Proloquo 4+

Wow

My boyfriend is non verbal and I was looking for a FREE app that he can communicate to me through, no though, you have to pay 10$ PER MONTH?!? I'm currently an unemployed highschooler and this got me excited for a minute too. 😤

How is this equitable?

Trying to find a program that grows with my daughter’s widening vocabulary has been a tough one. I have found others similar to this but that have no training unless you purchase their device for 1000s of dollars. She currently uses proloquo2go and was offered a few months free. Within three hours ( after my correspondences were answered, which is one of the only advantages of this app) we knew this isn’t it either. There is no way to change to larger font or make the icons smaller (there are some who are transitions away from icons as they master their aac devices) , no way to change the contrast, and the font size in communication bar when in typing is near 10 size font. Not only is this difficult for the visually impaired but with no option to toggle to a different language already offered by proloquo2go, it’s not equitable . Along with the subscription model- which is a high cost even when you look at the yearly subscription versus the one time cost of others- state programs that offer funding will not accept this as this is a subscription. Even your 5 year subscription is a subscription, those of us who rely on state funding to help our children access their basic needs of communication are being pushed out of a new opportunity to expand their communication. However, in this case it has several limitations that aren’t addressed anywhere and fortunately this was a free month. Please look back at your design to make this better for all to use.

Developer Response ,

Hi mzdnsy55, we are very sorry to hear about your disappointment with Proloquo and your daughter’s issue accessing the app. However, we appreciate that you have taken the time to share your review and honest feedback about Proloquo. You are right; Proloquo is not intended for people with vision or motor issues. For these users, Proloquo2Go is a better choice because of its customization and access options. Our AAC app guide (please see: www.assistiveware.com/aac-app-guide) can help people find the right AssistiveWare AAC app for their needs. Regarding additional languages for Proloquo, we want to perfect the basics of the app first before we decide on what languages we might offer. Please also know that Proloquo is a subscription as it offers a more sustainable business model to offer 24/7 in-app AAC expert support, regularly updated articles and lessons in Proloquo Coach, continuous updates to the app on compatible devices, and improvements to the words and layout of the Crescendo Evolution vocabulary. Finally, because many schools, insurances, and state organizations cannot purchase app subscriptions, we offer licenses (please see: www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo-licenses), including 3 and 5 year licenses, for Proloquo. Note, these are not subscriptions since licenses do not auto renew and can be purchased through several payment options. In many countries, disability needs are re-evaluated by insurance systems every 5 years. Then, funds becomes available again to get a new system. This is not only connected to the needs of the user (which might change over this span of time) but to the device. Dedicated devices, as well as iPads, have a limited shelf life. They age, and batteries tend to wear out. This is why we designed the 5-year license to align with the insurance/device cycle. Ideally, a new application should be submitted before the end of the cycle. However, we understand that there are times when there may be delays in receiving funding. In that case, we will, on a case-by-case basis, extend access for an appropriate period. If the hardware works, AssistiveWare will never leave an AAC user without their communication system for financial reasons. We hope that this provides a better understanding of Proloquo and that you find the ideal AAC solution for your daughter. If you would like to discuss any of these points in detail or need help cancelling your Proloquo subscription, please feel free to drop us a message at support@assistiveware.com and one of our team members will be happy to connect with you. Our team is available and always glad to lend a helping hand and a listening ear.