Before You Open the App: Account and Backup Setup

Before opening your speech app, we recommend setting up your Dropbox account right away so you are ready to back up any personalization’s on the app!

1. Go to the Utilities folder on the Home Page of the device
2. Open Dropbox
3. Create a free/basic account

Opening the App for the First Time

1. You will see a screen that says “Welcome! Here are some tips to get started”
2. Tap Start
3. The pre-programmed phrases are ready to use, along with categories on the right-hand side

For a full overview of the app, see Speech Assistant AAC

For detailed guidance, see the Speech Assistant AAC User Manual

Overview of the home screen:

1. Message Bar — the white area at the top of the screen where typed messages appear
2. Pre-programmed Phrases — phrase buttons in the middle of the screen that correspond to the selected category
3. Categories — buttons in the lower-right corner that store pre-programmed phrases related to a topic. Tapping a category will update the phrases displayed in the middle of the screen. This is also where you can program phrases specific to a category
4. Action Buttons — buttons in the top-right corner used to speak a message, clear a message, access settings, and more

Exploring Vocabulary and Finding Words

Start exploring your vocabulary by browsing the categories on the right-hand side of the screen. Tap any category to view its related phrases.

To access the keyboard:

Tap the message bar (white area at the top of the screen) or tap the keyboard icon in the action button area.

Basic Customization: Making the App Personal

Begin simple customizations to better reflect the communicator’s needs and preferences.

To add a new phrase from the home screen:

1. Tap the + button in the action button area in the top-right corner of the screen
2. Tap New Phrase
3. Type in the phrase and a label
4. Use the blue icons next to the label to adjust button color, add an image, or add a speech recording if desired
5. On the right side, select the category you would like the phrase to appear under and the position of the button
6. Tap Add

Protecting Customizations

To prevent unwanted changes, it can be helpful to limit access to settings and edit mode.

1. Tap Settings, then tap General Settings
2. Scroll down to the “Other Settings” section
3. Tap Set a Password

Don’t Forget: Back Up Your App

Regular backups help protect vocabulary and customizations. We recommend backing up:

• After initial setup
• Following major edits
• On a regular schedule

If managing multiple users, first navigate to the correct user profile before backing up:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Backup
3. Tap Import
4. Tap AirDrop
5. Tap Make Complete Backup 
6. Tap Dropbox (or your preferred backup location), locate the file, and select it
7. Tap Back in Settings, then navigate to Categories/Phrases and Users and tap User Profiles — the imported backup should now appear as a user