AAC AND THE IPAD Charlotte Mecklenburg Assistive Technology Team May 1, 2012

“Everyone uses words to express themselves. Except me. And I bet most people don’t realize the power of words. But I do. Thoughts need words. Words need voice….” From the novel Out of My Mind By Sharon Draper

iDevices - The Good and the Bad… iDevices are making a huge impact on our profession and those clients we serve. From articulation, language development, fluency to augmentative communication. iDevices are the latest in speech generated devices for persons who need AAC, but…. Are iDevices for everyone?

iDevices and AAC apps are dramatically changing the options available for persons with significant communication needs. Parents, consumers and caregivers are empowered to make isolated decisions regarding what AAC system to be considered and able to take charge with obtaining the equipment as an affordable alternative to traditional speech generating devices.

Which App should we recommend? ASHA 2010 –Results of an App related survey indicated: –54.4% of respondents were using Apps with AAC users following evaluation for this. –55.6% said NO evaluation took place.

AAC evaluations should never set out to answer, “Which App is the best?” but rather “What augmentative communication tools and strategies will best meet the needs of the individual?” This means that AAC Apps are included as part of the options to be considered and evaluated during the feature match process of an AAC evaluation.

The goal of augmentative communication is about enhancing the communication capability of a person with complex communication needs, not the hardware! We need to keep an eye on the goal and not the tool! The augmentative communication needs of an individual with complex communication needs must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis using clinically based assessment methods.

What are the feature differences between traditional AAC devices and Apps that should be considered as part of the evaluation process? Language/Software design Access Considerations Sensory input Environmental Controls Hardware Dedicated SGD’s meet DME Criteria for Funding

AAC Devices: Language/Software Researched based language systems such as Unity, Word Power, Gateway, InterAACt language systems typically follow a developmental model. Consumer growth can occurs by incrementing the display complexity instead of relearning new display organization and/or hardware. Include comprehensive syntax and morphology components.

AAC Devices: Access Considerations Multiple Access Methods Support industry available access devices (HeadMouse, Tracker) Keyguards are available for ALL configurations Generally able to accommodate changing access needs Support for wide range of mounting systems for diverse and unique positioning needs

AAC Devices: Sensory Input Screen size Auditory selection feedback Auditory scanning features Preview button selection Magnified highlight Frame highlight Custom size & layout for perception, discrimination, neglect issues

AAC Devices: Environmental Controls IR and X-10 control options accessible within the communication display Telephone accessible within the communication display using a mobile card or speaker phone High quality speech output Better volume options for telephone

ACC Devices: Hardware AAC hardware is considered to have better durability and longer average use span Touch screens engineered for environmental stress Highly durable casing Bracket options for industry standard mounting

Dedicated SGD’s Meet DME Criteria for Funding Computer functions are “locked out” Not able to install or use other software

Let’s Talk iPads The Good and Bad… “Cool” everyone else has one Highly portable Relatively low cost Empowers family and consumer Based on mainstream technology Intuitive to use across age and disability

iPads Can be used either as a complete or supplemental SGD Useful for a range of assistive needs, from picture schedule systems to GPS tools, minimizing the need for multiple AT items.

But….. Durability can be an issue as most will be carried and warranty does not always cover the screen. Limited accessibility No trial period Does not meet criteria for DME Lack of technical support and training Multiple functions can be distracting for some Limited growth potential within individual Apps Generally less customizable than dedicated AAC devices

But……. Purchases made without clinical recommendations or guidance Even the most competent Apps involve a very high burden for programming and customization When AAC is not successful, begins to lay the foundation for disinterest and feelings of being unsuccessful

Augmentative Communication Apps Only Apps with a message window  Proloquo2Go  Sono Flex Intro to Communication Apps:  Click N Talk  Verbal Victor  iCommunicate  Tape Speak Choice  Grace  Tap To Talk  My Talk Mobile  Expressive  Verbally – text to speech

Articulation Apps Articulation Station ArtikPix Sunny Articulation Test Artic2Go PBM

Language Development Apps iPractice Verbs Prepositions Remix Guess’ em Question Builder Sentence Builder Read Me Stories Silly Sentences Super Duper Apps PCS Vocabulary

Fluency Apps Disfluency Index Counter Fluency Tracker DAF Assistant Tongue Twisters

Auditory Training Apps eliasZOO/eliasFARMS Vocal Zoo SoundTouch Zoo Sounds Farm Sounds City Sounds Animals ABC Wildlife

Visual Schedule Apps Picture Scheduler First-Then Visules iCommunicate iPrompts

Social Stories/Social Language Apps Model Me Going Places Social Skills Sampler Social Skills Stories2Learn StoryRobe Pictello

Reward Charts Apps iReward iEarnedThat Reward Chart

Apps for Visually Impaired and Cause - Effect Sparkabilities Fluidity Baby Blop Color Dots Baby Rattle Peekaboo Ocean Peekaboo Forest Cosmic Top Bubbles Art of Glow Baby Aqua Sound Shaker Balloon Maker Balloon Pop Fireworks Sound Touch Fun Fireworks Glow Coloring Visual Works

Think Outside the App! Sound Apps Drawing Apps Creative Apps Screen Readers Anatomy/science Apps Interactive Story Apps Games

Blogs Speech Gadget GeekSLP Free tech for teachers Speech Techie Appshopper

Our goal is to help develop our students become functional and successful communicators with whatever tools are available. Just because I can't speak doesn't mean I have nothing to say.

What is your favorite App?