{"id":6131,"date":"2026-10-16T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/?p=6131"},"modified":"2026-09-28T12:52:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T20:52:00","slug":"chat-time-speech-devices-from-low-tech-boards-to-apps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/chat-time-speech-devices-from-low-tech-boards-to-apps\/","title":{"rendered":"Ch(AT) Time: Speech Devices from Low-Tech Boards to Apps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Everyone deserves to be heard. Whether you are ordering coffee, telling a doctor where it hurts, or cracking a joke with friends, communication is how we connect with the world around us. For people who are nonspeaking, have limited speech, or whose speech changes because of a stroke, ALS, autism, cerebral palsy, or another condition, assistive technology can open that door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChAT-Time-Speech-Devices-from-Low-Tech-Boards-to-Apps.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChAT-Time-Speech-Devices-from-Low-Tech-Boards-to-Apps-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Blog header for &quot;Ch(AT) Time: Speech Devices from Low-Tech Boards to Apps.&quot; A smiling woman helps a wheelchair user use a mounted speech device.\" class=\"wp-image-6139\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChAT-Time-Speech-Devices-from-Low-Tech-Boards-to-Apps-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChAT-Time-Speech-Devices-from-Low-Tech-Boards-to-Apps-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChAT-Time-Speech-Devices-from-Low-Tech-Boards-to-Apps-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChAT-Time-Speech-Devices-from-Low-Tech-Boards-to-Apps-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChAT-Time-Speech-Devices-from-Low-Tech-Boards-to-Apps-460x260.png 460w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChAT-Time-Speech-Devices-from-Low-Tech-Boards-to-Apps.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This kind of AT is called <strong>Augmentative and Alternative Communication<\/strong>, or AAC. AAC includes any tool or strategy that supports or replaces spoken language. And here is the good news: AAC is not one size fits all. It ranges from a simple laminated board to a powerful app on a tablet, and the best fit is the one that works for <em>you<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"low-tech-simple-reliable-always-ready\">Low-Tech: Simple, Reliable, Always Ready<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Low-tech AAC needs no batteries, no charging, and no Wi-Fi. That makes it a great starting point and a must-have backup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Communication boards<\/strong> display pictures, symbols, letters, or words on a single page. The user points, taps, or looks at a choice to share a message. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Communication books<\/strong> hold many pages of vocabulary organized by topic, like food, feelings, or places. This one can be found on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etsy.com\/listing\/740145785\/autism-communication-picture-book?gpla=1&amp;gao=1&amp;&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=shopping_us_ps-a-paper_and_party_supplies&amp;utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAjwoOjVBhArEiwAUwDak8BCwo0d1b9QorCZWKsTg55AOuL5vZ2BMiHeyUiHTCnGDMcogjhKNxoCxSIQAvD_BwE_k_&amp;utm_content=go_22198874605_174080253349_731770628594_aud-2191878396608:pla-314261241107_c__740145785_109598891&amp;utm_custom2=22198874605&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22198874605&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRJFxkTJ5F__FP9ZeT2BauGiu&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoOjVBhArEiwAUwDak8BCwo0d1b9QorCZWKsTg55AOuL5vZ2BMiHeyUiHTCnGDMcogjhKNxoCxSIQAvD_BwE\">Etsy from Smile4Autism<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Picture cards and the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pecsusa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)<\/strong><\/a> let users hand over a picture to request an item or activity. The above PECS system can be found on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etsy.com\/listing\/4312082300\/visual-communication-board-individual?ls=s&amp;ga_order=most_relevant&amp;ga_search_type=all&amp;ga_view_type=gallery&amp;ga_search_query=PECS&amp;ref=sr_gallery-1-3&amp;sr_prefetch=1&amp;pf_from=search&amp;dd=1&amp;content_source=e560fd52-0b89-4e47-bb07-38dd69e18556%253ALT6bfc9a40fe3c38556701428d495a4229ace7dbdc&amp;organic_search_click=1&amp;logging_key=e560fd52-0b89-4e47-bb07-38dd69e18556%3ALT6bfc9a40fe3c38556701428d495a4229ace7dbdc\">Etsy at HarmonywithBethany<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alphabet boards and eye-gaze frames<\/strong> (sometimes called E-Tran boards) support people who spell out messages or communicate with eye movement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Low-tech tools are affordable, easy to customize, and perfect for the pool, the beach, or anywhere a tablet should not go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mid-tech-press-a-button-share-a-message\">Mid-Tech: Press a Button, Share a Message<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mid-tech devices add recorded voice output while staying simple to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Single-message switches<\/strong>, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ablenetinc.com\/bigmack\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AbleNet BIGmack<\/a>, play one recorded message at the press of a large button. They are great for greetings, calling for help, or joining in on a song at circle time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sequential message devices<\/strong>, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ablenetinc.com\/big-step-by-step\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AbleNet BIG Step-by-Step<\/a>, play a series of messages in order, perfect for telling a story or taking turns in a game.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multi-message communicators<\/strong>, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.attainmentcompany.com\/gotalk-9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Attainment GoTalk 9+<\/a>, offer a grid of recorded buttons with a paper overlay you can swap out for different activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These devices are a great way to build cause-and-effect skills and give a quick, clear voice in everyday moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"high-tech-speech-generating-devices-and-apps\">High-Tech: Speech-Generating Devices and Apps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>High-tech AAC gives users a large, flexible vocabulary and the ability to say almost anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dedicated speech-generating devices (SGDs)<\/strong> are durable tablets built just for communication, from makers like <a href=\"https:\/\/us.tobiidynavox.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tobii Dynavox<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/prc-saltillo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PRC-Saltillo<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/controlbionics.com\/aac\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Control Bionics<\/a>. Many can be accessed by touch, switches, head tracking, or eye gaze.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AAC apps<\/strong> such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.assistiveware.com\/products\/proloquo2go\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Proloquo2Go<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/touchchatapp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TouchChat<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/prc-saltillo.com\/apps\/lamp-wfl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LAMP Words for Life<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/us.tobiidynavox.com\/pages\/td-snap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TD Snap<\/a> turn an iPad or tablet into a communication device. Text-to-speech apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.assistiveware.com\/products\/proloquo4text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Proloquo4Text<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asoft.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Speech Assistant AAC<\/a> work well for people who can type or spell.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.als.org\/navigating-als\/resources\/fyi-guide-voice-banking-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Voice banking and message banking<\/strong><\/a> let people who expect to lose their speech save their own voice to use later on their device.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>High-tech tools can be life-changing, but they are also a big investment. That is exactly why trying before you buy matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"try-it-before-you-buy-it-borrowing-a-device\">Try It Before You Buy It: Borrowing a Device<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding the right AAC system often takes some trial and error. A device that looks perfect on paper might not match how someone moves, sees, or thinks. Ability Tools&#8217; <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/device-lending-and-demonstration-centers-dldc\/\">Device Lending and Demonstration Centers (DLDCs)<\/a> help Californians with disabilities test AT in real life before making a decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reach out.<\/strong> Contact Ability Tools or your regional DLDC in Northern, Central, or Southern California to share what you are looking for.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>See a demonstration.<\/strong> Staff can walk you through different devices and apps side by side so you can compare features.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Borrow for a trial.<\/strong> Loans are available for up to 30 days unless otherwise arranged. Use the device at home, school, work, or in the community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decide with confidence.<\/strong> Share what you learned with your speech-language pathologist, family, or care team. Trial data can even support a funding request.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Device loans are also helpful if your own device is out for repair, or to bridge the gap while you wait for a new one to arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lets-talk\">Let&#8217;s Talk!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From a hand-drawn board to a high-tech tablet, every voice matters and every tool has its place. Many people use a mix: an app for everyday conversations, a low-tech board as a backup, and a quick button for the moments that count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to explore? Visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/device-lending-and-demonstration-centers-dldc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DLDC page<\/a> to get started. And don&#8217;t forget to subscribe to the <a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where It&#8217;s AT blog<\/a> for more AT tips and stories!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Product links are for information only and do not imply endorsement by Ability Tools.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everyone deserves to be heard. Whether you are ordering coffee, telling a doctor where it hurts, or cracking a joke with friends, communication is how we connect with the world around us. For people who are nonspeaking, have limited speech, or whose speech changes because of a stroke, ALS, autism, cerebral palsy, or another condition,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":6139,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50,51],"tags":[83,8,268,19],"class_list":["post-6131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aac","category-apps","tag-aac","tag-apps-and-software","tag-board-book","tag-communication"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6131"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6131\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6141,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6131\/revisions\/6141"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6131"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6131"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}