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This blog is a spinoff of sorts, a collaboration between four #slpeeps on Twitter, springing from the goal of developing a centralized location for information on mobile devices and their uses in therapy. Our mission is to provide reviews and other content regarding apps and devices from a therapists' perspective- SLPs, OTs, PTs or other disciplines who would like to contribute. We will be cross-posting content from our own blogs, The Speech Guy, TiPS: Technology in Practice for SLPs, Speech Gadget, and SpeechTechie as well as opening this blog to contributions from other writer-therapists!

Fun & Functional is an application developed by author and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Rosie Simms to improve language comprehension and expression in individuals of all age groups. The ability to identify and describe the function or use of real-world objects is a key language and life skill. Fun & Functional provides SLPs, parents and others with a tool to develop categorization and descriptive skills by interacting with pictures and audio.

Fun & Functional can be used to:-Help children identify items that have a particular use or function.-Develop understanding and auditory comprehension of Wh-Questions and verb forms.-Target categories of items such as clothing, school items, and occupations.-Elicit and score students’ verbal descriptions of items.-Measure treatment effectiveness and skill growth over time through reported data.

StoryLines is an award-winning game of 'telephone' with pictures.

You begin a StoryLine with a common saying. A friend grows the StoryLine by illustrating that saying. Another friend titles that drawing (without seeing the original saying). Yet another friend illustrates that title, and so on.

SpeakColors is an iPad app designed to encourage young children to imitate and use two word phrases with color words and common objects. The app is geared toward toddlers with speech and language delays, autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disorders.This motivating app increases vocabulary skills, phrase length, and receptive and expressive language. SpeakColors contains 7 common colors and 100 colorful photographs of objects. Children can record their own voice to name colors, food, animals, toys, and common objects.Instructions:- Pick a color from the top of the screen.- Swipe left or swipe right to change objects.- Press a color or object in the middle of the screen to hear the name of the color or object.

Choose up to 10 photos and record 10 pieces of audio to create your own spinner.Press or shake the spinner and it will randomly land in one of the segments. Press the settings button to add your photos to the spinner. It will load your photo folder to choose from. Press record to record your audio, then press stop, play it back or re-record your audio.Your spinner will be saved each time you close down your application. Just tap the photo again to change the image. Press clear to remove all images.Use this spinner to create your own games or just as a fun way to ask children to learn different images.

Talk'n Photos is a simple to navigate talking photo album. Completely customizable, this app allows you to add text and voice recording to album covers as well as each entry (picture) within an album. Photos or symbols may be uploaded from your camera, taken with your iPad/iTouch/iPhone or downloaded from a large number of free clip art/photo art web sites. Each photo appears in a 2x2 inch representation with unlimited albums and pages. Editing allows you to move, rotate, scale and re-sequence photos. Users create grids of three pictures horizontally and unlimited choices vertically.For example, an album cover may consist of an empty plate and verbal cue such as “I’m hungry”. Once activated, album contents could include photos of favorite food items. Customized recordings allow the user to record single words or entire phrases to communicate the desired message. Simple navigation once inside the album consists of an arrow leading back to the initial album covers. This feature allows for easy navigation and prevents the user from becoming lost or confused by multiple interconnecting pages. Editing may be locked in order to prevent unwanted changes to programming. Your password, should you set one, will be emailed to the address of your choice.

SPEAKall! was developed by the Purdue University EPICS Department as an application designed to help children with special needs learn the process of constructing sentences. This app specifically targets children with severe communication disorders who need intervention in the area of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It can be used within an exchanged-based communication approach. The app is fully customizable to each child’s specific needs by allowing the instructor to use recorded audio and custom images from any library. When working with the application use graphic symbol sets and systems designed for AAC users to obtain the best results.

Tip of my Tongue is an iPad/iPhone/iPod app that makes it very easy to find words. It contains a list of 125,000 words and you do not need Internet-access for searching through the word list. Internet-access is only required for looking up the meaning of words.

There are four types of criteria that you can use to find words:1) Word Length:Specify the shortest and longest acceptable word lengths here. Use these to narrow down the results if you get too many matches.2) Letters:Specify which letters must be and cannot be in the word that you are looking for. Very often we can recall that the word we're looking for has an 'i' and maybe a 'k' but does not have an 'x' or a 'z'. Specifying these in the 'Letters' section greatly improves the matches. Of course, if you specify the same letter in both these fields, you will get no matches.3) Partial Words:If you know the prefix or suffix (starts with 'ada' or ends with 'nt') then specify that here. If you know the letters 'dama' are present somewhere in the word in that particular order, specify that in the 'Contains' field. If you just want to find words that contain some specific letters in no particular order, then type those letters in the 'Letters' section and not the 'Partial Words' section.4) Solve Word Games:To solve a Hangman word-puzzle, type in the known letters and use the '.' (period) symbol for missing letters. The Wild Cards puzzle is similar to Hangman with one difference: In Hangman, if a letter has been typed in manually, then it cannot be used in any of the blanks. There is no such restriction for Wild Cards.To get a list of all the words that can be made using a particular set of letters (like a word jumble puzzle or 7-8 tiles in Scrabble), type those in the 'Unscramble' field. If you get too many matches, specify the minimum length.

$2.99

TalkInTurn uses your iOS device as a token to help people take turns talking and to take turns listening. If you have the device, you have the floor.You take on one of two roles. You are either the Speaker or the Listener. Speakers lead the conversation when they have the floor. When Listeners have the floor, they paraphrase what the speaker said. After a while the Speaker and Listener swap roles so that each gets to be heard. TalkInTurn tracks the time to ensure each party gets their fair time in each role. You can even flip a coin to see which of you speaks first.TalkInTurn also provides helpful tips to aid in the communication and help avoid destructive manners of speech.

• Core Words Grid - contains 50 essential words to save you over 50% of the taps required to input your sentences.• Core Phrases Grid - offers common phrases to enable faster & easier conversation.• Text Prediction - learns the words you use and makes self-expression easier. Even import your contacts, to better predict names you use the most. • Choice of 3 keyboard layouts or use a Bluetooth keyboard -just press Enter to Speak!• Choice of male or female voice.• Choice of settings for speaking method. Turn on “Speak Each Word” to have the app speak as soon as each word is completed or when you tap a phrase. Turn it off to speak after you’ve completed your sentence and tap “Speak”. You can also tap “Repeat” to say the last sentence again. • A handy chime to get someone’s attention.• Steady Hands feature – if you have limited fine motor abilities this feature makes it easier to type. With this set to “on”, the app will only register when you lift your finger off of the intended letter on the keyboard. • No Wi-Fi or 3G connection required.

With in-app upgrade you can speak with even greater ease with these additional features:• Add your OWN favorite phrases! Create and save all of your most commonly used phrases and organize them in your own way. This will allow even greater speed in your conversations. • 3 new, high quality voices (one male, one female and one child) that speak with even great clarity and realism. • Conversation history is saved for you to easily scan through and tap what you would like to say again. Delete unwanted phrases from your history to make it even more effective. • Connect via Email! Easily compose your message using all of Verbally's features and tap a button to send it through your email account.

$99.99

VERBALLY PREMIUM FEATURES:• 3 high quality voices (one male, one female and one child) that speak with greater clarity, realism and inflection.• Customize your voice in speed & pitch to sound more like your own.• Add your own favorite phrases! Create and save all of your most commonly used phrases and organize them in your own way. This will allow even greater speed in your conversations.• Volume slider as an alternative to the iPad's volume buttons. • Conversation history is saved for you to easily scan through and tap it to say it again, edit it, delete it or add it to your favorites.• Connect via Email! Easily compose your message and tap a button to send it to the body of your email. • Better word predictions that learn what you want to say next even faster.

MetaTalk is based on METACOM symbols which are known for their clarity and professional design. A simple structure allows beginners - and relatives without special AAC training - to learn and grow over time.

Vocabulary• more than 2300 words and phrases are pre-configured, more available in our library• vocabulary for daily use including popular phrases• most-used items always visible: "I would like", "There is", "More", "Not" (configurable)• pronouns ("I","you","he",…) and people ("Mother", "Father",…) are automatically linked with the correct verb forms ("go", "goes", etc.)• theme-based categories with core vocabulary, phrases, and related questions for fast interactions• phrases and questions to initiate a conversation: "My name is"/"what is your name","I like"/"what do you like"• page with talk-buttons for recorded messages• project page(s) at school• day planner for mornings and afternoonsFunctions• synthesized speech (Acapela) with male and female voices for adults and children• talk-buttons for recorded messages• customize each key with text and photos from the photo album or the iPad camera (iPad2)• add symbols and texts from our library simply by dragging• rearrange keys on each page or create new pages• all editing functions can be turned off in Settings

$189.99

Tobii Sono Flex is a universal application available for iPhone, iPod and iPad. Users need only to buy the application once to run it on either device.Tobii Sono Flex is also available in a slightly limited, but fully functioning evaluation version called Tobii Sono Flex Lite.Educational institutions are eligible for a 50% Educational Discounts through Apple’s Volume Licensing Program

$109.99

- Combines core and topic-based vocabulary in a unique and dynamic way- Provides an easy, and highly motivating, start with over 50 pre-made context vocabularies - Comes with more than 11,000 SymbolStix® symbols- Use the camera and photo albums of the iPhone or iPad to create your own symbols- Comes with 5 US English, high quality Acapela voices; one boy, one girl, two women and one male voice.- Offers a solid structure to build up a large common vocabulary and enables versatile communication- Great flexibility in tailoring the vocabulary to individual and situational needs- Develop within Tobii Sono Flex, into other Sono Suite products or even switch hardware platforms- Tobii Sono Flex is available for iPhone, iPod, iPad and on regular PCs and dedicated speech devices running Tobii Communicator.Read more on www.tobiisonoflex.com or www.tobii.com

Predictable is an exciting text-to-speech application for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Offering customisable AAC functions with the latest social media integration, Predictable sets a new benchmark. Using a word prediction engine and switch access, Predictable meets the needs of a wide range of people using AAC. A wide range of people are using Predictable, including those with MND / ALS, Cerebral Palsy and people with communication difficulties after a stroke or head injury. Features:• UK and US prediction engine featuring integrated intelligent self-learning of new words and contexts• Accessible via Bluetooth switch box + switch/es (compatible with Therapy Box Switch Box and RJ Cooper Switch Interface)• Configurable scanning settings for auto scan or user scan.• Use the whole screen as a switch with scanning mode (Touch Anywhere access method)• Choice of 9 voices (4 US,3 British and 2 Australian voices)• Easy to use category folders to store quick phrases or prepared messages• History view with access to last used phrases• Ability to compose and send emails• Ability to update Facebook status or send a Tweet*• Ability to send an SMS**• Note pad option – hand write on the screen• Emoticons – to add laughter, crying or whistling to your message• Publish option for 1:1 discrete conversations• Backup your phrases to your computer

$169.99

- Build scenes and vocabulary on the go. Take photos with your iPad or import photos from your photo library.- Record your own voice messages for scenes to make basic requests or share stories- Take or import short video files to allocate to scenes- Choose and use over 10000 Widgit symbols to use to support communication - Create hotspots (tagging a scene) on the scene and allocate actions, so that the picture is interactive- Link scenes to create a sequence of events, support narrative or to reinforce cause and effect concepts- Try out some of the pre-built scenes in the scene library, and then easily create your own scenes - Use a flip book or grid view to find your scenes- Flexible, easy and fun- Use one or 2 switches using a TherapyBox Switch Box or RJ Cooper switch interface- Use the whole screen as a switch in "touch anywhere" mode. Uses scanning to highlight the active areas and the person using the app can tap anywhere to make their choice

$49.99

You can use it as an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tool for communicating basic needs or more complex ideas, or as aninteractive and flexible learning tool, the choice is yours!Some ideas clinicians and parents have had so far:- single message communication aid- communication passports- step-by-step videos and instructions for completing daily tasks- use in the community,e.g. ordering coffee- creating therapy tools- teaching basic concepts such as cause/effect- video diaries- home / school liaison- social stories- narrative support- interactive education games- interactive email messages to family/talking video postcards

Unlike other AAC apps, Augie is a multi-function app with built-in schedules, a one-touch critical communication feature. The user defined voice output communication categories are available to support functional communication needs as well as voice output prompting/task cues, behavioral support systems, social scripts, self regulation strategies along with user defined conversation starters.

AUGIE FEATURES FOR THE USERDefault communication categories to organize vocabulary for quick and purposeful communicative functions.Color-coded, environment-specific categories for intuitive access to content.One-touch message buttons that allow for instant access to critical content without the need to navigate multiple screens.Separate Home and School/Work schedules to support independence and self-regulation.A personalized main screen that displays the user’s special needs, name, home address, and emergency contact information.AUGIE FEATURES FOR THE ADMINISTRATORCustomizable and layered schedules for home and school / work that allow users to create personalized step by step task cues which encourage independent task completion.An integrated note pad that facilitates home/school communication and individualized progress monitoring through text. Notes can be stored locally and forwarded electronically directly from the device using any internet connection (Note pad does not support voice out-put).An integrated audio recorder and image library which allow administrators to create new individualized content without the need to connect to a computer.

-Ability to rename environments and assign icons to the environment buttons. -Added unlimited schedule layers allowing specific schedules for each day of the week.-New popover windows are color coded to match related category button.-Added additional default images.

TalkTablet (iPad) uses a breakthrough interface design that simplifies button and page customizing, yet provides a wealth of features and flexibility not seen in current symbol based speech apps. Every button and every page (folder) in TalkTablet has its own settings, allowing different colors, fonts, page layouts and more on any button or page (folder).

TalkTablet includes nearly 12,000 SymbolStix communication symbols, or use the iPad’s camera to take a picture or choose one from your iPad’s photo album.

$79.99

Furthermore, if you prefer, you can record your words and phrases with the built recording function.

EasyConcepts presents a fun new way for children of all ages to improve their knowledge of basic concepts and develop skills in following verbal directions. Watch children learn as they become engaged in three interactive themed games which target concept knowledge, attention and listening, auditory recall and processing abilities.

$4.99

Personalized mages can be uploaded to the app. from your home computer or through an online image search. The images can then be resized and active “sound areas” can be added. The application allows both the number and size of the “sound areas” to be customized. Spoken messages can be added to the “sound areas” by using the Text-To-Speech feature, with one of five preloaded voices, or you can record your own voice to the “sound areas”.

$9.99

Once a visual scene is created with active sound areas, scenes can be added into “Books”. Books can be created and images grouped into the book by a specific theme or area of interest. Multiple books can be created within the book library and as many visual scenes as needed added into the “book”. For example: you may want to create a “Book” titled “My Home”. Within that book may want to include images of different rooms in the home. Within those images you can add “sound areas” to label different objects or people that are represented in those images. A bedroom scene may say, “go to bed” when the bed is touched or “read a book” when a bookcase is touched.