Maya's mom here.

With keyguards and/or other assistive gear (modified gloves, etc) access to small buttons can be attained for many users, although I would concede possibly not all. Targeting is much easier for a new user, who will have a small number of widely scattered buttons open.

A great deal of research supports the huge impact that motor planning has on learning of all kinds. The large button premise is really falling off in favor of core word layout, which is why even P2G added a core-word layout a few years back.

I agree that every user has unique strengths, but think it's so important for parents and professionals to consider the long term needs of the user. It stink to begin with something simple and then switch it out . . . better to invest in something that can last literally for the duration of the user's needs.

Both SFY and LAMP: WFL operate according to many of the best practices principles, although (in my opinion) SFY has some stand out features that make it a better option.

Anonymous wrote:Proloquo2Go is definitely not the best app out there any more---it was the first to hit the market and got a lot of press, but it's fallen to the wayside.

The best communication app is the Speak For Yourself app, followed by an app called LAMP: Words for Life. The reason they are worlds above the others (TouchChat, Proloquo2Go, Dynavox Compass, etc) is because of the motor planning component. SFY has other stand-out features, but the motor planning is just absolutely essential. You can see why here:

http://niederfamily.blogspot.com/2013/10/motor-planning-language-learning-with.html

The design features on SFY that address motor planning are fantastic, and that blog does a wonderful job of explaining why it's so powerful for this specific child, but it's really important to understand that every AAC user comes to their device with different strengths and different needs. While Maya, the little girl featured in that blog has significant challenges in motor planning, she also has some great strengths to draw on that you can clearly see in the video of her using the device for the first time. Within moments she's using the device with intention. She's also demonstrating lots of other great communicative skills to draw on. The SFY set up that she uses is perfect for her, because it's a match for her strengths and needs.

Another child or adult AAC user might need something very different. Another feature that SFY doesn't have, such as starting with oversized buttons, might outweigh the cool motor planning features, especially for a child with significant tremors or one with strong fine motor skills but weak communicative skills who needs to use a lot of shaping to move them towards using the device intentionally.

To say that one program is "the best" or one feature is "absolutely essential" ignores the fact that each child or adult who uses AAC is a unique individual.

Having said that, SFY is an awesome system, and is clearly the perfect system for Maya, at least right now.

Anonymous wrote:op here thanks for the information on speak for yourself they are both pricey apps are there any others out there that are not so pricey?

Have you spoken with the Assistive Technology people at your child's school? These apps (and iPad) can be considered assistive technology, paid for by the school and included in the IEP.

Speech path here. Used to do a lot more with AAC but haven't in awhile so I'm not as familiar with apps. However, this place below is great. They have many devices that they loan including iPads with various AAC apps. It's in Maryland. They are great even if you just call to ask questions.

http://www.mdod.maryland.gov/MTAP.aspx?id=2461

Another vote for Speak for Yourself here. I was initially turned off by the price of the app, too (even though I think other apps/devices are in the same price range), but I've come to realize that this particular app seems worth the money.

op here thanks for the information on speak for yourself they are both pricey apps are there any others out there that are not so pricey?

Anonymous wrote:Proloquo2Go is definitely not the best app out there any more---it was the first to hit the market and got a lot of press, but it's fallen to the wayside.

The best communication app is the Speak For Yourself app, followed by an app called LAMP: Words for Life. The reason they are worlds above the others (TouchChat, Proloquo2Go, Dynavox Compass, etc) is because of the motor planning component. SFY has other stand-out features, but the motor planning is just absolutely essential. You can see why here:

http://niederfamily.blogspot.com/2013/10/motor-planning-language-learning-with.html

+1 Speak for Yourself is a really well-designed app.

Proloquo2Go is definitely not the best app out there any more---it was the first to hit the market and got a lot of press, but it's fallen to the wayside.

The best communication app is the Speak For Yourself app, followed by an app called LAMP: Words for Life. The reason they are worlds above the others (TouchChat, Proloquo2Go, Dynavox Compass, etc) is because of the motor planning component. SFY has other stand-out features, but the motor planning is just absolutely essential. You can see why here:

http://niederfamily.blogspot.com/2013/10/motor-planning-language-learning-with.html

Op here we have an appointment with Kennedy Krieger next week after a long wait thanks

Also here is a post from the same blog about proloquo2go

http://praacticalaac.org/praactical/teach-me-tuesday-proloquo2go/

Here is another list of apps and guidance on how to evaluate whether they are a good fit for your child:
http://praacticalaac.org/praactical/133-free-lite-aac-apps-app-selection-resources-updated/

Are you working with an SLP or AT specialist? Kennedy Krieger and Children's will do AAC evaluation and make recommendations for what may help your child communicate.

My child has been using proloquo with reasonable success, but we will likely be switching apps soon. I would disagree that Proloquo is the best - I think it was just the first real app on the market that gained traction.

This blog has some fantastic info:
http://niederfamily.blogspot.com/

Particularly this post:
http://niederfamily.blogspot.com/2013/04/an-open-letter-to-parent-of-child-with.html

OP HERE thanks for responding i appreciate it. I am still workingon mastering pec myself

I don't have it either, but I understand it is the best of the assisted communication programs. My non-verbal child isn't quite ready for it as we are still working on mastering PECS. We are currently experimenting with some of the free programs like "Tap to Talk" and once we get the hang of it, will consider investing in Proloquo2go.

How did it work out for you I am looking to purchase but it is expensive just want to be sure I am making the right decision

THANKS