TouchChat with WordPower - Quick Guide

What is TouchChat?
TouchChat is an AAC app that gives individuals with speech or language difficulties a voice through symbol- and text-based communication.
WordPower is a vocabulary system within TouchChat that organizes words for quick, efficient sentence building using core vocabulary and predictive phrases.

Getting Started

Open the App
- Tap the TouchChat icon.
- Choose the WordPower vocabulary (e.g., WordPower 20, 42, 60 Basic, or 80).
- Each version has a different grid size based on motor and language needs.
Set Up a User
- Tap the Menu (☰) → Settings → Profiles → New User.
- Adjust voice, layout, and access method (touch, switch, head tracking, etc.).
Choose a Voice
- Menu → Settings → Voice Settings → select a preferred voice and adjust speed/pitch.

Using TouchChat for Communication

Select Words or Symbols
- Tap buttons to create a message. Each button speaks aloud when tapped.
- The message bar at the top shows what’s been selected.
Speak the Message
- Tap the Speak button (🔊) to read the full sentence.
Clear the Message
- Tap the Clear button (🗑️ or ⌫) to start a new message.
Navigate Pages
- Use arrows or category buttons to move between core words, actions, people, and topic pages.

Customizing Vocabulary

Edit a Button
- Tap and hold the button → Edit Button.
- You can change the symbol, word, color, or what the button says.
Add a New Button
- Tap Menu → Edit Mode → Add Button.
- Enter a label, select a symbol, and assign it an action (speak message, link to page, etc.).
Hide or Show Buttons
- Use Menu → Edit Mode → Hide/Show Buttons to simplify the screen for beginners.
Copy or Move Buttons
- Long press → Copy or Move to adjust layout across pages.

Encouraging Classroom Use

Model often: Use the student’s device while speaking to demonstrate.
Embed in routines: greetings, snack, circle time, and transitions.
Wait and encourage: Give time for the student to select and respond.
Celebrate all attempts—any form of communication counts!

Helpful Features

Word Prediction: Speeds up communication by suggesting next words.
Quick Messages: Store frequently used phrases like “I need help” or “I like that.”
Search Tool: Type a word to see where it’s located in the vocabulary.
iCloud or AirDrop Backup: Save vocab and share setups with team members.