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The best assistive speech app or device for someone who cannot speak is the one that matches the person’s access method, language, motor and vision needs, daily settings, and ability to change over time—not a universal “top” product. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can combine gestures, a communication board, writing, a tablet app, and a dedicated speech-generating device. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the person who will use the system should normally assess options and trial them in real situations before deciding.
This guide explains the main AAC choices, where a tablet app such as Proloquo2Go fits, how to compare systems, what to prepare before a trial, and why a low-tech backup should remain available.
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| Name | Best for | Communication approach | Access | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proloquo2Go AAC app | People who want symbol-based and typed communication with speech output on an iPad | Symbols, typing and synthesized speech; customizable vocabulary | Touch and other access arrangements described by the developer; confirm the exact setup for the user | iPad; current U.S. listing requires iPadOS 18 or later | November 2026 |
| Communication board or book | People who need a low-tech method that works without batteries or connectivity | Pointing to letters, words, pictures or phrases | Direct pointing, partner-assisted scanning or another agreed method | Paper or other low-tech format | November 2026 |
| Writing or typing with text-to-speech | People who can reliably select letters or type words and need spoken output | Typed text converted to speech | Touch, keyboard or an alternative access method selected with professional help | Phone, tablet or computer, depending on the software | November 2026 |
| Dedicated speech-generating device | People who need purpose-built hardware, mounting or specialized access | Stored messages, symbols, typing or combinations of these | Touch, switches, eye tracking or another compatible method, as assessed | Dedicated device | November 2026 |
The table is a set of starting categories, not a universal ranking. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) AAC Practice Portal describes AAC as unaided, low-tech aided and high-tech aided communication, and says a person may combine methods.
What is AAC, and who can use it?
AAC is any method that supplements or replaces speech. Unaided AAC includes gestures, facial expressions and vocalizations. Low-tech aided AAC includes communication boards, books, pictures, alphabet charts and writing. High-tech aided AAC includes apps, text-to-speech software and dedicated speech-generating devices.
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A person may use different methods at different times. For example, a board can be faster than an electronic device during a power outage, while a tablet can speak a longer message in a conversation. Someone with limited movement may use a different access method when tired than when well rested. The goal is reliable communication, not loyalty to one format.
ASHA reports that, in a national survey of special educators across all 50 U.S. states, 18.2% of students needing communication support used some form of AAC: 6.9% used gestural modes, 6.5% pictorial supports and 4.8% a speech-generating device. Those figures describe surveyed students needing communication support; they are not a population-wide estimate for every person who cannot speak.
How do I choose between an AAC app, a board and a dedicated device?
Start with the person’s communication goals and access needs, then compare approaches rather than choosing by brand name. An SLP or AAC team can help assess motor control, vision, language, cognition, positioning, fatigue, environments and communication partners.
1. Define the situations that matter most
List where communication breaks down: home, school, work, health-care visits, transportation, emergencies, social conversations and noisy public places. Note whether the person needs quick phrases, detailed spelling, stored personal messages, conversation repair (“please repeat”), or all of these. A system that works in a quiet room may be too slow or hard to hear outdoors.
2. Match the communication approach
- Symbol-based vocabulary: Pictures or symbols can provide ready-made words and phrases. The layout and vocabulary must be customizable as language skills and priorities change.
- Typing or spelling: Typing gives access to words that are not already stored, but it requires a dependable way to select letters and enough time or support for spelling.
- Recorded messages: Stored recordings can be useful for familiar, frequently repeated messages. They do not replace a method for creating new messages.
- Combination systems: Many people need symbols for speed plus typing for novel ideas.
3. Match the access method
Direct touch is only one possibility. Depending on the person and compatible equipment, access may involve switch scanning, eye tracking, a keyboard, partner-assisted scanning or another method. Positioning, range of motion, tremor, vision, fatigue and the need to communicate while moving all matter. Do not assume that an app’s advertised access option will work without an individualized assessment.
4. Check language and voice
Confirm the languages and dialects the person uses, the vocabulary available, pronunciation, voice choices and whether messages can be personalized. Ask whether the person can keep a consistent voice across devices and whether a personal voice is relevant. AssistiveWare says its AAC apps provide text-to-speech and support Apple Personal Voice; these are the developer’s stated capabilities, not features shared by every AAC product. Details can change, so check the current software documentation.
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5. Plan for growth and change
Vocabulary should be editable as interests, school subjects, jobs, relationships and medical needs change. Ask how backups work, who can edit pages, and whether the system can move to a replacement device. A trial should include adding a new word, changing a phrase, creating a personal message and recovering after an update.
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Is a tablet AAC app a good starting point?
A tablet app can be a practical route when the person benefits from portability, customizable vocabulary and synthesized speech. It is not automatically the best route: screen size, battery life, durability, mounting, glare, touch accuracy and access equipment can determine whether it works day to day.
What the current Proloquo2Go listing confirms
The current U.S. App Store listing for Proloquo2Go AAC describes symbol selection and typing with speech output, customization and iPad compatibility. The listing currently requires iPadOS 18 or later. Operating-system requirements and store details can change; verify the listing immediately before purchase or deployment.
Use this app as an example of a symbol-and-text AAC option, not as a universal winner. Ask the person to try the vocabulary layout, message construction, voice, volume, editing process and access method in real settings. Confirm that the chosen iPad and any case, mount or access accessory are compatible with the app and with the person’s motor needs.
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What a tablet setup needs beyond the app
- Reliable access: A stable mounting position or a way to hold the tablet may be essential.
- Power planning: Carry charging equipment and keep a low-tech backup available when the battery is empty.
- Audibility: Test whether the built-in speaker is understandable in the places where communication occurs; consider compatible audio equipment only after assessing the user’s needs.
- Privacy and safety: Protect personal, medical and account information, and decide who may change vocabulary.
- Training: Communication partners need to wait, confirm messages and avoid taking over selections.
When is a low-tech communication board the better choice?
A board or book is valuable when electronics are unavailable, damaged, uncharged, restricted in a setting or too slow to access. It can also be the primary system for someone who communicates effectively by pointing, eye gaze or partner-assisted scanning.
Build the board around the person’s real vocabulary: names, yes/no, pain, toileting, food, emotions, help, clarification, emergency phrases and frequently used places. Include an alphabet or writing area when spelling is possible. Use clear organization and a consistent way to indicate “I am finished,” “go back,” or “I need more time.” A board should be available wherever the electronic system is used, not locked away as an emergency-only item.
ASHA’s practice portal states: “People who use AAC should always have access to their communication tools or devices.” That principle supports carrying a low-tech option alongside an app or dedicated device, while recognizing that the exact board must be individualized.
What should I ask during an AAC assessment or trial?
Bring the person who will use AAC into every decision and ask for trials that resemble ordinary life. A single demonstration cannot show whether a system will remain usable when the person is tired, rushed, emotional or in a noisy environment.
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- Who will use and maintain it? Identify the primary user, communication partners, caregivers, teachers and clinicians. Decide who will update vocabulary and troubleshoot access.
- What can the person access consistently? Observe touch accuracy, reach, head and eye control, vision, hearing, posture, endurance and the effect of fatigue. Record what changes across the day.
- Can the person say both stored and new things? Try common phrases, names, novel sentences, spelling, questions, corrections and repair strategies.
- Does it work in real locations? Trial it at home, outdoors, in transport, in a classroom or workplace, and during health-care interactions when appropriate.
- Can partners understand and respond? Check speech clarity, volume, speed, pronunciation and whether the person can indicate uncertainty or request a repeat.
- Can the system be changed? Add vocabulary, alter a layout, change a voice and back up content during the trial.
- What happens when it fails? Practice using the board, writing, gestures or another backup if the battery, network, software or hardware is unavailable.
ASHA describes assessment and trials as part of selecting and refining AAC; success with a particular device may not be obvious at the first assessment. A qualified team can revisit the choice as abilities and environments change.
How do access methods affect the choice?
Access is the route from the person’s movement or gaze to a selected message. The right route can matter more than the app’s number of symbols or voices.
| Access question | Why it matters | What to observe in a trial |
|---|---|---|
| Can the person touch accurately? | Small targets, accidental touches and screen angle can make direct selection frustrating. | Accuracy, speed, fatigue and whether target size or spacing needs adjustment. |
| Would scanning help? | Switch or partner-assisted scanning can provide access when direct touch is unreliable. | Timing, signal consistency, patience required and whether errors can be corrected. |
| Is eye tracking appropriate? | Gaze-based selection may help some people but depends on positioning, vision and calibration. | Calibration stability, lighting, head movement and fatigue. |
| Does the person need a physical keyboard or writing? | Typing may be efficient for someone with reliable letter selection and may support unrestricted language. | Spelling speed, keyboard layout, correction, prediction and the ability to switch to stored phrases. |
| What happens when the person is tired? | Motor control and attention can vary substantially during the day. | Whether a second access method or low-tech board is needed. |
AssistiveWare’s alternative-access and accessibility information discusses alternative access and compatible equipment for its apps. Treat compatibility as product-specific: an access method that works with one app or device may not work with another.
How much do AAC apps and devices cost?
Costs vary by app, hardware, accessories, support and local funding rules. The supplied evidence does not verify a current price for Proloquo2Go, a complete dedicated device, a tablet or any payer’s reimbursement policy, so do not rely on an old price or assume insurance or school coverage.
Ask these questions before committing money:
- Is the software a one-time purchase, subscription or part of a device package?
- Does the person already own compatible hardware, and can it run the required operating-system version?
- Are mounting, protective cases, switches, keyboards, speakers or charging equipment additional?
- Who pays for replacement after damage, loss or an operating-system change?
- Will a school, health plan, disability service or public program require an assessment, prior authorization or a specific vendor?
- Can the person try the system before a nonrefundable purchase?
ASHA notes that coverage for apps, tablets and computers varies by payer and jurisdiction. Confirm rules with the relevant payer or education authority; no coverage determination should be inferred from an app listing.
What are the most common AAC mistakes?
Choosing by popularity instead of fit
A widely known app may still have the wrong access method, vocabulary, language support or physical setup. Choose based on the person’s goals and trial results.
Treating speech output as the whole system
A voice does not solve message construction, partner behavior, vocabulary gaps or access fatigue. Make sure the person can initiate, reject, repair and create new messages.
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Removing the device during ordinary activities
If AAC is needed, leaving it in a classroom, car or charging station removes the person’s voice when it is most needed. Keep the primary system and backup method accessible.
Letting partners guess or rush
Give the person time, ask clarifying questions and confirm the intended message. Do not finish every sentence or treat slow selection as lack of understanding.
Ignoring updates and backups
Record how to back up vocabulary and restore it after a repair or replacement. Keep essential emergency and personal messages available in a low-tech format.
Assuming a diagnosis determines the device
Two people with the same diagnosis can have different language, motor, sensory and environmental needs. Assessment should focus on the individual rather than a diagnostic label.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can families and professionals make an AAC system succeed?
Success depends on communication partners as much as on hardware or software. Agree on a small set of partner behaviors: wait without pressure, model use of the system, offer choices without limiting every response, confirm uncertain messages, and respect the person’s decisions.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTeach the system in meaningful activities rather than isolated drills. Add vocabulary for the person’s interests, relationships, routines and opinions—not only requests. Review the system after changes in school, work, health, mobility, vision, hearing or fatigue. If the person stops using it, investigate access, vocabulary, positioning, partner response and reliability before concluding that AAC “does not work.”
Keep an information sheet with the person’s preferred name, communication methods, yes/no signals, wait time, access position, important phrases and backup plan. Share it with new caregivers and clinicians with the person’s consent.
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What is the practical decision path?
- Start with the person’s voice and goals. Identify what they want to communicate, with whom, and in which situations.
- Request an individualized AAC assessment. Include an SLP and other relevant professionals, such as occupational or physical therapy, vision specialists and educators.
- Trial more than one approach. Compare a low-tech board, a tablet or phone option and, when indicated, a dedicated device or alternative access method.
- Test ordinary-life demands. Include fatigue, noise, travel, emergencies, social conversation and health-care communication.
- Choose a primary system plus a backup. The backup may be a board, alphabet chart, writing tools or another reliable method.
- Train communication partners. Make access and respectful interaction part of the plan, not an afterthought.
- Review and revise. Vocabulary, access, voice and hardware needs can change; schedule reassessment instead of treating the first purchase as permanent.
There is no evidence in this guide for declaring one app or device best for every person. The strongest choice is the system the individual can access, use for real messages, carry into daily life and keep available when technology fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone use AAC if they understand speech but cannot produce it?
Yes. AAC can provide a way to express thoughts when speech production is unreliable or absent, while the person continues to understand spoken language. The system should still support novel messages, clarification and personal choices rather than only yes/no responses.
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No. AAC also includes low-tech boards, writing, phones, computers and dedicated speech-generating devices. An iPad is relevant only when the selected app supports it and the person’s access, mounting and portability needs fit that setup.
What should I do if the AAC device is lost or out of battery?
Use a prepared backup such as a communication board, alphabet chart, writing tools or stored emergency information. Keep that backup with the person and practice it so communication does not stop when electronics are unavailable.
How long does it take to learn an AAC system?
There is no fixed timetable. Learning depends on access method, language needs, practice opportunities, fatigue and partner support; vocabulary and layouts often need adjustment during ongoing use.
Can a school or insurer choose the AAC system for us?
A payer or school may set funding or procurement rules, but those rules do not replace an individualized assessment. Ask which trial, documentation and appeal steps apply in your jurisdiction, and make sure the person’s communication needs remain central.
