There are an awful lot of communication apps available and if you’re not already an experienced member of the world of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) then telling them all apart can be a challenge! What does each app do? What makes them different from one another? Which one is best for your learner?
In this blog, we have listed five commonly used communication apps for symbol-users, so you can broaden your awareness and make informed decisions. While many of these apps share similar features, they all have particular strengths and differences that are worth considering. Think of this list as a crash course, and consider looking up the apps’ websites for more detailed information.
Super Core: This vocabulary is found within the Grid for iPad app (or Grid 3 on Windows devices). Super Core is a symbol-based gridset, made by the company Smartbox. It comes in a few different varieties, such as Super Core 30 and Super Core 50 (the number denoting the amount of symbols on the page at any given time) as well as Child and Teen versions, with the latter having some more mature topics included. Super Core is a robust symbol-based gridset, encouraging users to communicate by combining symbols. The most commonly used words, known as core words, are found on its front page, while topic (or fringe) words are contained within folders. By navigating between the front page and these folders, users can combine different symbols to say a wide variety of different things. For more information and to get a free trial go to thinksmartbox.com/super-core/
Proloquo2go: An app made by AssistiveWare, Proloquo2go differentiates itself from other symbol-based gridsets with its layout. While it does have a front page of core words, each topic folder also contains important core words alongside the fringe words. This means the user does not have to navigate as much in order to build sentences. For more information go to assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go. They also offer a free trial period.
Snap Core First: A vocabulary found within the TD Snap app created by Tobii Dynavox. Snap Core First is an expansive vocabulary with symbols across a wide range of topics. Much like other entries on this list, Snap Core First requires the user to navigate between pages and combine symbols to build up sentences. Where Snap Core First excels is with its Quickfire and Topic sections. Quickfires are single words or short phrases that the user might need to say throughout the day, such as “I need help”. They are intended to be as convenient as possible, and do not interrupt whatever sentence the user might be constructing with other symbols. Likewise, the Topic section contains a wealth of whole phrases, themed around topics such as going to the shops, going to the doctors, or travelling on an aeroplane. These whole phrases are intended to make life easier when using the device out and about. For example, if the user always orders a hot chocolate when they go to a café, then a Topic phrase for this could be used, rather than requiring the user to build an entire sentence while they have a queue of people behind them! For more information go to tobiidynavox.com/pages/td-snap-core-first. There is a free trial period available.
TD Motor Plan: Another vocabulary found within the TDSnap app. TD Motor Plan emphasises having a concise, predictable layout for its symbols, to help users build sentences as easily as possible. The front page contains core words the user accesses to begin their communication, before moving to the fringe folders to find the topic they want to discuss. Crucially, once they select a symbol from a fringe folder, the app will jump them back to the front page. This is intended to encourage symbol combining and sentence building, rather than staying in a topic folder and only using fringe word symbols to communicate. For more information go to tobiidynavox.com/pages/td-snap-motor-plan. There is a free trial period available.
Proloquo: Not to be confused with Proloquo2go, Proloquo is a newer app from AssistiveWare and is intended to meet the needs of a broad range of AAC users. Rather than navigating between pages, as is the case with the other apps on this list, the user selects different tabs to change the symbols on the screen, giving the impression that they are staying in the same location. What helps Proloquo stand out from the crowd is its dynamic synonym list, which allows the user to choose more interesting substitutions for common words. For example, why say “good” when you could say “outstanding” or “amazing”? For more information go to assistiveware.com/products/proloquo. They also offer a free trial period.
Each of these apps contain many more features than we have covered here, and if possible, it’s worth exploring each of them in turn. If you’d like to discuss their features in greater length, or are simply unsure which app might be most appropriate for a person you are supporting, feel free to get in touch with us here at Ace Centre. You can email [email protected] or call us on 0800 080 3115 option 2- Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1PM-5PM, for free and impartial advice. We’re here to help!
If you’re not ready to commit to an electronic communication aid for the person you support, then it might be worth considering paper-based communication. Why not download and try some of our symbol charts? Or read our free eBook on Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources. Or learn more, by taking our course on how to develop and use a communication book.
Written by Joe Doran, an AAC Consultant at Ace Centre. Previously, he worked as an Advisory Teacher for the Communication Aid Service East of England, and before this was a special school teacher. He’s always been interested in finding ways to make the world of AAC as straightforward and accessible as possible for his fellow teachers, and for parents too.
