Speech Tablets for Apraxia

Each year, Apraxia Kids awards speech tablets to children and families in need throughout the USA and Canada. Children with apraxia can use these speech tablets for speech practice and/or as a speech-generating device. Since its inception, the Speech Tablets for Apraxia program has awarded nearly 700 tablets to children with apraxia of speech.

Speech Tablets for Apraxia

In this program, qualified children with a diagnosis of apraxia of speech are provided with speech tablets and protective cases in order to assist with speech practice; use as a communication tool and educational support.

In a world of increased technology, we identified an opportunity to connect children in need with functional speech tools to help them reach their highest communication potential. Parents and speech therapists can enhance speech practice at home and across environments when using a speech tablet. Additionally, children who are still struggling to be understood can utilize augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) as a communication tool.

In a research report regarding our Speech Tablets for Apraxia program (formerly known as iPads for Apraxia), parents and therapists reported positive perceptions of and experiences with the iPad technology at home and during speech therapy. Children reportedly experienced excitement, motivation, immediacy, reduced frustration, and the ability to practice speech outside of therapy.

Apraxia Kids is offering the opportunity for you to apply for a no-cost speech tablet.  In order to do that, you will need to fill out a 2020 Speech Tablet application for either a USA or a Canadian resident.  Those applications will be made available on our website ­­­­­in August.  Deadline for the application will be Friday, December 13, 2019 with awardee announcements made by January 31, 2020.  Details on what is required to complete the application process will be outlined on the application.  Because it takes a while to pull together all you will need to apply, we recommend starting the application process as close to the application availability date as possible.  Please note that we are only able to award a certain number of speech tablets, so not all applications are selected for awarding.

Individuals are able to email speechtablets@apraxia-kids.org for questions. No other email addresses will respond to questions.

New in 2018!

Beginning in 2018, there will be two speech tablet options available: (1) an iPad with case and (2) the Tobii-Dynavox Indi with case and the Snap + Core First app installed. Your child’s Speech-Language Pathologist will play an important role in helping us determine the best option for your child. We reserve the right to choose which tablet to award, based on all of the information provided.

COMMUNITY TESTIMONIALS

When a child receives a speech tablet, a world of communication opportunities are unlocked. Read some stories from previous recipients of speech tablets!

“We want to thank everyone at Apraxia Kids. Christian loves having his iPad to use on his own and show his teachers different things. I know just watching him he would not be as far as he is without it. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.”

“Thank you so much for selecting our daughter Atayah for the iPad! She loves people and life in general and we have no doubt this iPad will help her with learning the world around her as she is better able to communicate with peers, family members, and the community.”

“Thank you so very much for selecting my son Calvin in the Speech Tablet program. The ability to communicate is something that I’ve learned is so easily taken for granted, and he has been working so hard to just say a few words. I really believe the iPad will help him get over the next hump in his speech development.”

“My daughter, Emeline, received an iPad from Apraxia Kids. My hope is that one day, she will be able to verbally communicate and be intelligible to everyone. I know that with the right tools and consistent therapy, we are giving her her best shot. Thank you so much for selecting my daughter and we are forever grateful!”

“My 4 year old Zeal is so incredibly happy and thankful to have his new iPad! Currently one of his favorite things to use the iPad for is to take pictures and show them off and tell about them. Thank you so much to the supporters, those who have made it possible to award speech tablets to kids with apraxia! It definitely is a huge blessing for our family and Zeal is loving it.”

Helpful Tips & Advice

Increase your understanding of how a speech tablet can be used to aid in therapy and communication with some resources from our Article Library!

Our Speech Tablets for Apraxia program puts tools for improved communication directly into the hands of children with apraxia of speech. Donate today to provide the gift of speech to more children in need.