Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC):
Mobile Device Apps
Telina Caudill, MS, CCC-SLP, ATP
Brian Fay, PhD, ATP, RET
Evi Klein, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP
May 2, 2014
OBJECTIVES
The audience will be able to:
• Implement feature matching to select appropriate
AAC apps for your patients with communication
disorders
• Compare and contrast features among three apps
including text only, text-to-speech and symbol
based AAC apps
• Name a variety of simple to robust AAC apps
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WHO-ICF FRAMEWORK
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HAAT MODEL
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CONTEXTUAL FACTORS
PROGNOSTIC INDICATORS
• Motivation
• Awareness
• Initiation
• Exploration
• Responsibility
• Support network
• Communication advocate
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MPT
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The respondent when indicating the top three items of importance included easy to use, effectiveness, along with comfort and durability. We anticipated
that the service related categories (service delivery, repairs, professional services and follow-up) would be more important than the device related
categories. However, the service related categories are not as important to the respondents as long as the device meets the need of the individual and is
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CONTINUED SERVICE
• Training
• Follow-up
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Communicative
competency
Reduced
abandonment
RELATED ARTICLES • Costello, J., Shane, H. & Caron, J. (2013). AAC, Mobile
Devices and Apps: Growing Pains with Evidence Based Practice. White Paper
• Gosnell, J., Costello, J. & Shane, H. (2011). Using a Clinical Approach to Answer “What Communication Apps Should We Use?” ASHA Perspectives
• Gosnell, J. (2011). Apps: An Emerging Tool for SLP’s. ASHA Leader
• Gosnell, J, Costello, J. & Shane, H. (2011). There Isn’t Always an App for That! ASHA Perspectives
• McBride, D. (2011). AAC Evaluations and New Mobile Technologies: Asking and Answering the Right Questions. ASHA Perspectives
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RELATED WEBSITES • http://speech-language-pathology-
audiology.advanceweb.com/
• http://www.childrenshospital.org/
• http://www.aactechconnect.com/
• http://www.janefarrall.com/
• http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/
• http://www.pinterest.com/aacandat/aac-apps/
• http://www.gatfl.gatech.edu/favorite-search.php
• http://www.sc.edu/scatp/apps.html
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Tobii Sono Flex • Available in a no cost “Lite” version
• Multiplatform: o iOS
o Android
o Kindle Fire
• Two configuration styles o Context-based: “levels” layout
o Common Vocabulary: phrase composition
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Configuration • Context Based (ala, P2G)
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Configuration • Common Vocabulary - (ala, WordPower)
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Configuration • Common Vocabulary – Core Words
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Configuration • Common Vocabulary – Fitzgerald Words
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Configuration • Common Vocabulary – Context pages still there
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Ex: Common Vocabulary
1
2
3
4
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Ex: Common Vocabulary
5
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Configuration • Static Top Row – Buttons
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Configuration • Static Top Row – Message Window
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Sono Flex Pros • Context/Phrase based options, interchangable
• Quick-fire Phrases
• Keyboard for messages, editing, add to
• Verb conjugation
• Configurable
• Lock-able layout
• Phrase History
• Multi-platform
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Sono Flex Cons • Keyboard lacks word prediction
• Static key size
• Need to access iOS “Settings” app to adjust some
configuration items (voice, etc)
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Jotter • An enhanced, tactile
notepad or drawing pad
or …
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Jotter
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Two PersonCommunication
• Useful for individuals
who have apraxia or
are deaf/hard-of-
hearing.
• Writing on the pad
maybe more intuitive
for communication
partners.
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Writing Instrument • Finger or Stylus
• User has option of
pencil or feather pen
with dynamic or static
tip size.
• Ink color can be varied
depending on task or
information.
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“Paper” Options • The background can
be changed to
different paper options.
• Graph paper
• Lined paper
• Colors
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Delete, Save or… • Notes can be saved &
titled.
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Send • Notes can be emailed
or posted online.
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Writing • Zoom feature for close-
up editing
• Write protect identifies
initial contact (finger)
and ignores other
contact (hand/wrist).
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Predictable App by TherapyBox
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App Features
• Multiple keyboards (QWERTY, abc)
• Word prediction engine
• Connection to social media/email
• Back up in dropbox
• Non-verbal sounds
• “Dyslexia” support
• Allows digital recording for messages
• Switch access
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Switch Control Options
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AAC Apps • Assistive Express – iOS, $25
• Compass (Dynavox) – iOS, Windows 8
• LAMP – Words for Life (PRC) – iOS, $299
• Predictable (Therapy Box) – iOS, Android, $160
• Proloquo2Go (AssistiveWare) – iOS, $220
• Verbally+ (Intutary) – iOS, $100
• Speak It! (Future) – iOS, $2
• GoTalk Now (Attainment Company) – iOS, $80
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AAC Apps • Sono Flex (Tobii) – iOS, Android, Kindle, $100
• TouchChat – iOS, $150
• TouchChat with WordPower – iOS, $300
• SoundingBoard – iOS, Free
• Jotter – iOS, $1
• Scene Speak – iOS, $10
• SmallTalk – ADL, Aphasia, ICU, and more for iOS, Free
• RocketKeys – iPad, $160
• TalkRocket Go – iPhone/iPad, $100
• Proloquo4Text – iOS, $130
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