TouchChat is a full-featured communication solution for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person’s ability to use natural speech.
TouchChat provides English, Spanish and French options in one app, and is a universal app supporting iPhone®, iPod®, and iPad®.
This version of TouchChat HD is bundled with the WordPower™ suite of AAC vocabularies designed by Nancy Inman. There are multiple WordPower™ vocabularies that allow for easy and intuitive communication. This special bundle is $299.99 USD + tax.
TouchChat fits into the category of assistive technology known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and includes features that were previously only available in much more expensive dedicated devices. Words, phrases and messages are spoken with a built-in voice synthesizer or by playing recorded message. Various English, Spanish and French synthesized voices are available, allowing the user to choose a voice that fits their own personality. Most voices are standard and other can be purchased through the upgrade store within the app.
TouchChat can be used for individuals with a wide variety of access needs. Included in the app is: Integrated head tracking (*with applicable iPad/ iPhone models), configurable switch scanning, and a range of touch access features.
TouchChat gives an individual the ability to navigate through page sets and speak messages. Page sets are linked pages, each of which is divided into a number of buttons. The buttons are programmed to have specific actions, such as speaking a message, navigating to a different page, changing the volume or clearing the display. Various page sets are included:
Designed by Gail Van Tatenhove, PA, MS, CCC-SLP, for adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Vocabulary in VocabPC is arranged as carrier phrases, interactive sentences, activity vocabulary and naming words. VocabPC uses a 12 location page layout. .
MultiChat 15 is now offered in a Student, Adolescent and Adult version. There are multiple forms of communication available in this program: sentences, phrases, individual words, recordings for story-telling and visual scenes. Also included are interactive play and reading pages, and social pages. There are symbols on every button with the exception of several core words. .
Spelling is a QWERTY keyboard page set with four word prediction buttons and a few pre-stored phrases.
My QuickChat is an introductory communication system geared toward individuals with complex communication needs. It offers a high frequency, phrase-based communication system in an easy-to-use, yet very engaging format. The progressive system offers a variety of topics for everyday needs and conversation and provides immediate and more successful communication exchanges within a variety of settings. myQuickChat is available for children in 4, 8 and 12 locations and adults in 8 and 12 locations, each with an identical 16 location Support Master Home Page.
My Core is a combination of core and phrase based vocabulary geared toward individuals with literacy skills.
4 Basic is a vocabulary option with 4 buttons per page for those needing minimal targets.
“Communication Journey: Aphasia” is a vocabulary file containing features and vocabulary designed to support people with aphasia. It was developed by Lois Turner (SLP), Anne MacCallum (SLP) and Sarah Gauthier (SLP Assistant) in consultation with a group of speech-language pathologists who work exclusively with people with aphasia and brain injuries. All the participants work at CAYA (Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults) and the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The framework of the file was derived from the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia from the Aphasia Institute in Toronto, Canada. The pages were created to facilitate participation in daily activities and to promote social links.
Aphasia, a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain where language is stored, may affect the ability to comprehend language, to express oneself, to read, or to spell and write. “Communication Journey: Aphasia” can easily be adapted for use by people with different types of aphasia and a range of cognitive levels and degrees of severity.
Symbols, photographs, visual scenes, videos or words can be used on the message, topic and script pages. Included are pages that facilitate supported communication techniques, self-advocacy, directing care, and repair of communication breakdowns. Information typically included in communication books; including pain and emotion scales, maps, templates for personal information and life stories, and schedules are also incorporated into the vocabulary file. Specialized features include variable “rate of speech” and “pause between words”.Grid size and vocabulary are easily customized to reflect and support the life experiences of the person with aphasia.
Although this vocabulary file contains starting-point vocabulary commonly required by adults with aphasia, it MUST be customized. Each person has a unique history and the file must reflect their lives, experiences and abilities.
Download the “Communication Journey: Aphasia File" User Guide.
Download the Saltillo Client Information Form
Download the CAYA Resource Document
WordPower20 Simply incorporates carrier phrases with core words for quick and easy language generation and therefore, could be called a “hybrid,” because it can be used primarily as a phrase-based system, or as a word-based system. It was designed for users with motor disabilities and access issues, those with vision impairment that need large cells and print, cognitively and severely language disabled individuals who benefit from phrases to assist with quick language generation, and those who have scanning access needs.
WordPower25 Touch & Scan is a new vocabulary designed to be accessible via direct selection as well as scanning for quick and easy language generation. It incorporates carrier phrases with core words that move seamlessly between the main page and related categories. Individuals who need a sophisticated and efficient language system with a minimum number of cells per page will benefit from this robust vocabulary.
WordPower42 is a word-based vocabulary that allows for easy and intuitive communication. This program has been designed specifically for the iPad®, and it is now included with the purchase of WordPower. *It works most efficiently on the iPad® 2. WordPower42 is a generative language system that will be familiar to those using WordPower on other systems, and easy to learn for new users.
WordPower42 Basic is a simplified version of WordPower42. This word-based system remains rich in core vocabulary, and it may be appropriate for beginning users or those that need a more basic vocabulary design. It is designed to make communication fast and easy.
WordPower48 is a modified version of WordPower42, but it includes an extra column on every page. The extra column includes designated buttons for clear, smart period, delete word, and plural –s. It is a word-based vocabulary that was designed to be an easy and intuitive generative language system.
WordPower60 consists of a large number of high frequency words available on the main page, resulting in fast communication with reduced keystrokes. Word completion and logical next words are used, and the "grammar" function provides morphological endings to verbs, nouns and adjectives. Spelling with word prediction along with the category-based pages contained in all other versions of the vocabulary are also available. This vocabulary is configured to work with a keyguard.
WordPower60 Basic is the newest WordPower vocabulary for the TouchChat app. It was designed with early language learners in mind, providing ample picture support and novel structures to facilitate expressive language development. Core vocabulary is embedded within category and activity pages, allowing easy generation of language from the main core page as well as within specific topic-based pages. Core words remain consistent in terms of placement and access, providing a natural bridge between core and fringe words. Early literacy is enhanced by providing pages designed to teach language and core through children’s books.
WordPower80 is a vocabulary consisting of high frequency core words, spelling and word prediction, all on the main page. It also includes the category-based pages contained in all other versions of the vocabulary. With this setup, the user can use core words in the same sentences without moving to a separate page to spell. This vocabulary is configured to work with a keyguard
WordPower108 consists of a large number of high frequency words on the main page, resulting in fast communication and quick access to core words. Word completion and logical next words are used, and the “grammar” function provides morphological endings to verbs, nouns and adjectives.
WordPower108 with Keyboard is a vocabulary consisting of high frequency core words, spelling, and word prediction. With the keyboard on the main page, the communicator moves seamlessly between words and spelling, thus minimizing keystrokes and the need for navigation. Common core words are embedded within the category pages in order to assist in bridging the gap between core and fringe vocabulary.
WordPower140 was designed with switch scanners and direct selectors in mind. The large number of cells makes communication fast and easy, with less page navigation required. The keyboard and word prediction cells are available on the main page for easy access. Common core words are embedded within the category pages in order to assist in bridging the gap between core and fringe vocabulary.
*To utilize custom block scanning with this file, one would need a Saltillo NovaChat or ChatFusion device.
This Spanish version is very similar to the English MultiChat 15 Student file. However, due to the differences in the two languages some changes have been made to accurately represent each language. For example, Spanish nouns have a gender (masculine or feminine) whereas English nouns do not. In addition, Spanish has a number of different ways to use articles such as “the” that are not consistent with English. The MulitChat 15 Spanish file is developed to be universal so that it is appropriate for many Spanish speakers. Therefore, definitely take advantage of the editing capability to make regional specifications.
This vocabulary file is exactly the same as the MultiChat 15 Spanish file except that the label on the button has both the English and Spanish word. Please note, when TouchChat speaks the word and/or phrases, it is only spoken in Spanish.
This vocabulary file consists of categories of words with a symbol on each button. This file is intended for children without the ability to construct sentences yet.
This vocabulary file is intended for children that are beginning to create simple sentences. Each page contains 20 buttons of words with a picture. Words are organized into categories with some core words for creating beginning sentences.
This is a Spanish keyboard.
This is a direct translation of the English version. VocabPC was designed by Gail Van Tatenhove, PA, MS, CCC-SLP, for adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Vocabulary in VocabPC is arranged as carrier phrases, interactive sentences, activity vocabulary and naming words. VocabPC uses a 12 location page layout.
This is a Spanish vocabulary file containing features and vocabulary designed to support people with aphasia. Developed originally in English and translated to Spanish. It was developed by Lois Turner (SLP), Anne MacCallum (SLP) and Sarah Gauthier (SLP Assistant) in consultation with a group of speech-language pathologists who work exclusively with people with aphasia and brain injuries. All the participants work at CAYA (Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults) and the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The framework of the file was derived from the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia from the Aphasia Institute in Toronto, Canada. The pages were created to facilitate participation in daily activities and to promote social links.
Aphasia, a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain where language is stored, may affect the ability to comprehend language, to express oneself, to read, or to spell and write. “Communication Journey: Afasia” can easily be adapted for use by people with different types of aphasia and a range of cognitive levels and degrees of severity.
Symbols, photographs, visual scenes, videos or words can be used on the message, topic and script pages. Included are pages that facilitate supported communication techniques, self-advocacy, directing care, and repair of communication breakdowns. Information typically included in communication books; including pain and emotion scales, maps, templates for personal information and life stories, and schedules are also incorporated into the vocabulary file. Specialized features include variable “rate of speech” and “pause between words”.Grid size and vocabulary are easily customized to reflect and support the life experiences of the person with aphasia.
Although this vocabulary file contains starting-point vocabulary commonly required by adults with aphasia, it MUST be customized. Each person has a unique history and the file must reflect their lives, experiences and abilities.
Download the "Communication Journey: Afasia File" User Guide.
WordPower 25 Español is a new AAC vocabulary created for TouchChat. Designed to be intuitive and easy to use, WordPower Español meets the communication needs of a wide group of individuals in Spanish speaking cultures. The vocabulary includes easy to access basic communication for beginning communicators, as well as sophisticated language and grammar for individuals with advanced cognitive and linguistic abilities.
WordPower 48 Español is a new AAC vocabulary created for TouchChat. Designed to be intuitive and easy to use, WordPower Español meets the communication needs of a wide group of individuals in Spanish speaking cultures. The vocabulary includes easy to access basic communication for beginning communicators, as well as sophisticated language and grammar for individuals with advanced cognitive and linguistic abilities.
WordPower48 Español Basico was designed with early language learners in mind, providing ample picture support and novel structures to facilitate expressive language development. Core vocabulary is embedded within the category and activity pages, allowing easy generation of language from the main core page as well as within tropic-based pages. Core words remain consistent in terms of placement and access, providing a natural bridge between core and fringe words.
WordPower60 Español Básico is a new addition to the WordPower Español vocabularies, and it is comparable in terms of content and design to the English WordPower60 Basic vocabulary. It was designed with early language learners in mind, providing ample picture support and novel structures to facilitate expressive language development. Core vocabulary is embedded within the category and activity pages, allowing easy generation of language from the main core page as well as within topic-based pages. Core words remain consistent in terms of placement and access, providing a natural bridge between core and fringe words. Early literacy is enhanced through the use of pages designed around several popular children’s books. A low-tech communication board is included within the vocabulary file that can be printed as an alternative communication support.
MultiChat 15 French is a direct translation of the MultiChat 15 Student version with some grammar exceptions. There are multiple forms of communication available in this program; sentences, phrases, individual words, recordings for story-telling and visual scenes. Also included are interactive play and reading pages, social pages and a News-2-You starter page for the weekly newspaper's vocabulary. There are symbols on every button with the exclusion of several core words.
Épeler is similar to the English Spelling vocabulary file. It is a QWERTY keyboard page set with four word prediction buttons and a few pre-stored phrases.
4 de base is a French translation of the 4 Basic vocabulary file. It is a vocabulary option with 4 buttons per page for those needing minimal targets.
Communication Journey: Aphasie is a French translation of the English Communication Journey: Aphasia. It is a vocabulary file containing features and vocabulary designed to support people with aphasia. It was developed by Lois Turner (SLP), Anne MacCallum (SLP) and Sarah Gauthier (SLP Assistant) in consultation with a group of speech-language pathologists who work exclusively with people with aphasia and brain injuries. All the participants work at CAYA (Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults) and the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The framework of the file was derived from the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia from the Aphasia Institute in Toronto, Canada. The pages were created to facilitate participation in daily activities and to promote social links.
Aphasia, a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain where language is stored, may affect the ability to comprehend language, to express oneself, to read, or to spell and write. “Communication Journey: Aphasia” can easily be adapted for use by people with different types of aphasia and a range of cognitive levels and degrees of severity.
Symbols, photographs, visual scenes, videos or words can be used on the message, topic and script pages. Included are pages that facilitate supported communication techniques, self-advocacy, directing care, and repair of communication breakdowns. Information typically included in communication books; including pain and emotion scales, maps, templates for personal information and life stories, and schedules are also incorporated into the vocabulary file. Specialized features include variable “rate of speech” and “pause between words”.Grid size and vocabulary are easily customized to reflect and support the life experiences of the person with aphasia.
VocabPC français is a French translation of the Vocab PC vocabulary file. It was designed by Gail Van Tatenhove, PA, MS, CCC-SLP, for adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Vocabulary in VocabPC is arranged as carrier phrases, interactive sentences, activity vocabulary and naming words. VocabPC uses a 12 location page layout.
WordPower60 Français is the newest addition to the French WordPower files. It was designed to be comparable in terms of content and design to the English WordPower60 vocabularies, with bilingual communicators in mind. It provides sophisticated grammar for the French language, ample symbol support for early language learners, as well as cool academic and social language features. Core vocabulary is embedded within the category and activity pages, allowing easy generation of language from the main core page as well as within topic-based pages. Core words remain consistent in terms of placement and access, providing a natural bridge between core and fringe words. Early literacy is enhanced through the use of pages designed around a popular children’s book, as well as eight blank book templates. A low-tech communication board is included within the vocabulary file that can be printed as an additional communication support.
WordPower 120 Francais is the first French WordPower vocabulary for Saltillo, consisting of high frequency core words, spelling and word prediction. Designed to be intuitive and easy to use, WordPower120 francais meets the communication needs of a wide group of individuals in French speaking cultures. The vocabulary includes easy to access basic communicaton for beginning communicators, as well as sophisticated language and grammar for individuals with advanced cognitive and linguistic abilities. With the keyboard on the main page, the communicator moves seamlessly between words and spelling, thus minimizing keystrokes and the need for navigation. A new French database provides access to an abundance of French verb forms. Category based pages include core vocabulary, allowing easy generation of language from the main page as well as within specific topic-based pages. Core words remain consistent in terms of placement, providing a natural bridge between core and fringe words. (AZERTY file also available)
WordPower 120 Francais is the first French WordPower vocabulary for Saltillo, consisting of high frequency core words, spelling and word prediction. Designed to be intuitive and easy to use, WordPower120 francais meets the communication needs of a wide group of individuals in French speaking cultures. The vocabulary includes easy to access basic communicaton for beginning communicators, as well as sophisticated language and grammar for individuals with advanced cognitive and linguistic abilities. With the keyboard on the main page, the communicator moves seamlessly between words and spelling, thus minimizing keystrokes and the need for navigation. A new French database provides access to an abundance of French verb forms. Category based pages include core vocabulary, allowing easy generation of language from the main page as well as within specific topic-based pages. Core words remain consistent in terms of placement, providing a natural bridge between core and fringe words. (QWERTY file also available)
Each page set targets individuals with different communication needs. Additional page sets, including Gateway© and Pixon™ are available as in-app purchases.
Text generated with TouchChat pages can be shared on social media or via iMessage® and email using a wireless connection. Generate a message, push on the text window and choose a service. Additionally, text can be copied to/from TouchChat and other applications so it can be spoken out loud.
The pages, grid layout, buttons, messages, and symbols are fully customizable. Buttons can be copied and pasted into a different location or rearranged by simply dragging them to the desired new location. The styling of a button (colors, borders, fonts) can also be copied and pasted into another button.
Provided page sets can be modified to create new custom page sets. Select from over 45 button actions and nearly 40,000 Symbolstix® symbols* when creating new buttons. You can also choose to use an existing image or take a photo with the built-in camera. Additionally, gestures can be used to navigate to new pages, speak messages, etc.
*Please note: PCS© symbols are only compatible with the TouchChat app if PCS is also purchased in TouchChat as an in-app purchase.
Button activation timing can be adjusted to meet the needs and capabilities of the user. Adjustments include button dwell time and button release time. Buttons can also be configured to activate on release.
Users can program buttons to play audio files such as music from the media library or videos from the camera roll or a YouTube™ link.
Once programming is complete, be sure to protect custom files. Vocabulary files can be imported and exported to a computer through iTunes® file sharing, DropBox™ or Google Drive™. TouchChat also enables users to subscribe to iShare and store custom files for safe keeping (not available to customers residing in the European Union).
Languages: TouchChat is also available in Hebrew and Arabic.
When you can’t speak, life can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be that way. Experience the life-changing joy of meaningful communication through our world-renowned, customized AAC vocabularies, assistive technology, and our unmatched training and personalized support. Trust our 50+ years of AAC experience to guide you to the right communication solution. Connect with us to learn more.
For over 50 years, PRC has been a leader in giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. Since our founding in 1966, PRC has paved the way in the development of speech-generating devices (SGDs) and continues to innovate in the field of augmentative and alternative communication.
Saltillo is dedicated to making personal communication possible to individuals who are unable to use their natural voice. We strive to offer comprehensive training and support for your Saltillo device.
The AAC Funding website from PRC and Saltillo assists SLPs, caregivers and/or educators through the process of creating a submission packet, whether funding an AAC device through Medicare/Medicaid or private insurance.
Learn the basics about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), explore the difference between language and communication, and read stories of real-life people who use AAC.
Teaching (and learning) a new access method for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can be overwhelming. ALP for AAC breaks down this learning process into 3 broad stages with 8 specific phases.
The AAC Language Lab offers real-life solutions in support of language development. Explore language stages and interactive materials designed for Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), Educators and Parents.
Realize Language is an online service that gives parents and professionals powerful ways to monitor, measure, and maximize a child's use of an Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) speech device.
The Center for AAC & Autism is dedicated to building awareness of the power of AAC, changing the lives of children with autism and other developmental disabilities through education, resources, information and supporting clinical research.
LAMP Words for Life is designed to meet the communication needs of children with autism. Based on the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) methodology, its consistent motor plan enables early success and allows the client's vocabulary and communication skills to grow.
TouchChat is a full-featured communication solution for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person's ability to use natural speech.
PRC-Saltillo offers a wealth of resources to make online AAC as easy as possible for you, so you can continue to provide quality treatment and evaluations to clients. Enter AAC TeleTips below and find the online AAC support you need.
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