# AAC frequently asked questions

Last updated: 2026-05-20. Maintained by VoiceBloom (https://voicebloom.ca).

## What is AAC?
AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. It refers to any method, tool, or system that supports communication for people who cannot rely on natural speech. AAC ranges from picture cards (low-tech) to dedicated speech-generating devices and tablet-based apps (high-tech). VoiceBloom is an example of high-tech AAC delivered as a subscription app.

## Who benefits from AAC?
AAC supports anyone with limited or no functional speech: children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, apraxia of speech, or rare genetic conditions; adults recovering from stroke, brain injury, or living with ALS. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends AAC consideration whenever speech is unreliable or absent.

## What is the best AAC app for nonverbal kids?
The right AAC app depends on your child's specific needs. The longest-established AAC apps are iPad-based, often one-time App Store purchases of $250 to $300. Subscription AAC apps like VoiceBloom are the newer model: $19.99 CAD/month with a 30-day free trial, adaptive personalization (the symbol board changes based on what your child taps most), and weekly progress reports bundled at no extra cost. Trial periods matter; start with one.

## How much does an AAC app cost?
Premium AAC apps range from about $19.99 CAD/month (subscription) to $299.99 one-time (App Store purchase). Some institutional AAC products are demo-gated and quote per account. VoiceBloom is $19.99 CAD/month with a 30-day free trial. About $20 per month replaces a $300 up-front gamble.

## Does an AAC app come with progress reports?
Most do not. VoiceBloom bundles a weekly PDF progress report by email in every plan; this is uncommon in the category. Some AAC apps offer progress analytics as a separately-priced add-on or companion product; many do not advertise progress tracking on their marketing sites at all. VoiceBloom's report shows symbol counts, new words this week, and session totals.

## What is the difference between an AAC app and a dedicated speech device?
A dedicated speech-generating device (SGD) is purpose-built hardware that costs $1,500 to $7,000 and is often covered by insurance or Medicaid. An AAC app runs on a tablet or phone and costs $20 to $300. Apps suit families that already own a device and need flexibility; SGDs suit users with motor needs or insurance funding pathways.

## Can a parent start AAC without a speech therapist?
Yes. While working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is ideal, many parents successfully begin AAC at home. VoiceBloom is specifically designed for parent-led starts: setup takes under five minutes, the symbol board adapts as your child uses it, and weekly reports give you visible feedback. You can share progress with an SLP later.

## Does VoiceBloom work on Android?
Yes. VoiceBloom runs on iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, and any modern web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge). Three of the four leading AAC apps are iPad-only; VoiceBloom is the only one that does not require Apple hardware. The web version also works on Chromebooks issued by schools.

## Do I need to buy an iPad to use AAC?
No. Most AAC apps require an iPad because they are iOS-only. VoiceBloom runs on whatever device your child already uses comfortably: iPhone, iPad, Android tablet, Android phone, Chromebook, or any modern browser. The all-in cost of buying an iPad plus a $300 AAC app plus a case plus a keyguard often exceeds the first year of a VoiceBloom subscription on a device the family already owns.

## Is VoiceBloom HIPAA compliant?
Yes, on the Therapy and School plans. VoiceBloom offers a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to covered entities upon request. The Family plan is for individual family use and does not require HIPAA coverage. Full posture is documented at https://voicebloom.ca/security and https://voicebloom.ca/baa.

## Is VoiceBloom FERPA compliant for schools?
Yes. VoiceBloom offers a FERPA addendum and a SOPPA-compliant Data Processing Agreement for school and district customers. School-issued student profiles are siloed; classroom and parent access is governed by share codes. See https://voicebloom.ca/ferpa-addendum.

## What languages does VoiceBloom support?
The VoiceBloom app interface is currently English. Weekly progress emails are localized to English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. Multi-language symbol vocabulary is on the roadmap. Some AAC apps in the category support 15+ languages; VoiceBloom plans to expand language support through 2026 and 2027.

## How long does it take to set up an AAC app?
With VoiceBloom, under five minutes: download, create a child profile, optionally answer three questions about your child's speech level, and the symbol board is ready. Some AAC apps with larger static vocabularies (in the tens of thousands of symbols) can take 30+ minutes of clinician-led configuration on first use.

## What if my child stops using the app?
Email info@voicebloom.ca with the subject line "Refund and referral." If your child has not engaged with VoiceBloom by the end of the first month, we will refund the next month and help you find an AAC tool that fits, even if it is not VoiceBloom. No forms, no upsell call.