Proloquo2Go is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) digital technology designed to assist people who cannot speak, such as those with aphasia or autism, to communicate with others. By tapping on symbols and constructing sentences, users can have their thoughts voiced aloud. This technology provides individuals with speech impairments a means to express themselves, reduces communication barriers, and enables them to actively participate in daily life.
Below are some key features that highlight Proloquo2Go’s utility, usability, accessibility, and desirability.
Research-Based Vocabulary Lists and Read-Aloud Function
How Does It Work? See Proloquo2go in Action
Proloquo2Go offers speech-impaired or nonverbal users a comprehensive vocabulary list. By selecting words or symbols, the app vocalizes the user’s choice, enabling communication without the need for verbal speech. While users may not be able to articulate their thoughts verbally, this app helps bridge that gap by giving them a voice. According to the functional solutions model, this technology removes limitations and restores users’ ability to communicate and exchange ideas. It also aligns with the social model of disability by giving them the degree of freedom to communicate with verbal people.
In terms of utility, Proloquo2Go empowers users to interact with others during everyday activities, such as shopping or working, by providing them the freedom to communicate. The product supports the economic model of disability by allowing users to communicate nonverbally with coworkers while effectively expressing their thoughts. This creates opportunities for employment in roles that demand minimal verbal interaction, such as administrative roles that do not involve answering phones for the general public. It also aids speech development, as users often repeat the sentences the app vocalizes. Over time, this may help users progress from using single words to constructing full sentences.
The app also excels in usability by providing intuitive and easy-to-understand symbols alongside words, making communication more straightforward and accessible.
Customization
Proloquo2Go offers extensive customization options that enhance its utility and desirability. First, users can personalize buttons, photos, and folders to reflect their specific needs. For example, a child with Down syndrome can add pictures of their family members or favorite snacks, tailoring the app to their daily life. This level of customization ensures that the app can be as simple or complex as the user requires, meeting their unique communication needs. This approach aligns with the functional solutions model of disability by removing barriers to everyday conversations, enabling users to add frequently used words and photos for smoother communication. Second, users can modify the speaking voice and accent. This not only enhances utility but also boosts desirability. For instance, a young girl from Australia can select a voice that mirrors her identity by choosing a young girl’s voice with an Australian accent. Lastly, users can customize the skin color of the symbols, increasing pleasure and satisfaction in using this technology.
Accessibility Features
Although Proloquo2Go is primarily designed for individuals with speech impairments, it also accommodates those with additional disabilities. For users with vision impairments, the app offers 23 pre-programmed grid sizes, accessibility settings that support switch scanning, and Apple’s VoiceOver screen reader. For users with motor disabilities, the app includes paging buttons for those who find swiping difficult. This broad focus on accessibility ensures that Proloquo2Go can be used by people with a wide range of abilities, making it highly inclusive.
Drawbacks and Considerations
While Proloquo2go offers numerous benefits, it is important to note some potential drawbacks:
Learning Curve
The app has some usability issues. The interface can be overwhelming at first glance, presenting numerous buttons and vocabulary options without clear tutorials. Some features are hidden, and users may need time to discover them through regular use. Additionally, the tab bar includes icons without clear labels, making it difficult for users to understand their functions.
Cost
The affordability of Proloquo2Go is a concern. Although the app offers valuable features that significantly enhance communication for people with speech disabilities, its high price ($249.99) may limit access for some users, especially for parents of special needs children who alrealy are having a hard time paying for therapy.
