The ProSlate™ Series from Forbes AAC are iOS-based speech generating devices that can run almost any AAC app on the market using iOS-based software. Check out our previous posts highlighting Proloquo2Go and Grid for iPad. This week’s blog post aims to highlight the many different features and strengths of the AAC app CoughDrop!
Unlike any other AAC app out there, CoughDrop is cloud-based AAC, meaning any changes you make to a board is automatically saved and backed up the next time your device syncs. No need to manually back things up!
This also allows the app to run on any device! CoughDrop is built on web standards and will run on most modern interfaces, including desktop and laptop computers (Chrome and Safari are the recommended browsers), iPads and iPhones, Android tablets and phones, Kindles, Chromebooks, and Windows devices.
There are many great features available in the CoughDrop app for both communicators, families, and practitioners.
For communicators there are many vocabulary sets available for a wide range of communication abilities and needs including the new Premium Boards by Forbes AAC.
CoreWord™: The CoreWord Language System provides AAC users with a powerful combination of core language, fringe vocabulary and banks of key phrases. The language system is divided into three distinct levels that correspond with vocabulary layouts: CoreWord 6, 20 and 40. The CoreWord Language System features dynamic vocabulary layouts that automatically change as the user makes selections. Once a word has been selected, the layout updates to show only words that are likely to be used next. By offering these next words in plain view and removing unwanted vocabulary, users don’t have to waste time and energy searching
Here is an example of CoreWord 20:
Quick Core Pro: CoughDrop offers several Quick Core Vocabulary board sets in a variety of sizes. These boards are based on core vocabulary and offer core words connected to secondary speech boards for additional options. It's available in the following layouts: Quick Core Pro 12, 24, 40, 60, 84, and 112.
Here is an example of Quick Core Pro 24:
Vocal Flair Pro: This is a large vocabulary set with a main page that is primarily flat-but-dynamic core, and links to additional categorized support words. The Vocal Flair board comes in a number of sizes with varying numbers of buttons per page. Customized by Forbes AAC, this Pro set includes a Fitzgerald color coding color scheme and SymbolStix image options beyond what the basic Vocal Flair offers. It’s currently available in the layouts 24, 40, 60, 84, 84 keyboard, and 112.
Here is an example of Vocal Flair Pro 60:
For families, because CoughDrop is cloud-based, they can support the communicator by accessing the app on all of their home devices to model and make communication happen.
There are activity ideas and strategies to help families and caregivers as well!
For practitioners and clinicians, there are many features available including built-in reports and goal-setting tools.
Reports: CoughDrop optionally tracks all button presses when users are in Speak Mode. This data is backed up to the cloud so that the communicator and any linked supervisors can review the logs remotely from their own devices. This makes it possible for support staff to see progress without taking the communicator's device away. Reports include usage counts (e.g., total words, total utterances), word usage, parts of speech, and time of day.
Evaluation: CoughDrop has a built-in evaluation tool which can be used to determine what AAC settings and options may be best for a student or potential communicator. You can access this tool for a specific communicator or through your own account.
Goal-Setting Tools: CoughDrop has a goals feature that allows communicators and supporters to set and track communication goals. Users can find goals by navigating to the account page and hitting "goals" in the menu on the left side of the screen. Teams can select a pre-programmed goal from within the system or create a goal to fit the needs of their communicator.
Did you know? CoughDrop and Forbes AAC have joined forces to create immediate and barrier free access to AAC! Learn more here: AAC Now!
Katie Threlkeld, M.S., CCC-SLP is a licensed, ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist and the Educational Program Developer at Forbes AAC. She has over eight years of experience in AT and AAC assessment and treatment with both the pediatric and adult populations. Katie has presented at the state and national level on AAC topics and she has University teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate level.