Symboloud AAC NHS

Dad In A Shed

About this app

Symboloud is a customisable, symbol-based AAC app for Android tablets and phones. It supports children and adults who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) when speech does not meet all their communication needs.

Build and speak messages using SymbolStix symbols, written labels and voices available on the Android device. Symboloud supports quick requests as well as choices, questions, feelings, opinions, refusal, communication repair and more detailed original messages.

UK ENGLISH VOCABULARY THAT CAN GROW

The downloadable Symboloud UK English Grid Family provides eight coordinated vocabulary options:

• Easy Access 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24
• Core Communication 30, 50 and 90

The number indicates the intended number of positions on the Home screen. Smaller grids provide larger targets, fewer choices and a reduced vocabulary. Larger grids add more immediately available core words, grammar, direct topic routes and deeper everyday vocabulary.

Every distinct label in each smaller V4 set remains available in the next larger set. This provides a route from four large choices to a comprehensive 90-cell system without replacing familiar language at each step. The grids are choices, not age levels or compulsory stages. A user can start with any size and keep it for as long as it remains the right fit. Spelling is available through the Android device keyboard.

PERSONALISE THE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

• Choose grid layouts from 2 to 10 columns
• Add, edit, move and organise tiles and folders
• Search and use more than 72,000 SymbolStix symbols
• Add photographs from the device or take a new photograph
• Change labels, spoken wording, symbols and colours
• Use a short visible label with fuller spoken wording where helpful
• Add names, relationships, identity, health, routines, places and interests
• Use symbol-based word suggestions to help build messages

READY FOR EVERYDAY COMMUNICATION

Symboloud combines reusable core language with the topic and personal vocabulary that makes communication meaningful. Ready-made grids cover people, actions, describing, feelings, things, places, food and drink, home life, body and health, time, learning, activities, social interaction and quick phrases. They also protect access to urgent support and communication repair.

The UK English grids use a Modified Fitzgerald Key colour system as a consistent visual cue for broad word roles. Words, symbols, grouping and learned positions remain central, and colours can be personalised around the individual.

PRACTICAL AND FLEXIBLE

• Build a message and speak it aloud
• Use quick phrases for time-sensitive communication
• Select from compatible voices installed on the Android device
• Adjust Hold Delay to help prevent accidental selections
• Delete the last word to correct a message quickly
• Import and export .symboloud files
• Back up a grid, move it between devices or share it
• No account or login
• No ongoing subscription

EVIDENCE-INFORMED, NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL

The grid family draws on AAC research and professional guidance concerning core and topic vocabulary, stable organisation, meaningful grouping, personalisation and different communication functions. It provides a considered starting point rather than claiming that one vocabulary size or layout will suit everyone.

Grid selection and personalisation should reflect the person's communication priorities, language, culture, vision, motor access and ability to navigate the display.

WHO SYMBOLOUD SUPPORTS

• AAC users, including non-speaking and minimally speaking people
• Families and carers
• Teachers and support staff
• Speech and language therapists and other professionals

Learn more, download the UK English grids and browse vocabulary resources at:

https://symboloud.com/

What’s new

Added new default layouts