Using Proloquo2Go in the Classroom

Children with ASD and deficits in communication
According to Autism Canada, It is not uncommon for children with ASD to struggle with both verbal and non-verbal communication. In many instances, children with ASD have not developed spoken language and may struggle with their pitch, rhythm, and intonation when speaking. As educators, communication is used in many different ways in the classroom. Several assessment strategies rely on some form of communication, whether that be written or oral. However, communication skills are also used to identify how a student may be feeling or to assess their overall needs. A fantastic tool known as Proloquo2Go is easy and effective to use! If you want to learn more about how you can use this app in your classroom or to see if it is the right tool for you, keep reading below!

What is Proloquo2Go?
Proloquo2Go is a symbol-supported communication app for those who have difficulty speaking. Proloquo2Go has been designed to foster growth in both communication skills and language development.  If you have students who range from beginner to advanced in communication, this app was designed to meet the needs of all users. In fact, this app has been designed to grow with the user as they progress! Since Proloquo2Go is customizable, users can choose their desired level of vocabulary, how many buttons will be active on the screen, and the vocabulary used in your region (American, British, and Australian). To learn more about many of the extensive features this software has to offer check out their website here!


Who would benefit from Proloquo2Go?
Proloquo2go is a great tool for individuals who struggle to speak, especially children. This app helps users learn how to communicate and develop their speech through the use of symbols-supported communication. This app can be used for beginners and more advanced communicators alike. As mentioned previously, Proloquo2Go is especially useful for students with ASD. This app can be used both in the classroom and at home so that these students are able to develop communication skills that are essential for them.

Why is Proloquo2Go useful?
Image retrieved from https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/123215739776724837/
The benefits of Proloquo2Go for those who struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication are immense. This tool provides an outlet for communication that might not be possible otherwise. It makes use of natural-sounding text-to-speech voices to assist communication. Further benefits of the system include the extensive customization of the app to best fit the needs of the individual. With the use of different formats, restrictions, or personalized additions to symbol vocabulary, Proloquo2Go is designed to meet the unique needs of the user. Additionally, Proloquo2Go has an intuitive touch interface that allows users of various ability levels to learn and make use of the app, as well as automaticity with plurals and possessives when generating sentences. 

How accessible is Proloquo2Go? 
Proloquo2Go is only supported through IOS devices, such as iPhones or iPads. Due to the cost, Proloquo2Go may not be accessible for all. However, when funds are available, this app is a tool that may be purchased by schools or therapists, to implement for students who struggle with communication. Parents can also access the app at home so they can continue to work and develop their child’s communication skills.
This app is also accessible for students who have a vision impairment. A few of the benefits are:
  • Can be accessed through Apple’s Voiceover
  • The button spacing and appearance (font, colour, etc.) can also be adjusted.
Students who have trouble with the fine-motor skills can also use the app. Proloquo2Go contains built-in switch access.
Image retrieved from https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go

How much does it cost?
Proloquo2Go app pricing on the Apple App Store ranges from $169.99 to $349.99, with discounts available for schools. This cost does not include the iPad or iPhone device that is required to use the software. These devices begin pricing at around $450, with various configurations available, with increasingly higher costs.

Areas of improvement
We've discussed many of the advantages of Proloquo2Go above. However, here are some disadvantages for this app:
  • Proloquo2Go is limited to IOS software. If it was available on all devices, including Androids, more families might be able to benefit from the app.
  • Due to its limited software accessibility, some schools may not have the appropriate technology to access/download Proloquo2Go.
  • Making the app more cost-effective, means that more students would be able to access the app. Communication is an essential skill after all!
Want to see Proloquo2Go in action? Check out the video below!

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