AAC and Mainstream Platforms
(including iPad/iPod)
Selection
Low tech or Hi Tech
Not mutually exclusive
AAC software or app can bridge the gap allowing client to choose from two as required
Choosing a Hi Tech aid
What output is needed ?
How complex is the clients communication going to be ?
How will the client access the aid ?
How will this integrate with other AT needs ?
Dedicated aidsProsPros ConsCons
Long battery life Typically not very flexible
Robustness Can be expensive (sometimes very)
Fixed interface Fit for no other purpose
Reliability
Mainstream Platforms as VOCA
ProsPros ConsConsPowerful with scope to Typically fragile and not always
upgrade suitable for harsh environments
Flexible to change Can be larger and heavier whenever necessary
Computers crash!
Better voices and Battery life
clearer screens Time taken to boot up
Personalisation
Which Platform????
Mobile phones Games consoles/iPod
Palmtops / Pocket PC/PDAs Tablet /iPad
Laptop Desktop
Mobile Phones A Mainstream operating system in its own
right Cheaper and widely available Limited accessibility features
Processing power/battery life/volume
Games console/iPod Limited options (no calls/web access etc ) Light, easy to handle, hardwearing, availability Volume, battery life, etc May need additional accessories
Palmtop /Pocket PC/PDAs
• Palmtop computers (Pocket PC)
• These are much smaller devices designed to be carried in the pocket.
• The small screen is a touch screen but due to the compact size, displaying large grids is impractical.
• It is also not practical to connect switches or external input to these devices, but the high robustness and portability of these devices makes them very convenient for communication on the move.
Tablet PCs/iPad• Touch screen / Stylus
• No physical keyboard (but one can be connected/use onscreen)
• Highly portable
• Tablet computers are increasingly popular, lowering the cost and providing better specified computers. As a result, tablet machines will change fairly often.
• Use of apps now allow for affordable AAC options, constantly updated
• http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/iphoneipad-apps-for-aac
• www.appsforaac.net
iOS Devices iPod Touch 8, 16 or 32 GB memory
Does have WIFI access, web browser, camera No Bluetooth – Switches won’t work 3.5” display
iPhone Usually cheaper on contract Has Bluetooth, WIFI access, better camera 4-5hours continuous use battery life Turn off apps when no using to preserve battery 3.5” display
iPad Larger version 10 hour battery 9.7” display
Communication Apps 150+ AAC apps currently available Prices vary from free to €200+ No trial versions of apps – iTunes limitation
Symbol/Picture based
Symbol & Text based
Text only based
Communication apps - Precautions
Apps sometimes developed by parent/family member with one specific end user in mind and some developers have limited knowledge of child language development
Certain apps do not allow for editing/customisation to suit individual vocabulary needs
Some apps only downloadable in certain countries
Some apps are subscription based
Not all apps have a message window
Voice quality can vary
Sample of apps that have received good reviews included in this presentation, it is not an exhaustive list!
Selected Symbol/Picture Based Apps Single message apps
TapSpeak Button (€12-40) Like BigMac Standard version can import own photos Plus Version has 4500 PCS symbols
iTalker (€8)* Import own photos
Sequenced message apps TapSpeak Sequence
Like Step By Step communicators iPad only Editing features disappear in portrait mode
Selected Symbol/Picture Based Apps
Visual Scene Display Apps (iPad only) - designed to provide a high level of contextual support.
Scene & Heard
uses 12,000 Wigit Symbols, or own images
linking between scenes possible
hotspots, or symbol strip at bottom
Recorded speech
can schedule to launch at a specific time Scene Speak (€8)*
Can use own images
Set up as a book, swipe to turn pages
Hotspots for output, no linking possible
Synthetic and recorded speech
Selected Symbol/Picture Based Apps
Apps suitable for whole message buttons (no message window, no page linking – similar to GoTalk, Tech/Talk, Supertalker, etc.)
iComm (basic version free)*
2-4 cells per page Import own images, small number of symbols Recorded speech in paid version.
Talking Cards (€30)
2, 6,12 cells, no linking possible Custom symbols, import own images Recorded speech
(Continued Next Screen)
Selected Symbol/Picture Based Apps
Apps suitable for whole message buttons
TapToTalk *(subscription based, free to download) 2000 custom symbols, import
own images Create pages online using own
images No message window Recorded Speech Switch access Also available for NintendoDS
Selected Symbol/Picture Based Apps
Apps suitable for sentence construction
(message window available, page linking – similar to Dynavox M3, Liberator Springboard etc.)
AlexicomAAC *(subscription based) Create pages online using own images
Synthetic speech
Switch access
Expressive (€40) Import own images, Smarty Symbols
Multiple levels, Recorded speech
Sounding Board *(€40) AbleNet symbols, import own images
1-9 locations
Recorded speech
Selected Symbol/Picture Based Apps
Autism specific apps Grace (€30)
Autism specific, PECS replicant
No speech output
Message window to construct sentences
Can import own images
Apps with Symbols & Text to Speech
These are apps that support AAC users who have emergent/developing literacy skills.
Usually has synthetic speech output Word prediction available in some apps Similar in language level to Dynavox V, Liberator
Eco, Grid 2 symbol based users. Quality very much related to price!
Apps with Symbols & Text to Speech
AutoVerbal €8)
“Girl”, “Guy” and “Pro” versions available
Cannot add you own buttons, but can customise what existing buttons say
No message window when working with symbols
Pop-up keyboard with message window
My TalkTools Mobile* (free/€32)
Need paid version to edit pages
No message window when working with symbols
Can activate Apple on-screen keyboard from app
Apps with Symbols & Text to Speech
Proloquo2Go* (€140)
Uses SymbolStix library (7000 items)
Can import own images/photos
Fully customisable buttons
Direct Access only
Word prediction available
Can use both symbols and text to construct message
TouchChat AAC* (lite €8- full version €240)
Fully features AAC app
Uses SymbolStix or own images
Word prediction
Can purchase with WordPower 24 page set
Direct Access only
Text to Speech Apps
These are apps that are designed for individuals with good literacy
Word prediction available in some – start to type and the app “guesses” what words you might be trying to use
Phrase prediction available in some - “guesses” what words might come next i.e. how are___
Ability to save messages important – can reuse frequent used sentences/preplanning speeches
Selected Text to Speech Apps Assistive Chat
Easy Speak
EZ Speech Pro
iSayIt*
can save words and phrases to use again
TalkAssist
Keeps a history of your messages that you can use again
Selected Text to Speech Apps Predictable* (€120)
Word prediction, phrase prediction coming soon
Switch accessible, with auditory scanning
Can save your messages
SpeakIt!* (€1.60) Pop-up keyboard
Can save messages/phrases
Can save messages as audio files to be exported.
Noteworthy…
Some established AAC companies are now developing a iOS version of their software Tobi Communicator Grid 2
Connecting to and downloading from iTunes
Apps are bought from the App Store on iTunes.
You can either download iTunes to your computer, or use the app store directly from your iPod/iPhone/iPad. You need to be connected to the internet to do this.
Browse for apps you want – note: most AAC apps are listed under Education
Can purchase using iTunes vouchers if you don’t want to use your credit card
Your device is linked with your iTunes account –you cannot share your apps with others without wiping clean their pre-stored content or risking that they may alter your content.
Alternative Access
Switch access Will allow access to specific apps, rather than
iPod/iPhone/iPad in general Use Bluetooth to interact, replicating specific key
presses Currently AbleNet, R.J. Cooper and TherapyBox
producing switches – need to check with are compatible with your app
Joystick access - iPortal More info at www.appsforaac.net/node/364
Cases
iMain2Go case (iPod/iPhone) Speakers built into case Needs AAA batteries However can be bulky – difficult to hold, hides device
OtterBox cases Sturdy, very rugged. Commuter (slim) or Defender (more sturdy) options Latch strapping system
Cases cont… iAdapter case
Very rugged Expensive Bulky
Hand-E Holder
Velcro – can be useful for iPods/iPhones
Holders
•Hand-E Holder
•The Latch from OtterBox may suit ambulatory individuals, those who can access it on their laps etc.
Velcro! Particularly useful for iPod and iPhone.
Waterproofing Zagg Invisible Shield
Tunewear
Accessories External Speaker (Need to secure to device/case)
Wired, such as x-mini. Wireless, Bluetooth speakers, i.e Cyfi Sports
Bub Caps
Conductive stylus
E-Tip Gloves/Conductive gloves
BlueTooth keyboards
Mounting Deassy mount – expensive, but very sturdy
from Mounts And More
Dynamics have a wheelchair mount designed to work with the iPortal, and can be adapted, so that iPad draws power from chair battery.
RAM mounts use suction pad, so may be suitable when a desk/wheelchair tray present.
Apple Accessibility Features
Built into Apple Operating System (iOS) Can help access to apps Settings General Accessibility VoiceOver – one tap calls out app/vocabulary
item, double tap selects Auto correction when typing using inbuilt
keyboard
Alternative operating systems Android system
http://www.appsforaac.net/content/aac-apps-android-0
Click2Phone app Windows
Starting to catch up i.e. Motion Tablet from SmartBox AT
Useful Links www.appsforaac.net – ACE Centre blog http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/
iphoneipad-apps-for-aac - Spectonics Blog http://commquick.com/ - Communication related
apps for Apple and Android platforms
Laptops v Desktops
Where …..What …..When ….How ….Why …..
Will this PC be used ?
Software for communication
Now to introduce some of the products that will run on mainstream platforms
Some of these will also run some of the other devices – check with the supplier before you
choose Practical session