Tom Taps Speak
Tom Taps Speak gallery
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Tom Taps Speak is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device to help non-verbal kids communicate. It's free to use some functionality but requires an in-app purchase to be able to fully customize boards. Kids select from hundreds of images to communicate their thoughts, emotions, or wants, and a keyboarding function is available for kids who can type.What kids can learn
Tom Taps Speak is a simple tool to help kids learn to communicate. Kids' interest will come from the app's ability to help them express themselves.
Though Tom Taps Speak doesn't explicitly teach kids a skill, it empowers non-verbal kids by giving them a voice to express themselves. The options to tap or type make the app accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities.
In the upper right corner, a green button leads parents to a math problem, opening Parent Mode, which contains the store and some support information.
What's it about?
TOM TAPS SPEAKS is a no-frills app that helps kids who are either non-verbal or have speech production issues. Simply open the first board, and your child can tap out their needs, wants, and emotions using more than 500 cards. Kids can save favorite expressions or simply go to a folder and tap the item they need or want. The free version is a good introduction to learning how to use an augmentative communication app. There's an option to purchase a customizable feature as in-app purchases, which allows you to add your own photos and voice.
Is it any good?
Tom Tap Speaks is a beginner's app in the world of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps, and it's much simpler than pricier apps like Go Talk Now or AVAZ Pro. The free version doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but it does allow kids to choose from more than 500 cards that identify quick phrases, places, food, pain, and emotions. If you're looking to try an AAC app, this would be a good start. It's easy to learn to use for parents and kids and easy to upgrade if it works for your child.
Families can talk about...
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Families can talk about how best to use Tom Taps Speaks: Which pictures are the most appealing? Why? What needs and wants are best expressed using the app?
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For kids who can type, discuss what short-hand communication you might use about everyday topics.
App details
| Device: | iPad |
| Price: | Free |
| Pricing structure: | Free |
| Release date: | November 21, 2014 |
| Category: | Education |
| Size: | 21.50 MB |
| Publisher: | Seer Technologies |
| Version: | 2.0 |
| Minimum software requirements: | iOS 7.0 or later |
