severe communication needs, especially individuals with autism, it can support the transition from a picture exchange system (paper format) to a mobile device.
The video below provides a step-by-step tutorial for downloading and customizing this app for an individual student.
It can be used within an exchanged-based communication approach. The app is fully customizable to each child’s specific needs by allowing the instructor to use recorded audio and custom images from any library. When working with the application use graphic symbol sets and systems designed for AAC users to obtain the best results.
Requirements: Compatible with iPad.Requires iOS 5.0 or later.
Assistive Chat is a communication tooldesigned for those with speech difficulties who would benefit from a text-based communication system. Productivity features such as word prediction and “adaptive learning” of vocabulary are designed to improve efficiency for the user. Three natural voices are available in this app.
Watch the following video review of this app for a demonstration.
http://youtu.be/5_KEjkONjR8
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.1 or later
Created by a parent of a child with a disability, MyTalk Tools consists of a mobile app and an online workspace that provides an easy platform for design, customization, and editing. The mobile device is then synced to this workspace. A short demonstration is provided in the video below. Several other video examples are on the developer’s website.
The app is able to incorporate video (enabling modeling), photos, web images, sound, text and Text to Speech. A Phrase Bar feature supports full sentence communication.nabling modeling), photos, web images, sound, text and Text to Speech. Online, you have access to the Symbolstix image library, and basic text to speech, including one adult female voice. With an InApp Purchase, you have an option of Advanced Text to Speech with Acapela Voices (17+ languages, multiple voices),and video with auditory scan (requires optional InApp purchase of Acapela Voices).
Purchase of this product enables permanent access to MyTalk Mobile (totally stand alone software)and a 30 day trial of optional MyTalk Workspace. As described by the developer, you can create your very own content and communicate in a way that YOU choose in 5 minutes.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.2 or later
iConverse is an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) app developed by Xcellent Creations. It has 6 built in communication buttons that display graphics for basic needs: Bathroom, Drink, Food, Sick, Break and Help. A male and female voice is available or you can record your own voice. Once an icon is selected, a visible display of the text associated with that button is seen. You can create additional communication buttons. The video below demonstrates this process.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later
Tap to Talk is an AAC app from Assistyx. Assistyx LLC is a member of Moms with Apps, a collaborative group of family-friendly developers seeking to promote quality apps for kids and families. This app is recommended for ages 4-12. The app comes with a library of photos, but it is possible to add your own by visiting the product website and following their instructions. You can also add voice and sound to the pictures. The “player” apps are free, but there is a cost for designing privileges. Screens can have up to 12 pictures displayed, and each picture can lead to another screen of pictures. Albums created in TapToTalk Designer are “synced” over the Internet directly to your iPhone™, iPad™ or iPod touch®. Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later
SoundingBoard is an AAC app developed by the AbleNet. You can create create custom boards using AbleNet symbols or your own photos. The app provides layouts that accommodate 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 9 choices. Version 2.0 of this app includes the following features:
Linked Boards: You can now choose to link one board to another on any message location. For example, you can create one board with “red” objects and one board with “blue” objects. Then create a third board with two messages that invites the user to choose the color. That message can now link them to the appropriate board.
Single and Dual Switch Access: Using AbleNet’s bluetooth access switch, you can configure SoundingBoard™ to recognize single switch access (with a scanning interval from 0.5 to 9.0 seconds), as well as two-switch access. Visit www.ablenetinc.com/soundingboard for purchasing information for AbleNet’s exclusive iDevice access switch. Switch access works both on the board screen as well as the board selection screen.
Pre-Loaded Communication Boards: Fourteen communication boards come preloaded with the app. use. Those boards highlight key communication outcomes: Expressions, Emergency information, Reading, Daily Living, Social Situations, Shopping.