Top AAC Apps for iPad: What's Available in the Voice Options Program

How to Select the Best AAC Apps for Communication

For individuals with complex communication needs, an iPad paired with a robust augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app can open the door to connection, independence, and self-expression. California’s Voice Options Program provides eligible individuals with access to an iPad with their selected AAC app after a 14-day trial period—removing one of the biggest barriers to getting started: cost.

Seven high-quality AAC apps are available through the program, each offering unique features and layouts to meet different communication styles and needs. Below is a side-by-side comparison to help families, caregivers, and professionals make informed decisions.

To select the best AAC apps for your communication needs, it is important to look at the features of the application. For example, comparing the different features of Proloquo2Go vs TouchChat may help you determine which AAC application is the best fit for you. In this blog post, we will compare the features of the 7 AAC Apps for iPads available for free through the California Voice Options Program.

AAC Applications Offered through the Voice Options Program

1. GoTalk NOW Plus

• Vocabulary organization: Combines grid-based pages with Visual Scene Displays (VSDs) for contextual communication.

• Grid size: Adjustable (1–36 buttons per page).

• Personalization: Highly customizable; supports photos, recorded speech, and videos.

• Grammar functions: Limited built-in grammar tools; focuses more on functional phrases and vocabulary.

• Color coding icons: Optional; can follow core word color-coding systems.

• Keyboard: Yes, with word prediction.

• Visual Scene Displays: Strong feature—ideal for emerging communicators and contextual learning.

• Alternative access: Supports touch, switch scanning.

2. LAMP Words for Life

• Vocabulary organization: Motor-planning–based layout using Unity® language system for consistent symbol location.

• Grid size: Fixed (84, 45, or 60 buttons) with motor planning emphasis.

• Personalization: Allows custom vocabulary without disrupting core word placement.

• Grammar functions: Full grammar generation with verb conjugations and morphological markers.

• Color coding icons: Consistent with Unity system.

• Keyboard: Yes, for generating novel text.

• Visual Scene Displays: No; focuses on core word motor planning.

• Alternative access: Supports touch, keyguards, and switch access.

3. Predictable

• Vocabulary organization: Text-to-speech app designed for literate users; relies on predictive text and stored phrases.

• Grid size: N/A (keyboard-based).

• Personalization: Easy to store and organize custom phrases; customizable categories.

• Grammar functions: Standard keyboard grammar; relies on user input.

• Color coding icons: Not applicable (text-based).

• Keyboard: Primary access method; strong predictive text.

• Visual Scene Displays: No.

• Alternative access: Excellent—supports eye tracking, switches, head tracking, and more.

4. Proloquo2Go

• Vocabulary organization: Core word–based with category navigation; flexible layouts.

• Grid size: Adjustable (9–144 cells).

• Personalization: Extensive customization for vocabulary, photos, and recorded speech.

• Grammar functions: Built-in grammar support with automatic verb conjugation and plurals.

• Color coding icons: Follows Modified Fitzgerald Key.

• Keyboard: Yes, with word prediction.

• Visual Scene Displays: Limited; primarily grid-based.

• Alternative access: Supports touch, switch scanning.

5. Proloquo4Text

• Vocabulary organization: Text-based AAC for literate users; uses quick-access phrase banks.

• Grid size: N/A (text interface).

• Personalization: Highly customizable phrase banks and categories.

• Grammar functions: Standard keyboard grammar.

• Color coding icons: Not applicable.

• Keyboard: Main feature; strong predictive text and abbreviation expansion.

• Visual Scene Displays: No.

• Alternative access: Supports switch scanning and other access methods.

6. TouchChat HD with WordPower

• Vocabulary organization: WordPower core word systems; category-based and phrase-based layouts.

• Grid size: Adjustable (12–140 cells).

• Personalization: Flexible customization of buttons, vocabulary, and symbols.

• Grammar functions: Built-in morphology tools for full sentence generation.

• Color coding icons: Consistent with core word systems.

• Keyboard: Yes.

• Visual Scene Displays: Limited; primarily grid-based.

• Alternative access: Supports switch scanning and keyguards.

7. TD Snap

• Vocabulary organization: Symbol-based system with multiple page sets (Core First, PODD, Aphasia, Text), supporting a wide range of communicators. Some page sets have motor-planning emphasis.

• Grid size: Adjustable (12–64+ cells) depending on page set and communicator needs.

• Personalization: Highly customizable; supports photos, symbols, voice recordings, and personalized page sets.

• Grammar functions: Strong grammar and morphology support, including verb conjugations and word endings.

• Color coding icons: Consistent with common AAC core word color-coding systems (Fitzgerald Key).

• Keyboard: Yes, with predictive text and quick phrases.

• Visual Scene Displays: Limited but available through certain page sets.

• Alternative access: Supports touch, eye gaze, switch scanning, and head tracking.

Key Takeaways: Matching Features to the Communicator

Every communicator is unique. Differences in motor skills, cognitive abilities, sensory preferences, and language development mean that one app’s “best feature” may be another’s biggest barrier. Feature matching ensures that the chosen AAC application:

• Supports the communicator’s current abilities

• Provides a path for long-term language growth

• Works within the individual’s daily environments and support systems

Speech Bee Speech Therapy: Your Local Voice Options Program Provider

Speech Bee Speech Therapy is proud to serve as an approved Voice Options Program provider. We guide families through a 14-day AAC trial, helping match individuals with the app and system that best supports their communication needs. Once the trial is complete, the Voice Options Program provides an iPad with the AAC app free of charge. 

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or professional, our team provides training, customization support, and ongoing coaching to ensure that AAC becomes a natural, empowering part of daily life.