iConverse

iConverse is an educational tool designed for young children, autistic individuals, and individuals with other communicative disabilities, and also toddler-aged children who have yet to master language. iConverse is an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) application for the iPhone and iPod Touch that replaces bulky and expensive communication devices used in the past. iConverse gives users the ability to carry an AAC device in their pocket creating a means of communication that is appropriate, effective and discreet.

iConverse comes with 6 built in communication tiles that represent a person’s most basic needs. When activated by touch, the icons give both an auditory and visual representation of the specific need or want. Go beyond the built in 6 and create your own! Use the built in text-to-speech engine, or record your own voice!

iConverse allows parents, teachers, and the general public to understand the basic wants and needs of individuals who are unable to verbally communicate. This application breaks down the barriers of communication for special needs individuals or children who have not yet mastered language. iConverse replaces bulky and expensive communication devices and provides freedom from a communication book of individual printed icons. Everyone involved in an individual’s life will never have to guess what their wants and needs are again.

iConverse’s features:

• Choose a male or female voice for the common needs.
• 6 touchable, color, easy to understand icons.
• 6 icons displaying basic everyday needs: Bathroom, Drink, Food, Sick, Break and Help.
• Visual display of illustrated “iConverse” icon.
• Visual display of text when specific icon is touched.
• Audible sentence stating the icon that was touched.

This application was designed with the help of Ian Walden who has a Master’s Degree in Special Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication.