"There's an App for that!"
I recently talked about using the iTouch and iPhone as a communication device with the Proloquo2Go application. Today I want to talk about 2 other communication apps available. The first is iConverse (9.99). This application has a very simple interface and design. It features 6 prerecorded buttons for basic communication. "I need help." "I need something to eat" "I need a drink" "I need a break". You also have the ability to create your own buttons using a picture from your photo library and typing in your own text. The buttons are displayed on a separate page in a list view. The buttons you create can be deleted by pressing the picture until the red minus sign appears. You can also set the application to open to the "My Buttons" page automatically. I see this app as being used as a second communication device by many users in the community or as a beginning portable communication device.
Speak It! (1.99) is a text to speech application that was originally designed to for users to make prank calls. However, I see it as giving individuals who are deaf a voice. This easy to use and CHEAP app allows you to type in any message and have the message spoken. It has 4 very natural sounding voices. You can also save the messages once you have created them and have them spoken automatically."