Communication Apps

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com

The iPad is a great tool to use with students who are visually impaired and there are more and more apps that are creating more accessibility. The following apps assist with communication. 

Voice Messenger

Hey Tell app
Free. Hey Tell is a cross-platform voice messenger that allows you to instantly talk with friends and family. No account needed.
 Roger app logo
Free. Roger is a walkie-talkie style app that makes it simple to keep in touch with people no matter where they are. Tap to talk for an unlimited amount of time and tap to listen. The app supports both VoiceOver and Talkback. Users can sign in with their phone number and email.
TalkBox Voice Messenger app
Free. The TalkBox Voice Messenger app is a voice messenger on mobile that allows users to exchange, share and publish their voice messages. It is similar to a global walkie talkie! 

Using the iPad

Ballyland Magic
$2.99. The Ballyland Magic App by Sonokids is an educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision to learn and practice a number of touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader.
 Ballyland Rotor
$2.99. The Ballyland Rotor by Sonokids is an educational iPad game designed to teach children the VoiceOver rotor concept and gestures through a fun game, in which Ballicopter, the little red helicopter from Ballyland, goes on an adventure. You set the rotor to change his story. It comes with a free file for download to 3D print.
VO lab
$4.99. The VO Lab App by Sonokids is a great app to learn the basics of VoiceOver through educational iPad games designed specifically for people who are blind or visually impaired. 
 Big Calculator
$1.99. The Big Calculator Low Vision App by N Thorn is a large print calculator with 4 high contrast color modes for good clarity in day or night lighting.
big keys low vision keyboard
$2.99. The Big Keys Low Vision Keyboard App by N Thorn is a keyboard specifically for persons who are visually impaired by featuring large print with high contrast. 
 big list
$1.99. The Big List App by N Thorn is a note taking or list making app specifically designed for persons who are visually impaired. 

Communication Apps

Attainment Switch app
$4.99 The Attainment Switch app turns your iPad into a wireless switch for PC, iMac or a laptop!
 Choice Board app
Free. The Choice Board Creator app by Techno Chipmunk is a great app for creating customized choice boards. The picture size and number of pictures displayed can be adapted and customized sounds can be included.
My Pictures Talk app
$4.99 The My Pictures Talk app allows the user to 
make an electronic “choice book.”
 Pictello app
$18.99. The Pictello app allows the user to customize this digital photo album with your photographs and add your voice to tell the story behind the photos. 
Proloquo To Go app
$189.99 The Proloquo To Go app allows users to turn their iOS device into a communication system. Developers call it “AAC in your pocket.” Similar to the Dynavox communication system.
 Sounding Board app
Free. SoundingBoard app transforms your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad into a tool for communication. In just minutes, you can create custom boards using AbleNet symbols or your own words. SoundingBoard includes switch access and is compatible with the AbleNet Blue2 Switch.
Tap Speak Button app
$14.99 The Tap Speak Button app features a huge red circle that acts like a jellybean button switch with multiple messages.  Customize dozens of messages on one switch
 Tap Speak Sequence app
$29.99. The Tap Speak Sequence app uses Dynavox Mayer-Johnson symbols  to tell a graphic story with your voice message.
Vola Friends HD app
$0.99. The Vola Friends HD app is useful for teaching emotions to kids via short video clips with depictions of emotions on the faces of actors. 
 Word Totz app
$1.99. The Word Totz app offers general communication flash cards but also has section called “My Cards” that allows you to post your own images coupled with your own voice!

ECC Instruction

Teaching the ECC
Thematic units
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development Functional Skills
Alternative Communication Emergent Literacy Braille Slate & Stylus
Tactile Graphics Nemeth Braille Code
Access Classes Cranmer Abacus Organization & Study Skills Time Management Listening Skills Instruction 
VI Assistive Technology
Social Skills
Self Determination
Sensory Efficiency
Independent Living
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational