25 Under 5: AAC Apps

We are now up to 72 Free or Lite version of AAC apps.  There is another emerging price point category of apps that are not quite free but fairly close.  We were so happy to find 25 apps under $5.oo.  These are all regular versions. All the same teaching and preparation is needed when choosing AAC apps, no shortcuts here, but deciding if you need an app for ‘small talk’ or telling stories or labeling may help make it easier to decide which AAC apps to try.  The RelAAAC rubric may help with these decisions after a feature match process is done.  After selecting the AAC app, then comes the fun part. You can be creative by setting up fun opportunities to communicate.

Communication temptations can be set up for  requesting (putting favorite toys in a closed screw top jar) and  commenting (wearing really big fun hats/glasses). And don’t forget the language facilitation strategies.  Learning to use aided language input (ALI), recasting, and communication based feedback will give all AAC users an optimal opportunity for learning spontaneouscommunication and language.

Check out these resources for more AAC App background information and teaching strategies:

• 5 Things to Do Before you Choose an AAC App (our post)
• Speaking APPropriately: AAC Apps for the iPad by Jane Farrall
• Feature Match Rubrics by Jessica Gosnell at Boston Children’s &  Scott Marfilius and Kelly Fonner
• Techniques & Tips by Spectronics Inclusive Learning Technologies
• Creating Active Environments by Talk Sense

25 Under $5.00