Read below for our latest list of favorite Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Apps
October was Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month, and, thankfully, there are myriad ever-evolving AAC offerings out there. So, to highlight the importance of assistive technologies in the lives of patients living with ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, and to help guide our community toward the most useful apps of the past year, across price ranges, and that we feel are the most practical and innovative, SimpliHere is sharing our list of the top seven ACC apps of 2024.
Avaz AAC (Free with in-app purchases)
Avaz AAC is an assistive communication app that empowers children and adults with speech difficulties to communicate freely and build meaningful relationships. Avaz uses a clutter-free, easy-to-adjust, larger-sized vocabulary grid, from 60 to 117 pictures per screen, for clearer communication, and uninterrupted access to the user’s designated “core words” no matter where you are in the app. It also integrates access to YouTube, offers the addition of dynamic GIFs to messages for more expressive communication, and allows users to upload personalized audio files for a tailored communication experience.
Weave Chat (Free)
Weave Chat is a free, category-based ACC app with dynamic display, synthetic voices, and custom boards. It is completely customizable, available on a variety of devices, and uses a color-coding system to organize its collection of constantly updated vocabulary as verbs, pronouns, questions, nouns, adjectives, and conversational words. Users can create and/or add custom images, categories, and phrases, select a synthetic voice, and modify AAC boards with ease.
SimpliHere (currently, $3.99)
Yes, of course we are hyping our own app here! But if you’re reading this post, you know that SimpliHere really is one of the most comprehensive and very best apps out there for patients, caregivers, and families living with ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. And we’re about to make it even better! In the coming weeks, we’ll be releasing a new version of the app to better support our users. Enjoy SimpliHere’s simple interface; one-click communications that allow patients to request what they need and caregivers to understand and respond; streamlined communication with caregivers and families, and others; and access to valuable forums, communities, and resources.
Speech Assistant AAC ($23.99)
Speech Assistant AAC is a fully customizable, easy-to-use text-to-speech app with which users create category and phrase buttons that users use to create messages that can be shown or spoken (text-to-speech). It also leverages a keyboard so any text can be typed. While the app does cost $23.99, this is a one-time price and it does not require a subscription. A history option allows quick access to previously typed phrases, and users can select photos from a photo library, make voice recordings (or select one of the iOS text-to-speech voices, including support for Apple’s Personal Voice and the highly realistic ElevenLabs voices).
An autocomplete feature shows phrase suggestions in a drop-down list, and users can maintain multiple conversations at the same time. Speech Assistant can be used on the Apple Watch and the app can also be used while making Phone and FaceTime calls (with iOS 13), so you don’t need a second device for the speech output. In addition to a long list of additional features, the app offers 40 languages and won an innovation award (The Vodafone Mobiles For Good Challenge) and does not require an internet connection.
Sono Flex ($99.99)
Tobii Sono Flex is an easy-to-use AAC vocabulary app that turns symbols into clear speech. Focusing on quickly matching individual and situational communication needs, it offers language to nonverbal users by combining the benefits of structure and flexibility, providing a framework for language quickly and easily. Sono Flex is a universal application available for iPhone, iPod and iPad and is supported on Apple Watch. Users need only to buy the application once to run it on any device. The interface includes context-based pages, featuring phrases for quick interactions that are specific to the vocabulary and the mix of core words and situations. Users report appreciating the intuitive layout of pages; lack of vertical scroll; the grammar feature; and situational communication options.
Predictable ($159.99)
Predictable is a multi-award-winning text-to-speech app, offered in 43 languages, that makes it easier and quicker for users to communicate, using a range of access methods, rate enhancement features and customization options. Using smart word prediction technology, the app makes speaking out a text-based message easy. Predictable learns from your pattern of use and predicts what you will type next, making typing easier and more efficient. Users can save and organize phrases for quick access in a simple grid format. It offers additional customization of phrases by adding symbols, images, audio recordings, links, and more.
Users can create shortcuts to a wide range of useful and exciting features such as notes, share, translate, ChatGPT, and draw to customize the keyboard screen to include features that they want to use. Attach these to keyboard keys, hot corners, head tracking gestures or external keyboard shortcuts. Users can also use their voice-banked voice from ModelTalker, Acapela, SpeakUnique and The Voice Keeper. The price of this app is higher, but the possibilities are endless!
TouchChat HD- AAC w/ WordPower ($299.99)
Although it is the most expensive ACC app on this year’s list, TouchChat is the most full-featured AAC solution we have found for people who have difficulty using their natural voice. The app gives the user the ability to choose a fully customizable vocabulary file, consisting of pages and buttons that contain words, phrases, sentences, and other functions. TouchChat is bundled with WordPower®, a word-based vocabulary that allows for easy and intuitive communication. Messages are spoken with a built-in voice synthesizer or by playing a recorded message.
The app can message and email via various applications and can integrate audio and video files, including YouTube integration. Synthesized and custom voice options are available, allowing the user to choose a voice that fits their personality, and the app is available in a range of languages. Additionally, a few features are particularly helpful for ALS patients: gestures can be used to navigate to new pages, speak messages, etc., and button activation timing is a great feature that allows the user to adjust button dwell time, release time, and activation upon button release.
Additional access methods such as scanning, head tracking, and eye tracking may be available (based on your device model and, in some cases, may require an additional hardware purchase). Another helpful feature is that once programming is complete, vocabulary files can be imported and exported through AirDrop, email, iTunes® file sharing, DropBox™ or Google Drive™.
To read our 2023 ACC App Cheat Sheet, click here.
