Top 10 AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Devices

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are cheaper, more user-friendly, and more readily available than ever. No longer relegated to the restrictive domain of uber-expensive and hard-to-use medical hardware, today’s AAC technology is designed for any speech language pathologist to use.

AAC Devices

Chances are you’ve been introduced to AAC devices in your master’s program and during your clinical experiences, but if you haven’t yet had the opportunity to make use of one of these devices with patients, you probably still have lots of questions. And you better know your stuff since the responsibility of finding the one that best fits their needs, their budget, and their technical aptitude is likely to fall to you. Not to mention that you’ll be training your patients tracking their progress.

And there’s a huge variety of options, but most fall into one of three categories:

• Single-meaning pictures (one picture=one word) – These systems are the simplest of all devices. They don’t require literacy, although the pictures may need to be taught to the user.
• Alphabet-based systems (spelling and letter codes) – These systems do require a certain basic level of literacy t use.
• Semantic compaction (multi-meaning icons) – These systems involve short series (usually just 1-2) symbols per word, and training is required.

Many of today’s AAC devices use a combination of the three.

To come up with our list of the top 10 AAC devices, we first considered ease of use – basic functionality and design – and then narrowed down the list to include a variety of systems at assorted price points. After a careful review of the options on the market, we came up with our favorite, presented to you here in no particular order…

Pocket Go-Talk 5-Level Communication Device

Price: About $190

Why We Love It: It easily fits into the hand for on-the-go use.

This is a great device for on-the-go, and it’s sturdy enough to take bumps and falls. It easily fits into the hand, and can just as easily slip into a pocket. It also comes with a lanyard, so it can be worn around the neck. Plus, it has a loud microphone, so even when out in public areas, others can easily hear it.

Just six buttons on this device (with five message options on each button) makes it easy for younger children to use. Simply insert the desired picture overlays into the front position on the device and record the desired word or message. Photos familiar to the user can also be inserted, which may add a degree of motivation.

The MegaBee Assisted Communication and Writing Tablet

Price: About $1,800

Why We Love It: Allows users who lack muscle control to communicate using just their eyes.

This AAC device is designed specifically for users who, due to ALS, a traumatic brain injury, stroke, ALS, muscular dystrophy, etc. are unable to use most of their body’s voluntary muscles.

The device is actually held by the listener who looks through the opening in the center of the device to view the direction of the user’s eye movements. A series of colored buttons allows the listener to push them as the user moves his or her eyes, first at one of six colored blocks, and then at a specific color (representing a letter) within that block. The goal is to spell out what the user wants to say onto the LCD screen.

The device also features a shorthand option, so the user and listener can come up with a personal set of abbreviations for their most commonly used terms. For those with low cognitive or literacy skills, the MegaBee also operates in a picture mode, with the listener placing picture labels in the appropriate areas.

Roloquo2Go

Price: $189

Why We Love It: Because it works with the iPad, a separate AAC device isn’t necessary.

AAC devices are not always device, but often apps that come with the iPad, like Roloquo2Go, designed for children who have difficulty speaking. It provides text-to-speech voices, clear symbols, and a vocabulary of more than 7,000 items.

Enabling Devices Tactile Symbol Communicator

Price: About $500

Why We Love It: The tactile buttons accommodate visually impaired users.

This portable symbol communicator, which can store up to 36 messages, has a total of six removable tactile symbols that allow the user to push a button to relay a message. As a tactile symbol communicator, it is perfect for users who are blind or visually impaired. We like this device because it offers six levels of communication, with six messages per level. When setting up this device, it provides up to six seconds of record time per message.

GOTALK 9+

Price: About $175

Why We Love It: It’s affordable and practical.

This device wins for its affordability. At under $200, the GOTALK 9+ is lightweight and durable and has a 45-message capacity, five recording levels, and a nine-minute recording time. The user simply presses the appropriate message key that corresponds with a picture.

FAB Frenchay Alphabet Board

Price: About $188

Why We Love It: The rugged design makes it ideal for a variety of settings, including nursing homes, daycare facilities, schools, critical care units, etc.

This device is rugged and practical, featuring an anti-bacterial rubber base and washable keyboard protector. The standard alpha-numeric keyboard design allows literate non-verbal users to easily choose the letters and numbers they want, while the listener looks at the keys and spells out the word. Each key features a depression that makes choosing a key easier for the user. It also comes in a smaller, pocket size for on-the-go use. It may be the ideal addition to electronic AAC devices for on-the-go or emergency situations.

Lightwriter SL40

Price: $7,000

Why We Love It: The dual-display screen allows for a natural, face-to-face dialogue.

This device is for those who are literate but unable to easily communicate through speech. The device is small, lightweight, and easy to transport, and the dual screen enables the user to type the message while the listener is sitting in a natural position for easy dialogue. It also includes a text-to-speech feature when communicating with others in the room. We also love the SIM card feature, which allows users to send text message to friends and family.

Additional features of the Lightwriter include a notebook feature, built-in buzzers to summon attention, alarms to remind the user of important events, and a built-in remote control for the television.

Gooshy Step Talk Communicator

Price: About $250

Why We Love It: It’s colorful design with lights, vibration, and music provides motivation.

The Gooshy Step Talker Communicator features a series of pre-recorded messages. The moon-shaped, jelly-filled button has floating stars in it, encouraging the user to press it to communicate. The user presses the communicator for the first message, twice for the second message, etc. Depending on the recorded messages, the device can be designed for a variety of tasks, such as multiplication, memorization, directions, sequencing, etc.

Big Talk Assistive Technology Communicator

Price: About $215

Why We Love It: The large target makes it easy for users with limited muscle control.

This device consists of a large, colorful button that can be activated with a slight touch by the user. A single message of up to 20 seconds can be stored. Plus, an external capability switch allows the device to be used as a switch to activate other devices. Use several to create a system of communication.

GoTalk Express 32 – Advanced Communication Aid

Price: About $570

Why We Love It: Allows non-literate users to press multiple picture keys to create sentences

This laptop device features a grid of pictures that allow users to combine them to form sentences. It features two methods of operation: standard and express. When the standard method is chosen, the user simply presses a message key and the device speaks the word. When the express method is chosen, the user can press multiple message keys to create a sentence.

Some of the other features of this device include a shoulder strap for easy carrying, a rugged design with carrying handle, and LED lights for visual prompts.