Introducing AI Features For IOS Apps: Make AAC Work For You

Artificial intelligence (AI) expands opportunities to serve individuals who use assistive technology. Pairing AI with a high-tech AAC system can help many achieve their personal communication goals. With communicator feedback and success in mind, we are excited to announce the first release of AI-powered features for all four iOS apps (LAMP Words for Life®, TouchChat®, Unity® AAC, and Dialogue® AAC) coinciding with the 2026.1 update.

Why AI in AAC?

When thoughtfully implemented, communicator-controlled AI features can offer more efficient functionality. Our commitment is to design and implement AI technology that makes communication faster, more personalized, and more expressive while preserving authenticity, privacy, and user control. Read our AI statement and share your thoughts.

Key AI Features and Benefits

Try out these three new features available on iOS apps:

• AI Message Edit: Correct grammar and spelling errors in your messages for clear and confident communication; there are also options for additional enhancements with creative AI
• AI Translate: Translate your Speech Display Bar (SDB) text into any language supported by Apple® voices; not only will the text update, but the voice output will adapt as well—perfect for travel or multi-lingual conversations
• AI Image Generation: Create new button images based on your prompts; add reference pictures, describe your ideas, and let AI generate symbols with built-in guardrails to keep you safe

How to Use the New AI Features

Choose to use just one AI feature, or you may choose to have them all running at the same time.

AI Message Edit

• Find AI Message Edit in the "Modify Speech Display Bar" section of the menu to add this feature to your SDB (alternatively, you create a custom button action with this feature)
• When enabled in your SDB, an AI icon appears on the right side of the SDB
• Tap once for suggestions; tap again to undo if needed

AI Translate

• Find AI Translate in the "Modify Speech Display Bar" section of the menu to add this feature to your SDB (alternatively, you create a custom button action with this feature)
• Language options include those already in your voice list; scroll to add any language that has an Apple® voice
• When enabled in your SDB, an AI icon appears on the right side of the SDB
• Tap once for suggestions; tap again to undo if needed

AI Image Generation

• Create a symbol while editing a button with the “Generate Image” option
• Enter a descriptive prompt or add a reference picture
• Choose a style and generate up to four images at a time
• Select the image for your button

Note: Guardrails within Apple Intelligence ensure safe and appropriate image creation. AI features won’t generate images of people or copyrighted content.

PRC-Saltillo Apps & Apple Intelligence

Connecting your AAC app to Apple Intelligence requires specific iOS hardware running iOS26. Check the list to see if your device has the capability for AI features. You’ll be prompted to give your consent to use Apple Intelligence first in your iOS settings, then in your app. Initial setup takes a few minutes and then it will be seamless.

Reach out to your PRC-Saltillo AAC Consultant for information on AI compatibility with fundable Via^®  devices.

AI Safety and Security

• AI processes can be used without WiFi making them readily available to you
• AI features are off by default; you choose when to toggle on each feature based on your needs and preferences

Clinical Use Cases for AI

Pairing AAC apps with AI lets individuals experience additional efficiency and speed with their AAC system. While these features may especially benefit experienced users of AAC and those who use alternative access, there are clinical use cases for AI at many stages of AAC. Here are a few examples.

AI Message Edit

• Correcting grammar/spelling
• Not designed for emergent communicators who are learning language

AI Translate

• Communicating with other people while traveling
• Communicating in languages different than your AAC vocabulary
• Communicating with vocabulary in one language to create a message for caregivers who speak another language (when fatigued with code switching)

AI Image Generation

• Individuals who want to create a symbol not currently available
• Describing activity for younger learners

You get to decide when you want to use these new AI features. Explore them today and see how they might benefit your communication needs.

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