Grid for iPad vs Switch Access Training
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Grid for iPad
This app provides a comprehensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for individuals with diverse communication needs. It offers flexible tools, evidence-based resources, and customizable features that adapt as users' needs evolve.
- Evidence-based AAC resources
- Online community grid sets
- In-app and remote editing
- AI-powered design tools
- Multiple symbol libraries
- Multilingual support
- Pre-built communication resources
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Grid for iPad is a complete Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution designed for people of all ages and communication needs. It offers a range of resources, flexible communication tools, and options that can be adapted over time. Try it FREE for 30 days - voices included! Key features: ► A range of included content for people who need symbol or text based AAC, including Super Core, Voco Chat, and Text Talker ► Suitable for use with touch access or switches. ► Evidence-based symbol AAC vocabularies, created by experienced speech and language therapists and education professionals, with a focus on vocabulary for communicating within everyday routines and activities. ► Includes SymbolStix, PCS and Widgit symbols – choose the symbol library that is most suitable, to match the symbols already being used in the environment, or to support transition from other AAC systems. ► Voices and grid sets for over 20 languages to support communication in a range of languages. Ideal for multilingual families or classrooms. Why families and professionals choose Grid for iPad for children and adults with communication difficulties: ► In-app editing – Fast, intuitive editing makes it easy to add new words, personalise vocabulary, and adapt layouts to the needs of the individual. ► Remote Editing – SLTs, teachers and families can edit any time, without needing the device in their hands. ► Powerful voice technology – Choose from a range of voices, including the latest AI powered multilingual voices from ElevenLabs, or for those who are able to, record your own voice messages. ► AI Powered Tools - Make use of optional tools to correct typing errors, or support the user to change the tone or wording of their message. ► Talk to your Smart Speaker – Use Grid for iPad to speak instructions to smart home devices, request music, hear the latest news and weather, play games and ask questions. ► Online Grids – Do even more with Grid for iPad by searching and downloading FREE ready-made grid sets created by clinicians, educators, and the Grid community. What’s included: ► Super Core - Evidence-based core vocabulary focused on communication within everyday routines and activities. Designed for supporting AAC learners from single words to building full sentences. Available in 30‑cell and 50‑cell sizes, with simpler 12 and 20 cell learning grids for those just starting out. ►Voco Chat – Designed to enable users to communicate for a wide range of reasons, with supported message pathways and carefully chosen vocabulary, for fast and efficient symbol communication. ► Alpha Core - Offers a range of text-based layouts to support the communication of people with changing physical abilities, with quick access to predictive text and common phrases, alongside a keyboard of your choice. ► Text Talker - Enabling people to say what they want to say in the moment, or prepare and save messages in advance for faster conversations. ►Aphasia Duo - Designed specifically for people with aphasia and their communication partners to support participation in everyday life, including a range of word-finding and conversational supports, and whiteboard for writing and drawing. ► PODD (in-app purchase) - Created by Australian Speech Pathologist Gayle Porter, PODD organises language according to the reason for communication, designed to support spontaneous communication in any situation. ► And MUCH more - Grid for iPad also includes a range of interactive learning activities (just try Dilbert the Dog!), animated communication from Symoji, and educational resources. Simple, flexible pricing: Grid for iPad is available through a monthly subscription with a 30-day FREE trial or as a one-off purchase. You can cancel your subscription at any time. Contact our tech support experts any time at support@thinksmartbox.com For more details on our evidence-based vocabularies, visit the Smartbox Hub.
Switch Access Training
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"Switch Access Training with Music" is the app version of a switch-accessible cd or cassette tape player with a latch timer (that can be randomized). Such preferred reward systems can help to familiarize a student with cause-and-effect relationships, perhaps on the way to their using switch access for an augmentative and alternative communication device (AAC); in fact, that AAC might even be provided on the same sort of device on which the switch-access training occurred. SATwM uses a playlist of audio files that you collect from your Media Library (which might include preferred songs, sound effects, conversations, and the like). Each file then plays back as a sequence of switch-activated clips (with a prominent count-up display). You choose the clip length that will play out before the switch needs to be triggered again, including any random variation in that timing. The Play/Pause switch can be the Play button, the entire Switchscreen, a switch installed with a wired or wireless interface (sending a 'space' or '1'), or a keyboard (similarly). Skip to the beginning of the next song with 'enter' or '2'. Onscreen sliders control the volume, the position in the song (i.e., rewind and fast forward), and the playback rate (up to 3 times normal - without pitch bending - just for fun). You can select themes (color sets) to more closely match a trainee's individual access profile, including a choice of the OpenDyslexic font. For the main screen, themes are restricted to those color sets that provide the best chance of optimizing perception, while the Switchscreen maximizes a whole range of complementary color and brightness contrasts. Setup and other instructions are included. Known Issues: Sometimes the media picker takes a few seconds to return you to the main screen after the "Done" button is tapped. (But not often.) Sometimes the "next song" dropdown selector does not cause the next song to change. (But not often.) And sometimes just the first installation or run of the app behaves strangely. (But not often.) Still trying to figure out why.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Switch Access Training at none against Grid for iPad's 3. Switch Access Training also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Grid for iPad's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Grid for iPad sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $10.99 per month. Switch Access Training asks for nothing beyond the download.
Grid for iPad ships an update fortnightly, Switch Access Training every 5 months. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.
| Parameter | Grid for iPad | Switch Access Training |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.6 (18 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 18 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 5 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1.4 GB | 13 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Smartbox Assistive Technology | Tracy Mansfield |
In-app purchases
Grid for iPad
- Grid for iPad Subscription1 Month trial$10.991 Month
- PODD for Grid (English)$99.00
- Grid for iPad one-off purchase$299.99
Switch Access Training
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Grid for iPad free?
Is Switch Access Training free?
Do Grid for iPad or Switch Access Training have ads?
Which is updated more often, Grid for iPad or Switch Access Training?
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