![]() ![]() Within each button size option (how many buttons per screen), there are options for more basic boards or more sophisticated ones.Pre-programmed boards are specifically designed for certain ages or populations, including a set for adolescents who are often overlooked in the AAC world.Created by a company that makes dedicated AAC devices as well as communication apps so it’s easy to transition from app to a more durable device.Plus, since the app is provided by a company that sells full AAC devices, you always have access to a local rep who can tell you all about the dedicated AAC devices if you decide that your child would benefit from having his own AAC device. The website for Touch Chat contains tons of support and resources including Webinars and Trainings. Fortunately, these can be turned off for your little ones. I found these troublesome with some of my younger children because they would accidentally do the gesture while trying to push a button and it would change pages. There are also features that can be used to allow the child to change pages quickly using gestures. When she’s ready, the buttons can easily be added back on. This is great for a kiddo who is just starting out and needs help guiding her attention to the target button. Once you choose a board, the boards themselves are also easy to customize and you can easily hide as many buttons as you need to. This allows for you to customize the device to the individual child with the push of a button. However, the basic version of this doesn’t allow buttons to change as much and includes more pictures/symbols on buttons instead of plain text. This cuts down on navigation time significantly. The more sophisticated option changes certain words on the screen when one button is pushed, allowing the device to predict what you may be trying to say. I personally use the 42 Position option the most often and I love that there is a basic version and a more sophisticated version of the same 42-button layout. These boards range from 20 buttons per page up through 80 buttons per page, allowing the child to have access to as many buttons as his motor skills will allow. The “Word Power” boards are much more sophisticated and allow for more language development and growth. Saltillo used research conducted in adolescent homes about the types of vocabulary that these children want to use. There are even specific boards for adolescents that has bigger buttons for those who aren’t ready for the more sophisticated boards, but who need more sophisticated language than a preschooler would need. You can start with very simple boards that were designed for young children with developmental delays or move up to a more sophisticated device. When you open the app, you have the option to choose from many different pre-programmed boards that are specifically designed for different populations. Why is that a good thing? Well, you know that they’ve spent tons of time and money on research and development of their software and if you try the app and find you like it, you can easily transition to a dedicated device that will last you longer and is often covered by insurance companies. That means, this same software comes installed on their durable devices that are designed to be used specifically as an AAC device and nothing else. This app was created by Saltillo which is a company that makes dedicated AAC devices as well as communication apps. Here are some of the most common AAC Apps available today: For that reason, many of the AAC companies have created AAC apps that can be downloaded and used on tablets, phones, and other devices for a fraction of the price. Purchasing a dedicated AAC device can be expensive and going through insurance can take a long time. These devices are sometimes called “communication devices” or “talkers”.įor more information on teaching a child to use an AAC System or Device, click here! This includes some children with conditions such as autism, childhood apraxia of speech, and other types of speech/language delays. These are helpful for children or adults who have either lost the ability to speak or who are not able to speak well enough to clearly communicate everything that they want to say. There are many different types of AAC but the most common are high-tech AAC Devices that allow a person to push a button to speak a message. AAC apps are augmentative/alternative communication programs that allow a person to communicate with those around them without speaking. ![]()
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