About
TouchChat is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app developed by Saltillo Corporation, designed to help individuals who are non-speaking or have limited verbal communication — including those with autism, ALS, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, aphasia, or apraxia — express themselves using a touchscreen device. Users select picture symbols, core vocabulary words, or type text, which the app converts to spoken audio output via built-in text-to-speech voices. The app offers multiple pre-built vocabulary systems such as WordPower, LAMP Words for Life, and MultiChat 15, each tailored to different communication needs, age groups, and skill levels. Caregivers, parents, and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) can fully customize communication pages with photos, symbols, and personalized layouts. Additional accessibility features include switch access and partner-assisted scanning for users with limited motor control, as well as word prediction and phrase banking for faster communication. TouchChat is primarily used on iOS (iPad and iPhone) and Android devices, with the iPad being the most common platform in clinical and educational settings. The app is purchased as a one-time paid download, with separate in-app purchases for individual vocabulary packages. Insurance coverage (e.g., Medicaid) is commonly used in the United States to offset costs for qualifying users.
Key Features
- Symbol-Based Communication: Users build messages by tapping picture symbols paired with text, supporting a range of vocabulary sets like WordPower and LAMP Words for Life suited to different communication levels.
- Text-to-Speech Output: Selected symbols or typed text are converted to spoken audio using multiple voice options, allowing users to communicate verbally through their device.
- Customizable Pages: Caregivers and SLPs can create and edit communication pages, upload personal photos, adjust layouts, and tailor vocabulary to the individual user's needs.
- Switch Access & Scanning: Supports partner-assisted scanning and external switch access, making the app accessible for users with limited fine motor control.
- Word Prediction & Phrase Banking: Built-in word prediction and pre-loaded core phrase banks speed up communication and reduce the number of taps required to form messages.
Pros
- Clinically Recognized AAC Solution: TouchChat is widely adopted by Speech-Language Pathologists and used in schools, clinics, and homes, with vocabulary systems backed by AAC research and therapy practices.
- Multiple Vocabulary Systems: Offers a broad range of pre-built vocabulary sets for different ages and skill levels, reducing the setup burden for caregivers and therapists.
- Strong Accessibility Support: Switch scanning, adjustable touch settings, and partner-assisted access make the app usable for individuals with a wide spectrum of physical and cognitive abilities.
- One-Time Purchase Model: No recurring subscription fees; users pay once for the app and individual vocabulary packages, which can also be funded through insurance in the US.
Cons
- High Total Cost: The base app plus premium vocabulary packages (e.g., WordPower, LAMP) can total $200–$300+, which may be prohibitive without insurance coverage.
- Limited Platform Support: TouchChat is only available on iOS and Android; there is no web app, macOS, or Windows version, restricting use to mobile and tablet devices.
- Setup Complexity: Configuring and personalizing vocabulary pages typically requires guidance from a Speech-Language Pathologist, making initial setup challenging for independent users or families without professional support.
