Children with severe speech or language disorders may benefit from an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. With so many different types of AAC devices available it can be confusing. Below is a list that will help you learn more. It is by no means exhaustive but will hopefully provide insight into what is available. Special thanks to Ashley Wortman, a Speech and Hearing student in Cleveland State University’s School of Health Sciences for compiling this information.
If you feel that your child may benefit from an AAC device, please consult an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist.
Speech Case with iPad
Company: TobiiDynavox
Description: An iOS based speech tablet designed for augmentative communication (AAC). This device is equipped with speakers, the communication application, 1 year of telephone support and more. The price for this device varies depending on the size of the iPad that is chosen as well as the iPad storage. Speech case can be bought separately.
Price: Range from $999-$2,000
https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/devices/multi-access-devices/speech-case-ipad/
Specifications:
Operating System: iOS
Screen: 9.7”/12.9”
Weight: 2.28 lbs/3.3 lbs
Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.2 x 1.8″ (249 x 182 x 46mm) /
4 x 9.2 x 1.8″ (316 x 234 x 46mm)
RAM: 2 GB RAM/ 4 GB RAM
Flash Storage: 32 or 128 GB eMMC/ 64, 356, or 512 eMMC
Battery Run Time: > 10 hours of normal usage
Charge Time < 4 hours
Indi with Snap + Core First
Company: TobiiDynavox
Description: An all in one AAC tablet. Includes speakers, pre-installed with the Snap + Core First application. Designed to be easy to use for early communicators.
Price: $999
https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/devices/multi-access-devices/indi/
Specifications:
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10
Software: Snap+Core First or Communicatior 5
Screen: 10.1” (25.65 cm)
Weight: 1 lb 11 oz (756 g)
Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.9 x 1.4 in (24.4 x 17.6 x 3.5 cm)
RAM: 4 GB RAM
Flash Storage: 64 GB eMMC
Battery Run Time: > 8 hours of normal usage
Charge Time: < 4 hours
Indi with Communicator 5
Company: TobiiDynavox
Description: An all in one AAC tablet. Includes speakers, pre-installed with the Communicator 5 application. You are able to customize content through easy to use editing tools with text and symbols. Access to social media, email, and texting.
Price: $1,699
https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/devices/multi-access-devices/indi-communicator-5/
Specifications:
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10
Software: Snap+Core First or Communicator 5
Screen: 10.1” (25.65 cm)
Weight: 1 lb 11 oz (756 g)
Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.9 x 1.4 in (24.4 x 17.6 x 3.5 cm)
RAM: 4 GB RAM
Flash Storage: 64 GB eMMC
Battery Run Time: > 8 hours of normal usage
Charge Time: < 4 hours
Indi 7
Company: TobiiDynavox
Description: An all in one AAC tablet made to be taken on the go. Includes speakers and your choice of communication software.
Price: $1,699
https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/devices/multi-access-devices/indi-7/
Specifications:
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
Software: Snap+Core First or Communicator 5
Screen: 7” (17.8 cm)
Weight: 1.27 lbs (.57 kg)
Dimensions: 8 x 5.7 x 1.4 in
(20.3 x 14.5 x 3.65 cm)
RAM: 4 GB RAM
Flash Storage: 64 GB eMMC
Battery Run Time: > 8 hours of normal usage
Battery Charge Time: < 4 hours
SC Tablet
Company: TobiiDynavox
Description: An iPad based speech generating device designed for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Includes speakers, Snap + Core First communication application, and 1 year of Support360.
Price: Can be covered by Medicare/Medicaid and private insurance. Learn how to get funding at TobiiDynavox.com
https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/devices/multi-access-devices/sc-tablet/
Specifications:
Operating System: iOS
Screen: 9.7”/12.9”
Weight: 2.28 lbs/3.3 lbs
Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.2 x 1.8″ (249 x 182 x 46mm) /
4 x 9.2 x 1.8″ (316 x 234 x 46mm)
RAM: 2 GB RAM/ 4 GB RAM
Flash Storage: 128 GB eMMC / 512 GB eMMC
Battery Run Time: > 10 hours of normal usage
Battery Charge Time: < 4 hours
I-110
Company: TobiiDynavox
Description: A speech generating device for augmentative and alternative communication. Includes an IP54 classification, speakers, Gorilla glass, a durable case, and an integrated kick-stand.
Price: $5,999
https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/devices/multi-access-devices/i-110-na/
Specifications:
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
Screen: 10.1”
Weight: 2.4 lb
Dimensions: 10.1 x 2.3 x 1.4 in (257 x 185 x 355 mm)
RAM: 4 GB RAM
Flash Storage: 128 GB eMMC
Battery Run Time: > 10 hours of normal usage
Battery Charge Time: < 4 hours
I-12+
Company: TobiiDynavox
Description: A touch and eye gaze device that enables effective communication. Includes an IP43 classification, speakers, Gorilla glass, and a solid state hard drive (SSD). Equipped with GEWA infared control transmitter windows that will allow you to control doors, lights, telephones, etc. Allows access to social media, phone calls, and texting.
Price: Price not available online, to purchase device contact Customer Service at 1-800-344-1778 extension 3.
https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/devices/eye-gaze-devices/i-12/
Specifications:
Operating System: Microsoft 8.1 and Windows 10
Screen: 12.1”
Weight: 6.2 lbs
Dimensions: 12.1 x 10.8 x 4.1 inches (30.6 x 27.4 x 10.5 cm)
RAM: 4 GB DDR3
Hard disk drive: 2.5 “ SSD 2556 GB
SD-Card: Micro SD- Card 32 GB
Battery Run Time: >10.5 hours
Battery Charge Time: < 5.5 hours
I-15+
Company: TobiiDynavox
Description: A touch and eye gaze portable speech generating device that enables effective communication. Includes speakers, Gorilla glass, a solid state hard drive (SSD), swappable batteries, and built in auto brightness. Allows access to social media, texting, and phone calls.
Price: Price not available online, to purchase device contact Customer Service at 1-800-344-1778 extension 3.
https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/devices/eye-gaze-devices/i-15/
Specifications:
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 and Windows 10
Screen: 15.0”
Weight: 8.4 lbs
Dimensions: 14.5 x 12.8 x 4.4 inches (36.9 x 32.6 x 11.2 cm)
RAM: 4 GB DDR3
Hard Disk Drive: 2.5” SSD 256 GB
SD-Card: MicroSD-Card 32 GB
Battery Run Time: > 9.5 hours
Battery Charge Time: < 5.4 hours
PRiO-mini
Company: Prentke-Romich
Description: An iPad based communication tool using the iPad mini. Uses LAMP Words for Life, a communication app for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Locked from computer access and other non-communication functions.
Price: $3,995.00. Funding is available for this device under Medicare/Medicaid.
https://store.prentrom.com/communication-devices?product_id=340
Specifications:
Operating system: iOS 10
Screen 7.9”
Weight: 1.4 lbs
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.1 x 1.7”
RAM: 2 GB
Flash Storage: 16 gB
Battery Run Time: > 10 hours of normal usage
Battery Charge Time: < 4 hours
PRiO
Company: Prentke-Romich
Description: An iPad based communication tool using the iPad. Uses LAMP Words for Life, a communication app for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Locked from computer access and other non-communication functions.
Price: $3,995.00. Funding is available for this device under Medicare/Medicaid.
https://store.prentrom.com/prio
Specifications:
Operating system: iOS 10
Screen 9.7”
Weight: 1.9 lbs
Dimensions: 6.9 x 9.6 x 1.7”
RAM: 2 GB
Flash Storage: 16 GB
Battery Run Time: > 10 hours of normal usage
Battery Charge Time: < 4 hours
Accent 800
Company: Prentke-Romich
Description: A communication device that has the option to use LAMP Words for Life, CoreScanner, and WordCore, communication apps for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Locked from computer access and other non-communication functions. Incudes chemically hardened glass, a high impact case, and a magnesium frame.
https://store.prentrom.com/communication-devices/accent-800
Price: $6,595. Funding is available for this device under Medicare/Medicaid.
Specifications:
Operating System: Windows
Screen: 8”
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 1.4 Inches
Battery Run Time: 11 to 13 hours
Accent 1000
Company: Prentke-Romich
Description: A communication device that has the option to use LAMP Words for Life, CoreScanner, and WordCore, communication apps for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Locked from computer access and other non-communication functions. Incudes chemically hardened glass, a high impact case, and a magnesium frame.
Price: $7,295. Funding is available for this device under Medicare/Medicaid.
https://store.prentrom.com/communication-devices/accent-1000
Specifications:
Operating System: Windows
Screen: 10.1”
Weight: 3.0 lbs
Dimensions: 10.3 x 6.95 x 1.4 inches
Battery Run Time: 8 to 10 hours
Accent 1400
Company: Prentke-Romich
Description: A communication device that is perfect for individuals with complex needs or those who want larger icons. Includes a 14” screen, stylus, built in wire stand, Speakers, USB flash drive, Dual cameras, Mounting plate, and a device frame with different color options. Also includes chemically hardened glass, a high impact case, and a magnesium frame. This device offers different vocabulary options using LAMP words for Life, CoreScanner, and Wordcore. Eyegaze and Head-tracking are also available on this device using NuEye Tracking System and NuPoint Tracking System.
Price: $7,595. Funding is available for this device under Medicare/Medicaid.
https://store.prentrom.com/communication-devices/accent-1400
Specifications:
Operating System: Windows operating system powered by Intel Haswell processor
Screen: 14”
Weight: 5.9 lbs
Dimensions: 14.1 x 8.9 x 1.8 inches
RAM: 4GB
Flash Storage: 128 GB
Battery Run Time: 18-20 hours
Battery Life with NuEye: 10-12 hours
GoTalk Dynamic
Company: Attainment Company
Description: An iPad based communication device that uses the GoTalk NOW Plus App. App includes the SymbolStic library, 7 Acapela text to speech English voices, and Ready Set Communication in app communication book. Includes a case with a built in handle and grip lining, high impact exterior and rubber edging that makes the iPad louder.
Price: $899
https://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-dynamic
GoTalk 9+ Lite Touch
Company: Attainment Company
Description: An AAC device with extra touch sensitivity that can record and store up to 45 messages in five levels. 9 minutes of recording time. Nine programmable buttons to be used at a time with three core buttons for frequently used words or phrases.
Price: $229
https://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-9-lite-touch
Specifications:
Dimensions: 9 x 12 x 1.2 inches
Weight: 20 oz
Battery: Uses two AA batteries
Recording Time: 15 seconds per core message, 10 seconds per button for 5 levels, a total of 9 minutes of recording time.
GoTalk 4+
Company: Attainment Company
Description: An AAC device that records up to 20 messages in five levels. 4.25 minutes of recording time. Four programmable buttons allow the user to personalize each button with pictures and recordings. Includes 2 core buttons for frequently used words or phrases.
Price: $179
https://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-4
Specifications:
Dimensions: 9 x 12 x 1 1/8 inches
Weight: 23 oz
Battery: Uses two AA batteries
Recording Time: 17 seconds per core message, 10 seconds per main message buttons for levels 1-4, 20 seconds per main message button for level 5, a total of 4.6 minutes of recording time.
GoTalk 9+
Company: Attainment Company
Description: An AAC device that records up to 45 messages in five levels. 8.25 minutes in total recording time. Nine programmable buttons allow the user to personalize each button with pictures and recordings. Includes 3 core buttons for frequently used words or phrases.
Price: Starts at $199
https://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-9
Specifications:
Dimensions: 9 x 12 x 1 1/8 inches
Weight: 23 oz
Battery: Uses two AA batteries
Recording Time: 12 seconds per core message, 8 seconds per main message for 5 levels, a total of 8.5 minutes of recording time.
GoTalk 20+
Company: Attainment Company
Description: An AAC device that records up to 100 messages in five levels, 15 minutes in total recording time. 20 programmable buttons allow the user to personalize each button with pictures and recordings. Includes 5 core buttons for frequently used words or phrases.
Price: Starts at $229
https://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-20
Specifications:
Dimensions: 9 x 12 x 1 1/8 inches
Weight: 23 oz
Battery: Uses two AA batteries
Recording Time: 12 seconds per core message, 8 seconds per main message, a total of 15 minutes of recording time.
GoTalk 32+
Company: Attainment Company
Description: An AAC device that records up to 160 messages in five levels. 19.5 minutes in total of recording time. 32 programmable buttons allow the user to personalize each button with pictures and recordings. Includes 3 core buttons for frequently used words or phrases. Includes a shoulder strap for transport.
Price: Starts at $259
https://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-32
Specifications:
Dimensions: 14 ¼ x 10 x 1 5/8 inches
Weight: 2 lbs
Battery: Uses two AA batteries
Recording Time: 17 seconds per core message, 10 seconds per main message, a total of 19.5 minutes of recording time.
GoTalk Express 32
Company: Attainment Company
Description: Description: An AAC device that records up to 160 messages in five levels. 19.5 minutes in total of recording time. 32 programmable buttons allow the user to personalize each button with pictures and recordings. Includes 3 core buttons for frequently used words or phrases. Includes a shoulder strap for transport. Includes a 1 ½ second auditory cue to any message in sequence. Multiple messages can be played in sequence. Pairs with GoTalk Overlay Software.
Price: Starts at $599
https://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-shoulder-strap
Specifications:
Dimensions: 14 ¼ x 10 x 1 ¾ inches
Weight: 2 ¼ lbs
Battery: Uses two AA batteries
Recording Time: 9 seconds per message. A total of 28 minutes of recording time.
Application: GoTalk Now Plus
Company: Attainment Company
Description: An app available to purchase in the Apple app store; must be used with an iPad. Includes 15,000 images, a premade communication book for children ages 3-10, 7 English text to speech voices, including 2 children’s voices. Includes three styles of communication: standard, express, and scenes. Able to change the images for each word by taking your own picture or finding one on the internet, can record your own voice or buy additional voices.
Price: Starting at $150
https://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-now-plus
Specifications:
Operating System: Requires iOS 8.1 or later, must be used on an iPad.
