Tala
Picture-based communication boards with whole-phrase text-to-speech. Set up in 90 seconds.How to get an AAC device for free (or nearly free)
The fastest AAC device is the phone already in your pocket. A low-cost AAC app turns it into a working talker today — and it buys you time to pursue the slower funded routes without your child waiting voiceless.
Route 1: An affordable app on your own device (today)
Tala is a complete starter system: 10 ready communication boards, whole-phrase cards, one natural voice per language across 29 languages, offline audio. It begins with a free 7-day trial, then $9.99/month or $39.99/year — and it's free forever for SLPs and teachers. If your child takes to it, you've proven AAC works before filling in a single form — evidence that helps every route below.
Route 2: Through school (weeks–months)
If your child has an IEP (US) or equivalent support plan, request an assistive technology evaluation in writing. If AAC goes into the plan, the school provides and maintains the device at no cost. Tala is free for teachers and SLPs, so the classroom can run the same boards as home.
Route 3: Insurance / Medicaid (months)
US insurance and Medicaid fund dedicated speech-generating devices after an SLP evaluation and device trial. This is the right route when a child needs eye-gaze, switch access, or rugged dedicated hardware. Expect 3–9 months end to end.
Route 4: Nonprofit grants
Organizations like the ACE Centre (UK), Small Steps in Speech, and local autism societies grant devices or iPads. Timelines and criteria vary; your SLP usually knows the active ones in your region.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child’s school provide an AAC device?
In the US, if AAC is written into the IEP as assistive technology, the school district must provide it at no cost to you. Ask for an assistive technology evaluation in writing. Similar rights exist in many countries.
How long does insurance funding take?
Typically 3–9 months in the US: SLP evaluation, trial period, paperwork, approval, then ordering. Start the process — but give your child a voice on a phone you already own while you wait.
Is an affordable app really enough to start?
For most ambulatory children, yes. Tala’s free 7-day trial includes the full default boards, natural voices in 29 languages, and offline audio — enough to establish whether picture-based communication works for your child before any funding paperwork exists. After the trial it is $9.99/month or $39.99/year, and free forever for SLPs and teachers.
Try Tala free for 7 days
Picture-based communication boards with whole-phrase text-to-speech. Set up in 90 seconds.