Tobii Sono Flex App

Description and Purpose of Device: 

The Tobii Sono Flex is an easy vocabulary app to use that turns symbols and text into speech on devices such as the for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, and also on PCs and speech generating devices (SGDs) running Tobii Communicator and therefore turns these devices into and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device.  It allows users who are nonverbal that are not capable of full literacy, such as those with Autism, the ability to communicate with others as well as use by speech language pathologists, family, school teachers and caregivers to use with these individuals.

Device Usage and Features:

This app is can be downloaded onto many platforms such as the iPad, iPod Touch, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, PCs and SGDs which makes it a very versatile app for various devices.  It has many features due to its structure, growth path and flexibility capabilities.  It has the ability to develop an extensive dictionary, switch from device to device without starting from scratch in creating new vocabulary and sentence structures, allow for quick access to common used phrases, create your own topic boards, and allows the vocabulary to grow with the user.  The app also comes pre-programmed with 50 context and themes as well as over 800 words based on their relevance and frequency and because of the pre-installations it reduces the amount of time for facilitators or family to set up a customize vocabulary.  Individuals can also create their communication categories, personal preferences and the flexibility to personalize the vocabulary.  By being an app available to so many devices, it allows the user to experience an AAC device before applying for funding for a speech generating device.

Manufacturer and Cost Inforamtion:

The Tobii Sono Flex App is created by Tobii ATI which has many locations around the world.  They concentrate on developing, promoting, selling, and servicing innovative products for the disabled.  The Tobii Sono Flex app is available at iTunes in the App Store and the Android Store for $99 and a Lite version is available for free with limited functions and only one license to run on various Apple products.  It is also available at the Amazon App Store for free to evaluate before purchasing full version for $99.  The Tobii Sono Flex App is also available for a 30-day free trial if you have a Tobii Communicator for your PC or speech generating device by visiting their website and filling out the form.  Their North American office is located at 333 Elm Street, Dedham, MA 02026 and can be contacted Toll Free 1-800-793-9227.