iPod Touch/iPhone Apps with TTS for AAC

A recent search for an app that could be used on an iPod Touch or iPhone as a portable AAC device that has features of text to speech, word prediction, a high quality voice  and ability to store phrases for easy access found a few interesting options available. There are many picture or image based systems out there currently however that was not the need for this individual who had basic typing and spelling skills, good motor abilities to access a small handheld device but also was  also was interested in having an AAC app integrated into a phone.

Although there are probably more out there (or will be tomorrow…) I found these two Apps that I thought could be appropriate choices:

Assistive Chat

The voice qualities of this app I thought were very good using the text to speech output for communication. AssistiveChat has word prediction available (alphabetical not phonetic but did pick up new words entered) and will store recent sentences or communication written as well as “favorite” phrases it does not have the ability to categories phrases. I really liked the speech quality and the ease of use of the interface to pick up and use right away!  Although it does not have a lot of customization available, at $24.99 this app would be well worth it for the right individual with good fine motor and functional spelling skills needing a simple text based AAC system. Exploring a speaker system for additional amplification of a voice might be needed if in a large group or noisy environment.

Check out the website for videos and application of Assistive Chat!

PredictAble – This is a new app that does more than just text to speech, word prediction and provide phrase banks for the iPhone or iPod Touch. PredictAble also provides tools for scanning and switch access as well as  direct access capabilities for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Greater choices of high quality voices by Loquendo are available as well as other customizable features.

At a much higher cost of $159.99 this AAC app provides the ability to customize categories of phrases spoken to enhance the rate of vocalizations. Images can also be added to the categories for access by users needing visual supports. Although I did not trial this app, it appears to have great features, promise of a high quality voice for many different types of AAC users including those with access challenges. With as much promise as Proloquo2Go has for the right individual, PredictAble appears to have wonderful features for a variety of other AAC users.

Both website have videos for more information on features of the apps

Carol