Speech help
Apple Live Speech
What is it?
Live Speech is a free feature built into iPhone (iOS 17 and later).
You type what you want to say, and your phone speaks the words out loud for you.
It works during phone calls, FaceTime, and for face-to-face conversations.
Who is it for?
People with aphasia who find speaking difficult and want a text to speech solution on their iOS device.
What can you do?
- Triple-click the side button (or tap on the back of the phone) to open.
- Type your message and your phone speaks it immediately
- Works during phone calls, FaceTime, and WhatsApp calls direct to the receiver.
- Save phrases you use often. Tap saved phrase instead of typing. Helpful if typing or spelling is difficult.
- Free and built into iPhone. No extra app needed.
What skills do you need?
Single or simple phrase reading to select saved phrases.
Letter recognition and spelling to type messages. *Note predictive text works with Apple Live Speech to assist with spelling.
Be able to triple-click the side button (or tap on the back of the phone) to launch the feature.
How does it help with communication?
Can replace or assist with spoken expression, your phone speaks for you in calls and conversations.
Saved phrases make it accessible even when typing is hard.
Details
Phone | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch (iOS 17 or later) |
|---|---|
Cost | Free — built into iPhone |
Internet | Not needed |
Made by | Apple |
Website |
Spoken - AAC App
What is it?
A text to speech communication app.
Type, draw or handwrite words and the app speaks them out loud for you.
Who is it for?
People aphasia who still have some reading ability.
For those that find drawing helpful to prompt word finding.
For individuals who have difficulties with spoken or written sentence structure, grammar, and word order.
What can you do?
- Smart word prediction uses your location, communication style and context to help you build your sentence.
- Store saved phrases.
- Fullscreen mode show your message in large text to the other person
- Easy share messages as audio or text to emails or text messages
- Incognito mode keeps private conversations private
- Over 60,000 words paired with icons to assist with comprehension and word selection
- Compatible with eye tracking for people with limited hand movement
What skills do you need?
You need some reading ability to select word predictions or use saved phrases.
Drawing and handwriting are available if typing is hard.
How does it help with communication?
Can assist with spoken or written communication.
Helps with word finding and building sentences.
Details
Phone | iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac |
|---|---|
Cost | Free, with optional upgrade |
Internet | Needed for some features; works offline for most |
Made by | Spoken, Inc. (USA) |
Website |
Speech Assistant AAC
What is it?
Speech Assistant AAC is a communication board app.
Who is it for?
People with aphasia who find speaking difficult.
One-tap button communication without needing to type.
What can you do?
- Create buttons with your phrases, organised into categories
- Add photos or symbols to buttons so they are easy to find
- Tap a button, the app speaks it out loud
- Record buttons in your own voice
- Fullscreen mode shows your message in large text for face-to-face use
- Apple Watch app to access your phrases from your wrist
- Multiple profiles different setups for different people or situations
What skills do you need?
You need to be able to tap and navigate a simple screen.
Highly customisable to meet accessibility needs.
Adding photos or colour coding to buttons means less reading is needed for saved phrases.
A carer or clinician can help with setup.
How does it help with communication?
Can replace or assist with spoken communication.
Helpful when you need to say important phrases on the phone or in-person.
For example, when speaking with the bank you may want quick access to your date of birth or address.
Details
Phone | iPhone and iPad (iOS 12+), Apple Watch, Mac |
|---|---|
Cost | Free to download; one-time purchase for full version. No subscription. |
Internet | Not needed |
Made by | ASoft, Netherlands |
Website |