Is AAC supported by Android?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to methods of communication that supplement or replace speech for individuals with impairments in producing spoken language (https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/). AAC provides a means for expressing needs and participating in communication for people who cannot rely on speech due to conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, stroke, or other disabilities.

The goal of AAC is to allow users to efficiently and effectively engage in communication activities of their choice. AAC systems range from simple picture boards to speech-generating devices. They empower those with communication challenges to communicate independently in a variety of settings.

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google that runs on a variety of smartphones and tablets. With its intuitive interface, accessibility features, and open platform, Android has become the most widely used mobile OS globally.

This article explores whether Android devices can support AAC solutions for people with complex communication needs.

AAC Basics

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to methods of communication that can supplement or replace speech for individuals with speech and language impairments (Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/augmentative-and-alternative-communication/). AAC allows people to express their needs and thoughts through means other than vocalization.

There are three main types of AAC:

• Unaided AAC: This involves the use of the user’s body to convey messages, such as gestures, facial expressions, and sign language (aac device, https://www.asha.org/njc/aac/).
• Aided AAC (low tech): Low tech aided AAC systems include the use of pictures, writing, and objects to facilitate communication.
• Aided AAC (high tech): High tech AAC devices are electronic tools that allow the user to select buttons, symbols, or text to generate speech.

AAC helps people with a wide range of communication disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and following a stroke or traumatic brain injury. It allows users to communicate in the mode best suited to their motor, sensory, and cognitive abilities, supporting multimodal communication (AAC for different communication impairments, https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/what-difference-diagnosis-make). The goal of AAC is to allow users to efficiently and effectively engage in communicative interactions.

Android Basics

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open source software. Android is designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Android is the most widely used mobile operating system globally. As of Q2 2021, Android accounts for over 70% of the global smartphone OS market share (https://www.science.gov/topicpages/a/android+market+share). The adoption of Android has been rapid, with over 2 billion active devices as of May 2019.

Some of the most popular Android devices include smartphones from brands like Samsung, Motorola, LG, Xiaomi, OnePlus etc. On the tablet side, Android slates from Samsung, Lenovo and Amazon have gained popularity. Overall, the flexible and open source nature of Android has led to its widespread adoption across devices from various manufacturers.

Android Accessibility Features

Android has a robust set of built-in accessibility features to support users with disabilities and special needs. Some of the key accessibility features include:

TalkBack

TalkBack is Android’s native screen reader that provides spoken feedback to help blind and low vision users navigate their devices. It reads aloud text, image descriptions, screen interactions, and alerts so users can fully access their devices without vision (Source).

Switch Access

Switch Access allows users to interact with their Android devices using one or more switches instead of the touchscreen. This is designed to help users with mobility impairments navigate their devices (Source).

Captions

Android provides built-in support for closed captioning of audio and video content. Users can turn captions on and customize caption style and appearance (Source).

Magnification Gestures

Magnification gestures allow users to zoom in and out by triple tapping the screen. This helps make screen content more visible for low vision users.

AAC Apps on Android

There are several excellent AAC apps available on Android devices including:

• Proloquo2Go – Full featured symbol-based communication app with natural sounding voices. Allows for customization and supports literacy.
• TouchChat HD – Symbol-based app focused on conversational skills. Includes WordPower vocabulary expansion for literacy.
• LAMP Words for Life – Uses core word vocabulary for fluent communication. Supports literacy skills.
• GoTalk NOW – Simple picture-based communication app. Easy to program and customize.

These apps provide symbol-based interfaces, text-to-speech capabilities, and customizable features to meet a wide range of communication needs for nonverbal individuals. The apps highlighted here are designed specifically for AAC users and utilize evidence-based vocabulary sets to aid expressive communication. Many offer literacy supports as well. Availability on Android makes these full-featured AAC apps accessible on a range of mobile devices.

Benefits of Android for AAC

One of the key benefits of using Android for AAC is the flexibility it offers. There are dozens of AAC apps available on the Google Play Store, allowing users to find the right app to suit their needs. This level of choice is not available on dedicated AAC devices which only offer the proprietary app designed for that device. With Android, users can experiment with different AAC apps to determine which has the optimal interface, features and supports their preferred access method such as touch, switch scanning or eye gaze (Let’s Talk AAC, 2021).

Another advantage of Android is the relatively low cost compared to dedicated AAC devices. Mainstream tablets running Android can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, a fraction of the price of specialized AAC tech. This makes Android devices more accessible for people who cannot afford more expensive dedicated speech generating devices.

Finally, the widespread adoption of Android phones and tablets means most people are already familiar with these mainstream devices. This existing knowledge can make adoption of Android as an AAC platform easier compared to learning to use a specialized device that fewer people have experience with.

Challenges of Using Android for AAC

While Android offers accessibility features to support AAC, there are some challenges to using Android devices for AAC purposes. One major challenge is the cost of AAC apps on Android. Many high-quality AAC apps have expensive licensing fees, sometimes hundreds of dollars per device. This can become costly for parents, caregivers, and speech-language pathologists who need to install the app on multiple devices (Source). Compared to iOS where one app license can be shared across devices through Family Sharing, Android’s model is more restrictive.

Another challenge with Android is the need for ongoing maintenance and updates. Android devices tend to vary more in terms of hardware specs and OS versions. This fragmentation means apps may not work as smoothly across all devices. Additionally, Android OS updates can sometimes break app functionality until the app developer releases an update. These technical difficulties require more troubleshooting and tech support compared to iOS devices (Source).

Finally, some studies have found the AAC audio encoding quality on Android devices is not on par with iOS, particularly for Bluetooth streaming. However, audio quality depends largely on the device hardware and implementation. Overall, Android’s variability introduces more potential challenges when relying on AAC for communication (Source).

Strategies for Implementation

There are several key strategies to consider when implementing AAC with Android devices. First, choosing an appropriate device is crucial. The device should match the individual’s motor and access needs. For example, individuals with limited fine motor skills may need a device with a larger screen size or built-in keyguard. Those with visual impairments may need high contrast displays or screen magnification features. Consulting with a speech-language pathologist can help select suitable Android devices for AAC.

Another strategy is customizing access methods. Android offers various ways to access devices beyond touch screens, such as switch scanning, eye gaze technology, and head tracking. These alternate access methods allow individuals to successfully interact with AAC apps. Speech-language pathologists can recommend appropriate access methods tailored to the individual’s abilities.

It’s also important to model AAC use when first implementing an Android device. Demonstrating how to navigate the system and use the AAC app builds skills and confidence. Initial modeling should focus on relevant vocabulary and everyday communications. This helps the individual realize the purpose and value of their new voice from the start.

The Verdict

Android offers both benefits and challenges when used as an AAC platform. On the pro side, Android provides an flexible open platform that allows the installation of many different AAC apps. This variety can enable an AAC user to find an app with the right combination of features to match their unique communication needs. Android devices also tend to be less expensive than dedicated speech generating devices. Additionally, the widespread use of Android smartphones and tablets means that an AAC user may stand out less when using an Android device compared to a specialized SGD.

However, utilizing Android does require intentional planning and support. The apps generally provide less built-in support features compared to a dedicated SGD. It takes work to find the right app and customize it appropriately. Ongoing tech support is also important when using a mainstream consumer device for AAC purposes. Additionally, Android updates could potentially disrupt usage or require adjusting app settings.

Overall, Android is a viable option for AAC users, especially those seeking flexibility or lower cost choices. With proper forethought and support, Android provides a customizable AAC platform. For those requiring more turnkey or robust solutions, a dedicated SGD may be a better choice. But for many, Android offers an accessible way to gain a voice through AAC technology.

Conclusion

In summary, Android devices offer a range of accessibility features that can support AAC, such as Switch Access and TalkBack. While there may be some challenges around motor access and dedicated AAC features, the flexibility, availability, and active development of Android makes it a viable platform for many AAC users.

With its wide range of customizable apps, ability to sync across devices, and Google’s commitment to accessibility, Android has solidified itself as an important option in the AAC ecosystem. As technology continues advancing, we can expect Android’s accessibility and AAC capabilities to grow even further.

For many people in need of AAC solutions, Android devices provide an affordable and user-friendly experience. With proper implementation and the right mix of hardware and software, Android can be a powerful communication tool.