A Guide to Communication Tools in South Africa
One of the greatest myths surrounding non-speaking children is that they have nothing to say.
In reality, many non-speaking individuals understand far more than they are able to express. Whether a child is autistic, has cerebral palsy, apraxia of speech, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, or another condition affecting communication, the right assistive technology can provide a powerful bridge between thoughts and spoken language.
At The Neuroverse, we believe that communication is a human right. Every individual deserves a way to express their needs, feelings, ideas, humour, and personality. Fortunately, technology has advanced dramatically over the past few years, making communication more accessible than ever before.
What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to any method used to supplement or replace speech.
AAC ranges from simple picture boards and communication books to sophisticated speech-generating devices powered by artificial intelligence.
Important Fact: Research consistently shows that introducing AAC does not stop children from developing spoken language. In many cases, giving a child an effective way to communicate actually supports language development while reducing frustration and anxiety.
Free and Low-Cost Communication Apps
For many South African families, affordability is a vital consideration. Fortunately, several excellent free or inexpensive options are available on standard tablets and smartphones.
1. CoughDrop
- Overview: A cloud-based AAC platform that works across tablets, phones, and computers.
- Key Features: Families can build highly customised communication boards that sync across devices, ensuring backup and consistency.
- Best For: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Apraxia, and school environments.
- CLICK HERE
2. Cboard (Completely Free)
- Overview: A brilliant, completely free, open-source AAC web app supported by UNICEF.
- Key Features: It runs directly in web browsers or as a lightweight app, works offline after the first load, supports multiple languages, and uses the highly clear Mulberry symbol set. Because it isn’t resource-heavy, it is ideal for budget-friendly smartphones and tablets.
- Best For: Children beginning their symbol-based communication journey without high device costs.
- CLICK HERE
3. Speech Assistant AAC
- Overview: A simple, highly functional text-to-speech app.
- Key Features: Features large buttons, history logs, and phrase categorization.
- Best For: Older children, teenagers, and adults who can type or use predictive text rather than symbols.
- CLICK HERE
4. Avaz (Free Trial with Paid Options)
- Overview: Designed specifically for autistic children and early communicators to transition from symbols to text.
- Key Features: Includes robust visual supports, structured vocabulary growth setups, and built-in tracking features for parents and therapists.
- CLICK HERE
Premium AAC Apps
Families looking for more advanced, heavy-duty language systems may wish to consider dedicated paid options.
Proloquo2Go
- Overview: Widely considered a gold standard of symbol-based AAC.
- Key Features: Offers exceptionally natural-sounding voices, an extensive core vocabulary system, and deep customisation that grows with the child’s expanding linguistic abilities.
- CLICK HERE
TD Snap
- Overview: Developed by the industry veterans at Tobii Dynavox, this app is highly flexible.
- Key Features: Built to accommodate multiple access methods seamlessly.
- Best For: Eye gaze users, touch access, and switch access across different motor abilities.
- CLICK HERE
Grid for iPad / Grid 3
- Overview: A massive, powerful communication platform.
- Key Features: Beyond speech generation, it enables environmental controls (like controlling smart household items) and computer access through complex setups.
- CLICK HERE
Dedicated Speech Generating Devices
Some individuals require dedicated, rugged AAC devices rather than standard commercial tablets due to physical or environmental needs. Companies such as Tobii Dynavox offer specialized hardware featuring:
- Advanced Eye Gaze Technology: For people unable to use their hands.
- Switch Scanning: For access via head switches or buttons.
- Durable Construction: Impact-resistant builds with high-quality, high-volume speakers for busy environments.
- Mounting Systems: Secure attachments for wheelchairs or standing frames.
AI is Changing Communication
Artificial intelligence is beginning to transform how AAC systems understand unique user inputs.
Soniox
- Overview: An AI-powered tool using advanced speech recognition specifically optimized to understand atypical speech patterns.
- Why it Matters: For individuals whose speech is difficult to understand—but not absent—it holds exciting potential to accurately translate their spoken words into clear text or synthesized speech in real-time.
- CLICK HERE
Technology Beyond AAC
Communication and literacy are deeply linked. Several technologies support classroom understanding, participation, and independence.
- Read&Write: Provides text-to-speech, speech-to-text (scribing), word prediction, and visual dictionaries. It is a fantastic tool for children who have literacy difficulties alongside communication challenges. CLICK HERE
- Microsoft Immersive Reader: Built right into many Microsoft 365 products at no extra cost, it features adjustable line spacing, text-to-speech reading aloud, syllable highlighting, and line focus to prevent cognitive overwhelm.
Hearing Assistive Technology
- Roger Pen: While not an AAC device, this wireless microphone system dramatically improves communication for individuals with hearing loss, auditory processing difficulties, or cochlear implants. A teacher wears the microphone, and the speech travels directly into the child’s hearing device, cutting through classroom background noise. CLICK HERE
Other Helpful Accessibility Tools
Many modern smartphones and tablets now include native accessibility features that previously required specialist equipment:
- Visual Schedules & Choice Boards: (e.g., Choiceworks or Brili) to reduce executive dysfunction and anxiety.
- Google Live Transcribe & Apple Live Speech: Real-time text tools built directly into Android and iOS.
- Apple’s Personal Voice: Allows individuals at risk of losing their voice to preserve a digital replica of it using AI.
Choosing the Right Technology
The “best” communication system is simply the one that matches your child’s individual strengths. When evaluating options, keep these factors in mind:
- Motor Abilities: Can they point reliably, or do they need switches/eye-tracking?
- Vision & Sensory Profile: Do they need large icons, specific high-contrast colours, or tactile feedback?
- Literacy Level: Do they need symbols, text, or a hybrid system?
- Portability & Cost: Will it be easy to transport across South African school environments, and is it sustainable for the family budget?
The Neuroverse Recommendation: Working alongside a Speech Therapist who understands or specialises in AAC is strongly recommended to find the ideal match and layout for your child.
Communication Comes First
Parents often ask whether introducing AAC means “giving up” on spoken speech. The answer is a clear no.
Communication—not spoken words alone—is the ultimate goal. When children finally have a reliable way to express themselves, families frequently notice reduced frustration, fewer behavioural challenges, increased independence, and richer social connections.
Recent South African research continues to highlight the importance of improving access to AAC, supporting communication partners (parents, teachers, and peers), and ensuring early identification so children receive these crucial tools as soon as possible.
At The Neuroverse, we encourage families to remember one simple truth: Every child has something to say. Sometimes, they simply need the right technology to help the world hear them.
References
- Bornman, J. & Ngcobo, B.C. (2025). Identifying and describing school-age children who would benefit from AAC: A scoping review of survey tools. South African Journal of Communication Disorders.
- Terblanche, C., Pascoe, M. & Harty, M. (2025). Challenges, perceptions and implications of AAC use in South African classrooms. Child Language Teaching and Therapy.
- Terblanche, C.C. et al. (2025). Do you like my voice? Stakeholder perspectives about the acceptability of synthetic child voices in three South African languages. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders.
- Pullin, G. et al. (2025). Discussing future AAC: Technology, interactions and ownership. Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
