The AAC world speaks a lot of robust apps. I firmly believe in robust; however, I prefer robust enough with a simple design, easy to intake visual field, and easy enough navigation for the littlest fingers to independently direct and explore on.
Robust language is hidden in our app’s simple design, and the language and vocabulary variation across the various parts of speech to support robust communication are in fact there. We decided our AAC users needed a platform that was similar to the way we teach langauge to their verbal peers, bits of processing at a time, where the focus can be directly and fully into the concepts being taught.
We have found that most of our students and clients, with this approach, will either become verbal communicators or text based communicators. There are children who will need to be on AAC systems for forever and this app may just be a stepping stone for them, or may be a permanent solution others. It all depends on what the family wants and what the team supports as to how AAC looks across a lifespan.
If you are using this app with an AAC focus, it’s absolutely my favorite! Yes, I am the creator but the creation was intentional and it was intended to be intentionally different than what the market presents. Why? Because the other products didn’t meet our needs. Why is it priced insanely low? Again, to meet needs.
We are the front line and our front line simply needed daily usable support.
Implementing AAC should be done in a manner of talking WITH the individual, not to them or at them. Talking WITH each other starts with social interaction, joint attention, reciprocity, connection, and honestly, fun. Ask them their favorites. Let them respond, errorlessly, tell them your favorites, make sure they take the time to listen to you (and to the voice output of the app), and then grow from there. This app has so much to teach anyone listening, and can grow with the child and the team, but start where you are and enjoy growing, and building, together.
Here are some of our favorite pages when talking about favorites: