As an intervention specialist and an admitted “app-addict”, I am always on the lookout for apps that can help support my students within the classroom. My iTunes account is jam packed with academic apps, cause/effect apps, music apps, and apps that support fine motor and visual motor development. In addition, I have several communication apps which I have used with various students over the past couple years. (*See AAC disclaimer)
So Much 2 Say, by Close 2 Home Apps, LLC is yet another AAC app I have added to my collection. I was asked to take a look at the app by the developer (and a facebook friend). As I mentioned before, I am an intervention specialist, not an speech and language pathologist; however, I have over 14 years experience working with individuals using a variety AAC devices. I have also been a part of several assistive technology and/or AAC team evaluation both through the school district and through private therapists.
So Much 2 Say is an alternative communication app created by parents of two special little girls. So Much 2 Say is a basic communication app that is customizable to meet the needs of the beginning communicator. The app is built to allow for easy programing for the administrator and easy, simple, customizable access for the user. The pictures that can be used within the app include a mixture of line drawings (including over 8000 Symbolstix icons) and photographs with the option for the administrator to import own photographs. The easy customizations makes it appealing for classroom use for participation. A teacher could quickly add a picture or two as needed during instruction.
So Much 2 Say, by Close 2 Home Apps, LLC is yet another AAC app I have added to my collection. I was asked to take a look at the app by the developer (and a facebook friend). As I mentioned before, I am an intervention specialist, not an speech and language pathologist; however, I have over 14 years experience working with individuals using a variety AAC devices. I have also been a part of several assistive technology and/or AAC team evaluation both through the school district and through private therapists.
So Much 2 Say is an alternative communication app created by parents of two special little girls. So Much 2 Say is a basic communication app that is customizable to meet the needs of the beginning communicator. The app is built to allow for easy programing for the administrator and easy, simple, customizable access for the user. The pictures that can be used within the app include a mixture of line drawings (including over 8000 Symbolstix icons) and photographs with the option for the administrator to import own photographs. The easy customizations makes it appealing for classroom use for participation. A teacher could quickly add a picture or two as needed during instruction.
Pros of So Much 2 Say
Cons of So Much 2 Say
- various layout options to accommodate varying levels; can grow with user as their communication needs increase
- layouts can include single word “chips” or can include sentence “I want”+”chips”.
- “drag and drop” for programing and “speaking”
- option to record own voice (This would be great to have the voice match the students, such a young boy’s voice for a 1st grader or a more husky male voice for a high school young adult.)
- ability to passcode the edit feature to avoid unwanted changes by a curious child
- ability to use both Symbolstix icons as well as photographs
Cons of So Much 2 Say
- limited vocabulary, compared to other AAC apps, available within app
- isn’t structured with “core vocabulary” which is a recent focus for those working with AAC
So Much 2 Say is a simple, basic beginning AAC app that could be used to support communication as well as speech and language development in various settings. As mentioned before, I am firm believer in getting a AAC assessment before making long term decisions on communication. With that being said, I can see So Much 2 Say being an option for younger children who are non/low-verbal who are beginning to work on the concepts of requesting items and beginning choice making. For classroom use, the ease of creating and maintaining boards is very appealing to use it as a “participation device” (used to communicate during routine activities, academic themes, etc.) versus a strictly “communication device”.
If looking for a communication app to trial with a child without spending a lot of money, So Much 2 Say would fit that description. It does have many pros as a communication device and the price is considerable less that some of the “big name” AAC apps on the market.
If looking for a communication app to trial with a child without spending a lot of money, So Much 2 Say would fit that description. It does have many pros as a communication device and the price is considerable less that some of the “big name” AAC apps on the market.
Check out So Much 2 Say!
**AAC disclaimer: If your child or student would benefit from alternate communication, please be sure to consult with professionals in that area (speech therapist with experience in AAC, AT consultant, etc.). Finding the device that fits the child is so important! Making the child fit a device can cause frustration for all.