Free AAC Systems

Dynamic Display Apps & Static Displays

Free AAC apps are a great resource for many purposes. 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 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.

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 TypeYour 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 TypeAblenet Symbols and User Photos

Format: iPad App

Population: All Ages

Creator:  Weave Chat, LLC

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 TypeHand 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 TypeSymbolstix

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 TypeSymbolStix

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 TypeMultiple Symbol Types

Format: Multiple tablet platforms

Population: All Ages

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 TypePicture 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 TypeText-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 TypePCS 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 TypeSymbol 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 TypePicture 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 TypePicture 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 TypeSymbol 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 TypeMultiple 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 TypePicture 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 TypeSymbol 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 TypePCS (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

Displays-Russian Displays- Russian

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: 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 TypeHandwritten 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 TypePCS, 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 TypeWidget 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 TypeSymbol Stix

Format:  Downloadable PDF

Population: Children and Adults

To suggest a new AAC resource or to report a broken link, please send an email to mnshaaac@gmail.com.