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High-tech AAC Options for Arab Clients with Complex Communication Needs
Diana Deaibes
9/30/2018 6:58 AM
The demand for high-tech AAC with a robust Arabic language system is growing. Being that I am an Arab-American speech and language pathologist, I am occasionally asked if I am aware of any high-tech AAC systems that support the Arabic language. Unfortunately, most high-tech AAC tools do not yet provide support for this language, and would require extensive programming and voice digitization. After extensive research, I have found two tools currently available that offer a robust icon-based language systems that support the Arabic language. However, there may still be tools that I was unable to locate, and if anyone is aware of or becomes aware of such tools, please be certain to post the resource in the comments below.
TouchChat by Saltillo
In my clinical practice, I recently trialed the Arabic version of Multi Chat and Word Power language systems on the TouchChat application. TouchChat is a communication app that you can purchase on the iPad made by Saltillo for $299.99. The Arab language layout is a new add-on feature which includes high contrast symbols on a dynamic display for $49.99. There are several Arabic voices you may choose from for an additional cost ($11.99). In my review, I find the communication app to be useful for Arab clients with complex communication needs. The app provides language layouts in a variety of arrays from a visual field of 4 to a visual field of 20. The language systems are primarily phrase based and include a message bar at the top of the display. Multi Chat 15 in Arabic provides visual scene displays which can facilitate language learning for emerging communicators. Currently, the Arabic layout only provides the Arabic text and does not have English text included on the icons. This may create challenges in a school setting where the child would need to communicate in English to their teacher and peers. There may be a way to toggle between the English and Arabic languages by adding an “action” feature in the settings. This will allow the user to navigate between the Arabic language layout and the English language layout. This feature may help the user to maintain and develop their bilingual skills and use their communication app across all environments.
Grid 3 by Smartbox
Grid 3 is a robust language system that can be found on Grid Pad or Power Pad device from Smartbox. It is compatible and can be downloaded onto a PC. The Grid is also available in an app version which can also be purchased on an iPad. It supports the Arabic language layout. It presents as a dynamic display, very similar to Touch Chat. It can be purchased for a one-time fee of $349.99 or a monthly subscription of $9.99 per month. If you are interested in trialing it with a client, you can request for a free 30 day trial on their website.
If you are looking for an AAC app to support emerging communicators, there are a variety of different tools available that might be helpful. To support Arabic-speaking clients who might be able to use a static display with a grid vocabulary organization, Sounding Board and Go Talk Now are two apps that I have used. These apps allow you to take pictures of objects in the environment, you can digitize the voice of a caregiver or interpreter labeling the object. Go Talk Now may also be appropriate to use as a dynamic display with larger arrays. Go Talk Now currently offers some Arabic language support primarily through the iOS. By changing the default language to Arabic through the iOS settings, Go Talk Now will automatically translate most of the typed text and will speak in Arabic. However, not all of the words can be translated into Arabic.
Tap Speak Sequence and Pictello are similar apps to support story-telling. These apps allow you to upload pictures and allow you to record a caregiver or interpreter’s voice. Clinicians should review some of the previous topics discussed on the mid-tech post, with particular attention to considerations for single- or -multi-message tools with multiple levels, as the considerations are applicable to high-tech tools as well.
There also exist some text-based iPad apps which support the Arabic language, though I do not have direct experience with using the Arabic language features in these tools as they have not been appropriate for my clients. Proloquo4text reportedly supports an Arabic keyboard and supports word prediction. Similarly, Predictable also supports an Arabic keyboard by changing the keyboard settings through the iOS (must change the keyboard to the Apple keyboard). Unfortunately, in my trials of this tool, doing so lost the word prediction functionality. Clinicians are encouraged to pursue their own trials of these tools before recommending them to their clients.
If you have any resources to share that support the Arabic language, please share in the comment section.
Speech-Language Pathologist,Educator,Parent/Family Member,Occupational Therapist,Physical Therapist,Researcher,Developer Vendor,Other,Arabic
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