Free AAC Systems
Dynamic Display Apps & Static Displays
Free AAC apps are a great resource for many purposes. They can provide a good place to start, but the best application or device is one that supports an individuals unique strengths and needs. In many cases, a paid application or dedicated communication device may best meet an individual’s needs. To find a system which meets an individual’s specific needs, a comprehensive assessment of AAC is recommended that is conducted by a speech language pathologist. If you are looking for an SLP who can provide an AAC evalution, go to the AAC Professionals in Minnesota. (SLPS & Vendors included). If you are looking for an equipment trial for a speech generating device, go to the Equipment Lending section
This website features free, customizable AAC apps that provide voice output, can be backed up, and remain free throughout use.
Looking for something in particular, like apps for iPads or Androids? Hold the Command key + F, then add your search term and press Enter.
Dynamic Display Apps
Free for All
Creator: Paul Pompeil
Description: Create and use vocabulary boards including multiple page vocabularies for forming sentences. Create and use basic phrase boards to build basic full phrase sentences. Fully customizable buttons with text color image and audio. Text to speech supports all iOS package languages. Share boards with other users of ChatterBoards. Includes text to speech and recordings. Free for anyone.
Symbol Type: Mulberry Symbols, Freepik Symbols or Use Your Own Symbols
Format: iPhone, iPad Touch, iPad App
Population: Children & Adults with literacy skills
Creator: Techno Punk Innovations, Inc.
Description: This starter app can create customizable choice boards for the unique needs of individuals with communication challenges. It can be programmed to reinforce correct choices. Additionally, it can be used to train and prepare users for more sophisticated communication devices via an easy, simple-to-use choice-making platform. With the free version, 5 activities with up to 2 pages each can be created. Activities can be shared via Airdrop or email. Free for anyone.
Symbol Type: Your digital images
Format: iPhone, iPad App
Population: Children
ClaroCom
Creator: Claro Software Limited
Description: ClaroCom is an AAC app that is completely text based with voice output to assist users who have limited or no speech and language difficulties. Features include writing, word prediction, phrase prediction and starter phrases. Personal messages can be stored. Abbreviated expansion is included for quick access to pre-stored phrases. ClaroCom is suitable for children or adults with some or full literacy. The full version, ClaroCom Pro offers more voices and more features. Free for anyone.
Symbol Type: Text
Format: iPhone and iPad App
Population: Older Children & Adult with Literacy Skills
Creator: Ablenet
Description: Sounding Board provides speech output for beginning communicators without speech skills. Symbols and photos can be used to create linking pages that talk. Students can use this app to make requests, use greetings, answer questions by using photos or symbols with natural sounding speech color. SoundingBoard lets you create custom boards using AbleNet symbols or your own photos. Full sentence recorded messages can be programmed with symbols or photos. Free for anyone.
Symbol Type: Ablenet Symbols and User Photos
Format: iPad App
Population: All Ages
TD Talk
Creator: Tobii Dynavox
Description: TD Talk is a text to speech app that empowers people to talk using touch. It’s designed for literate adults who cannot use their voice. When used on an iPad alone, it uses the built-in iOS voices (a smaller selection than on the TD Pilot). Features Include: predictive sentence construction, pre-programmed common and custom phrases such as ‘I need help’ and ‘wait please, I’m typing’ and phrase prediction, which learns and adapts to your personal communication style. (When used with the TD Pilot, eye gaze is enabled)
Symbol Type: Text
Format: iPad App
Population: All Ages
Description: Weave Chat is a free app for people who have difficulty using their natural speech to communicate. It is based on the Modified Fitzgerald Key and is category-based with dynamic display and synthetic voice output. Weave Chat allows users to easily ‘chat’ using their individual devices (e.g. application on iPad, tablet, cellphone) while their communication partner is out of their immediate environment or while sitting next to their communication partner. Weave Chat is a category-based system with a dynamic display and synthetic voice output. Allows communication in individual and group texts
Symbol Type: Hand drawn & Photos
Format: iPad, Android App
Population: All Ages
Free for SLPs
Creator: Tobii Dynavox
Description: The TD SNAP app is a flexible communication software for those with speech and language disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, cerebral palsy and aphasia. TD Snap is accessible via touch, eye gaze or switch, offering clear speech output. Pagesets include Snap Core First, Motor Plan, Text, Scanning, Aphasia, PODD. A free version without sound is available to anyone. Speech can be added with an in-app purchase.
Includes the following languages: Chinese (Simplified), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (US), English (UK), English (US)/Spanish Bilingual, French (Canadian)/English (US) Bilingual, French (France), German (Germany), German (Switzerland), Icelandic, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Spanish (Latin American)/English (US) Bilingual, Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Latin American), Swedish.
How to request free app: Full version is free for SLPs through the Tobii Dynavox for Professional Program. Go to MytobiiDynavox.com and Create an Account. Input your ASHA number and you will then have access to free downloads for apps like TD Snap (the new name for Snap Core First) and Snap Scene Lite.
Symbol Type: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS)
Format: iPad and Android App
Population: All Ages
Creator: PRC-Saltillo
Description: TouchChat is a full-featured Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person's ability to use natural speech. TouchChat gives an individual the ability to choose a vocabulary file which consists of pages and buttons that contain words, phrases, sentences, and other functions. Messages are spoken with a built-in voice synthesizer or by playing a recorded message. Various synthesized and custom voice options are available, allowing the user to choose a voice that fits their own personality
How to request free app: Apply to their Touchchat Partners Program. You grant them permission to list your facility as a Touchchat Partner Resource on their website.
Symbol Type: Symbolstix
Format: iPad and Android App
Population: All Ages
Creator: Assistiveware
Description: Proloquo is a comprehensive AAC app available for iPad and iPhone, expertly crafted to fit everyone from toddlers to adults. It’s more than just a communication tool; it's a gateway to language development and effective communication. Proloquo offers an extensive vocabulary unmatched in size and efficiency, that can support the growth of language skills at any age. With a user-friendly interface and innovative features, Proloquo ensures everyone can discover, learn and love language. Proloquo2Go features over 100 free, natural-sounding voices in English, Spanish, French and Dutch.
How to request free app: Licensed SLPs can request a free AAC Professional License for Proloquo through
Symbol Type: SymbolStix
Format: iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch
Population: All Ages
Creator: Angela Moorad, MS CCC-SLP
Description: This is a "How-To" for SLPs to gain access to fully functioning versions of popular AAC apps. A free Teachers Pay Teacher's account is needed for this resource. From this main link, click on the link titled, "Get the free 1-page PDF" within the post. Top 10 iOS Apps include: Avaz AAC, Clicker Communicator, Coughdrop, GoTalk Now, Grid for iPad, LAMP Words for Life, Proloquo2Go, SNAP Core First, Speak For Yourself and Touchchat with Wordpower.
Symbol Type: Multiple Symbol Types
Format: Multiple tablet platforms
Population: All Ages
Creation of Static Displays
Creator: David Banes et. al.
Description: Global Symbols is a website for designing communication boards for individuals from various cultures around the world. Once an account is established, it is free for anyone to use. Symbols presented have been created with AAC users' and their families input. Boards to aid communication can be made from thousands of free images in the Global Symbols library, and anyone can create unique symbols to use and store directly within this website. Culturally appropriate communication boards from multiple cultures and many different languages are offered as examples. Everything is stored safely in individual Global Symbols accounts.
Symbol Type: Variety of free icons Focus: Cultural Symbols
Format: Website
Population: Children & Adults
Static Displays
Free for All
Creator: Amy Speech & Language Therapy, Inc.
Description: Free Communication boards for adults and children. Included is an explanation on "how to use AAC boards".with an emphasis on implementing AAC boards in acute care/hospital settings. For children, according to topics: calming, feelings, actions, wanting/toys, bathroom routine, grooming, body parts, seasons/holidays, hospital stays.
Symbol Type: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), Unity
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Children & Adults
Creator: PRC-Saltillo
Description: Download a variety of free manual communication boards from PRC-Saltillo including: LAMP Words for Life, Unity, Unidad, CoreScanner, and Essence. Includes a free poster-sized manual board. Additional displays require a paid subscription.
Symbol Type: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), Unity
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: All ages
Creator: ISAAC/Tobii Dynavox
Description: COVID-19: Chat Board; 2 pages (front/back)
Symbol Type: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS)
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: All ages
Creator: Amy Roman, MS CCC-SLP
Description: Scroll to the bottom of the page to download a printable two-sided communication board, which can be used by itself or alongside the Alpha Core vocabulary. The first grid (side one of the communication board) contains core words and a qwerty keyboard. This is ideal for users who have good touch access. The second grid (side two of the board) provides an AEIOU keyboard, ideal for partner assisted scanning.
Symbol Type: Text-Based
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Children & Adults with literacy skills
Creator: Leadability, LLC
Description: With this resource, communicating with doctors, paramedics, and other medical personnel is easy for everyone. This document has a pain chart, list of common ailments and symptoms, as well as other essential phrases for asking and receiving help.
Symbol Type: PCS Symbols & Line Drawings
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: All
Creator: Talk to Me Technologies
Description: Communication boards for download, including Children's Medical Board, Adult's Medical Board, Play Scripts, Menus and more.
Symbol Type: Symbol Stix
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: All Ages
Creator: Tech OWL AAC Community, Temple University
Description: On the AACcommunity.net website, these printable downloadable communication boards and picture resources offer core vocabulary and specific themed communication boards.
Symbol Type: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS)
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Children and Adults
Creator: Ms Peterson
Description: One Page Core Word Symbol displays translated into Korean, Vietnamese, Amharic, Arabic, Spanish, and Russian
Symbol Type: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS)
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: School Age
Creator: Patient Provider Communication/USAAC
Description: Download a variety of free medical communication boards. Includes bilingual boards and tips for use.
Symbol Type: Symbol Stix
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: All Ages
Creator: Patient Provider Communication/USAAC
Description: Download a variety of free medical communication boards. Includes bilingual boards and tips for use.
Symbol Type: Multiple symbol sets
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: All Ages
Creator: Tobii Dynavox
Description: Snap Core First Printable Communication Boards, low-tech versions of the core pages in Core First are available in all grid sizes. These boards can be an introduction to Core First for some people before they get their devices or can be used as a backup in case something happens to their device (e.g., repair, not charged, not available, etc.).
Symbol Type: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS)
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Children and Adults
Creator: Forbes AAC
Description: Download free CoreWord language system boards (6, 20, 40 icons) that correspond to the dynamic display pages.
Symbol Type: Symbol Stix
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: School Age
Creator: Eastern Health Language Services
Description: Cue Cards is a free resource developed by Eastern Health Language Services to assist health professionals and clients / carers who primarily have English language difficulties, or problems communicating with each other. Symbol displays are organized into fourteen categories: Basic, Instructions, Family, Community, Descriptions, Medical, Objects, People, Religion, Time & Dental and includes charts indicating days of the week, months of the year, level of pain scale. Cue Cards are available in 70 languages including Amharic, Hmong, Karen, Somali, Spanish.
Symbol Type: Multiple symbol sets
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Children and Adults
Creator: Katherine Dally, SLP & AT Consultant
Description: Katherine explains how to make and using flipbooks for adults and teenagers with complex communication. She shares her client-centered approach, through the problem-solving stage and creation with description and examples. She shares a keychain of personalized communication tip printables.
Symbol Type: PCS (Thin Line)
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Teenagers and Adults
Creator: Smart Box Assistive Technology (Daisy Clay, Speech Language Therapist)
Description: Super Core 50, 30 and Learning Grids printable core boards to use alongside of the speech generating device in the Grid 3.
Symbol Type: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), SymbolStix, Widgit
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: All Ages
Creator: Smart Box Assistive Technology (Daisy Clay, Speech Language Therapist)
Description: Super Core 50, 30 and Learning Grids printable core boards to use alongside of the speech generating device in the Grid 3.
Symbol Type: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), SymbolStix, Widgit
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: All Ages
Creator: Scope's Communication and Inclusion Resource Centre
Description: "Speak Up and Be Safe Against Abuse" Board Series. We may not need these boards; but I think we could take a quick look at our anti-abuse resources for adults and children & consider updates or additions.
Symbol Type: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS)
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Individuals living in group homes
Creator: Ace Centre
Description: Speakbook is a simple communication tool that was developed by Patrick Joyce who had Motor Neurone Disease (MND / ALS). Understanding the progression of his condition and the needs of others, Patrick realised that there was a need for a cheap and easy-to-use way of communicating for people who are able to read and spell and can move their eyes, but struggle to point with their finger or hand. Speakbook is a template for a communication book which you populate with your own messages. It also provides access to an alphabet chart. While originally developed with MND in mind, Speakbook can be useful for anyone who is literate and requires a communication tool that they can access with their eyes.
Symbol Type: Handwritten Words
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Adults with ALS
Creator: Project Core, UNC-Chapel Hill
Description: The Universal Core vocabulary is a set of 36 highly useful single words that can be used alone or in combination to communicate for a range of purposes on countless topics with a wide variety of communication partners. Several formats are available to support student access through direct pointing or touch, eye gaze selection, and partner-assisted scanning. Additionally, high contrast versions are available to address the needs of some students with visual impairments and 3D symbols are available for students who are blind.Use a 3D printer to print tactile symbols. Through a series of basic questions about an individual, a suggested set of Universal Core Symbols are suggested with a choice of 5 different symbol types.
Symbol Type: PCS, Symbol Stix, Widgit, LessonPix, High Contrast
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Children and Adults
Creator: Widgit Health
Description: Communications boards using Widgit symbols. These include many communication displays for hospital, dental, diabetes, community emergency and eye health.
Symbol Type: Widget Symbols
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Children and Adults
Creator: Saltillo
Description: This low-tech option is a great tool as a back-up to the dedicated solution, use for modeling or during water activities. These low-tech printable flipbooks and static displays options are available to support some of the WordPower™ files.
Symbol Type: Symbol Stix
Format: Downloadable PDF
Population: Children and Adults