Speak for Yourself vs Accessible Literacy Learning

Speak for Yourself is an application designed by two speech language pathologists specializing in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with an evidence-based foundation. This application is consistent with motor learning principles, uses a word-based vocabulary of the most frequently used words in communication, and contains features important in developing automaticity and language. Individuals learn to use their communication device with the same principles they use to play an instrument or type on a keyboard. Speak for Yourself has the capability to begin with one word, but contains almost 11,000 Smarty Symbols® and allows the user the potential to access almost 14,000 words, with no more than two touches to say a word. Complex page navigation and scanning are eliminated to allow fast, consistent access to language! Powered by CereProc's speech system to give our voices character, emotion, and personality. With the release of version 2.3, users can choose to include voice options from Acapela Text-To-Speech from Acapela Group through in-app purchasing. Regardless of their current language level, this application can meet people where they are and provide language for a lifetime, because it’s a basic human right to Speak for Yourself.

"The Accessible Literacy Learning (ALL) software is a trail-blazing reading program to help non-verbal students to learn how to read. ALL is designed to make literacy instruction easy, accessible, and engaging for children with disabilities. Developed by Drs Janice Light and David McNaughton of the Pennsylvania State University, the ALL Reading Program was created to meet the needs of individuals who require Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). It has been proven to be successful in teaching basic reading skills to individuals with complex communication and physical access challenges including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and developmental apraxia. The ALL software breaks reading down into component skills and provides direct instruction in each skill. The skills include letter-sound correspondence, sound blending, phoneme segmentation, single word decoding, sight words, and shared reading. Progress towards acquiring all the skills and sub-skills is tracked and periodically reassessed to ensure the skills are retained. The ALL software allows you to create an unlimited number of students and work through the entire sequence of skills at the appropriate pace for each student. Customize instructional modes and plan lessons for small groups, one-on-one, or assign students to independently complete lessons. The options are endless and the outcomes are high. ALL is compatible with iOS for iPad (not compatible with iPad 1).