The NAA’s Tools & Technology page includes a catalog with workbooks and apps designed to assist individuals living with aphasia, care partners and pathologists in communication, learning and daily living. These tools are evidence-based and include innovative methods designed to support independence, engagement and recovery.
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes tools that help people express themselves when speaking is hard. These tools can be “low-tech” (i.e. notebooks, picture boards, etc.) or more tech-y such as apps on your phone/tablet, text to speech apps)
AAC does not “fix” aphasia. It is not a cure. But for many people, it can help you get your message across when words are hard to find. All tools should be personalized for the individual needs of the person with aphasia, their particular aphasia journey and the communication needs that they have in their life. It’s also important to understand that those needs change and adaptability is vital.
Use of AAC tools can support a person’s independence, reduce frustration and give more control in conversations. Be sure to work with your speech language pathologist and/or aphasia center/program to assist you in making these tools right for you.
Workbooks may include practice books, picture dictionaries and card decks created to support people with aphasia in practicing speech, language, and cognitive skills at home or in therapy. These resources offer practice for rebuilding naming skills, working on comprehension, or practicing real-life tasks like budgeting or scheduling, as well as pictographic tools to aid in communication for people with aphasia and care partners.
Technology can be a powerful support for people with aphasia. We are often asked: “What’s the best app to use for my aphasia?” While the world of apps is always evolving, we’ve curated guidance and resources to help you find tools that suit your individual communication strengths/opportunities and goals.
We recommend beginning your search with the Aphasia Software Finder—an up-to-date, searchable directory of software and apps developed specifically for people with aphasia. You can filter by type of support, language level, device, and more. The NAA also has a selection of digital apps and tools on our Tools & Technology Research Catalog.
Besides apps, another area of technology and aphasia is AI – Artificial Intelligence.
AI is already used by so many people, with and without aphasia, to manage daily tasks, support workflow and engage with their friends and family. Here at the NAA, we have a dedicated AI Task Force that is part of our Research Committee. As a matter of fact, the NAA recently completed a survey about AI use by individuals with aphasia with some interesting results and directions for future work, research and applications in the future. You can find some of these initiatives on our Research page.
The NAA has also hosted an Ask the Expert Webinar on the topic, which you can view here.
Are you a developer, clinician, or creator of an aphasia-related app? We welcome submissions for consideration.
Because the technology landscape changes quickly, we review this section regularly. If you notice an outdated link or have a recommendation, please contact us — we appreciate your help keeping this resource accurate and useful.
