Best Communication Assistive Technology’s for Special Education Students

Name

Pros

Cons

Best For

Proloquo2Go (iOS)

• • Robust features, extensive symbol library, and highly customizable vocabulary and speech options

• • Requires purchase
  • Need SLP guidance for optimal setup

• • Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Apraxia of Speech, or Intellectual Disabilities

TouchChat (iOS, Android)

• • User-friendly interface
  • Customization options for layouts, buttons, and voices
  • Offers text prediction and environmental controls

• • Requires purchase and complex features

• • Individuals with some existing communication skills (Useful for conditions like Dysarthria or Aphasia)

LAMP Words for Life (iOS, Android)

• • Free app with a variety of pre-made boards
  • Offers features like voice recording and customization options

• • Limited customization compared to paid AAC apps.
  • Not suitable for very complex communication needs

• • Individuals who need a introduction AAC system to start communicating basic wants and needs

Voice Dream Reader (iOS)

• • Reads various document formats aloud, highlights text as it’s being read, and allows for adjustments in speed and voice

• • Requires heavy cost purchase

• • Those who struggle with reading and benefit from listening to text being read aloud.

Look to Learn Social (iOS, Android)

• • Provides interactive exercises and games to teach crucial social communication skills like greetings, turn-taking, and identifying emotions

• • Requires heavy cost purchase

• • Children with ASD or social-emotional learning needs who can benefit from structured practice on social communication skills.

MojiTalk (iOS, Android)

• • Combines social stories with animation to help users understand social situations

• • Glitches can occur

• • Children on the autism spectrum who benefit from learning about social situations through visual stories.

Predictable (iOS, Android)

• • Offers sentence building, and text-to-speech functionality, aiding written communication

• • Lacks some advanced grammar and punctuation features.

• • Individuals who struggle with spelling and require assistance with written communication (Dyslexia)

Dodeca Speak (iOS)

• • Users can create and import personalized symbols

• • Free version has limited features.
  • Paid version required for full functionality.

• • Individuals who benefit from a highly customizable AAC system with the ability to create and use personal symbols.

Ava (iOS, Android)

• • Real-time speech-to-text transcription app that can be particularly helpful in group conversations

• • Accuracy may vary depending on background noise and speaker clarity.

• • Individuals with hearing difficulties who need speech-to-text assistance in live communication situations.