I am Thinking About Buying An AAC App… Now What?

This may be the time of year you are thinking of adding AAC apps to your assessment collection or are planning on getting one for an individual learner or for a group of learners.  As you consider which app or apps to purchase, here are some feature considerations as well as some options for learning about the apps.

**For any individual learner, a specific AAC evaluation by a qualified speech-language pathologist is always highly recommended.

Language Features

• • Core word approach to language learning
  • Functional language approach to language learning
  • Visual scene approach to language learning
  • Pre-made communication displays or create your own
  • Communication Functions (requesting, Choicemaking, commenting, complaining, etc.)
  • Sentence building options
  • Options for morphological learning
  • Allows for full communication including requests, saying no, greetings,ventings, and sharing of information
  • Comprehensive language learning
  • Small Talk
  • Single or sequenced messages

Technical Features

• • Customization level
  • Platform Options (iOS, Android, Computer)
  • Digitized (recorded) vs Synthesized Speech (computer generated)
  • Digital image library and/or custom image library
  • Pre-made communication displays or create your own
  • Word prediction
  • Symbols, text, combination
  • Alternative access options
  • Data collection options
  • Purchasing options (single fee, subscription, or combination)
  • Good support from developer website

Remember- Before you choose, Take ‘A GULP”- Ask, Get, Use, Look, Play

Learning About Apps Before Purchase

• Try out some free or lite versions of AAC apps before making a purchase to determine if the app will match the features you need for your AAC learner or for your collection
• Look at Jane Farrall’s comprehensive list of AAC Apps
• Watch Video Demonstrations
• Use developer websites to learn specifics about the app

REMEMBER, all apps must be supported by good AAC teaching strategies: AAC teaching strategies (A few resources- Talk Sense, PrAACtical AAC, Spectronics, Jane Farrall Consulting)