About
Grid is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and computer access software developed by Smartbox (Think Smart Box). It enables children and adults with complex communication needs — including those with cerebral palsy, ALS/MND, autism, locked-in syndrome, and stroke — to communicate using symbol- and text-based grid layouts with high-quality text-to-speech voice output. Users can interact via eye gaze, switch scanning, touch, head tracking, or pointer input, making it highly adaptable to a wide range of physical abilities. Beyond communication, Grid supports full Windows computer control (mouse emulation, on-screen keyboard), environmental control of smart home and IR/Bluetooth-enabled devices, and access to media and internet browsing — all from within one application. The software includes extensive symbol libraries (Widgit, PCS), word prediction, and a powerful grid editor for creating fully customized communication layouts without any coding. Grid is used in homes, schools, and clinical settings worldwide. Clinicians, speech-language pathologists, and assistive technology specialists commonly configure the software for their clients. Grids can be shared and downloaded through the Smartbox Grid Explorer online community. A free trial is available, with the full product sold as a perpetual license, optionally bundled with Smartbox's dedicated AAC hardware devices.
Key Features
- Multi-Modal AAC Communication: Supports symbol- and text-based grid layouts with high-quality text-to-speech output, enabling users to communicate effectively regardless of their speech ability.
- Flexible Access Methods: Compatible with eye gaze cameras (Tobii, Irisbond), switch scanning (1- and 2-switch), touch, head tracking, and pointer input, accommodating a broad range of physical disabilities.
- Full Windows Computer Control: Replaces the standard keyboard and mouse with on-screen keyboard and mouse emulation, giving users independent access to any Windows application.
- Environmental Control: Directly controls smart home devices, TVs, and other IR/Bluetooth-enabled equipment from within the software, supporting greater independence at home.
- Custom Grid Builder & Community: A no-code grid editor allows clinicians and users to create fully customized communication pages, with thousands of shareable layouts available via the Smartbox Grid Explorer community.
Pros
- Highly Adaptable Input Support: Supports virtually every assistive input method, making it suitable for users across a wide spectrum of physical and motor abilities.
- All-in-One Platform: Combines communication, computer access, environmental control, and media access in a single application, reducing the need for multiple tools.
- Strong Clinical & Community Ecosystem: Widely adopted by speech-language pathologists and AT specialists, with an active grid-sharing community and comprehensive professional support resources.
- Deep Customisation Without Coding: The built-in grid editor and symbol libraries allow detailed personalisation of layouts without requiring any programming knowledge.
Cons
- Limited Platform Availability: The full-featured version runs only on Windows; iPad users must use a separate Grid for iPad app, and there is no Android or macOS support.
- High Cost for Individuals: The perpetual license price can be several hundred pounds/dollars, which may be a barrier for individuals without funding support or insurance coverage.
- Steep Learning Curve for Setup: Configuring Grid for specific user needs — particularly integrating eye gaze hardware or building custom vocabulary — typically requires input from a trained clinician or AT specialist.
