Assistive Technology

AAC App Adds Features to Engage Students, Communicator Team

• By Sri Ravipati
• 01/20/17

CoughDrop, an augmented and alternative communication (AAC) app created for students who have trouble speaking, this week debuted a feature that improves team communications and goal-setting efforts across the app.

AAC includes alternative forms of communication methods (other than speaking and written forms of communication) used by individuals with special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy and ALS. Individuals just starting out learning AAC typically have an education support system, since AAC communicators are essentially learning a new language.

The cloud-based AAC solution from CoughDrop focuses on supporting the team surrounding the AAC communicator, which usually includes teachers, parents, administrators, therapists and others who help the student learn AAC. CoughDrop serves as a central platform for the team to coordinate. It can be run on multiple mobile devices at the same time and has built-in messaging tools. Users can work offline and all information is backed up in the cloud.

In an effort to further engage users, CoughDrop has created a goals interface that enables them to select pre-set benchmarks or develop their own. One goal, for example, could focus on using a certain vocabulary word on a particular day. Within the goals interface, the student’s learning team members can receive reminders about goals, earning badges when they meet them. It also provides reports on how the student is progressing over time. The organizational interface offers a bird's-eye view of data and usage across the platform, according to the company’s website.

CoughDrop can be used online and is available in the Apple App Store, Google Play and on Amazon.

To learn more, watch the video below or visit the CoughDrop site.