When I think about my work with APP2Speak, my favorite part is always the same: hearing people’s stories.

Every person who uses the app has a unique background, a unique voice (whether spoken or digital), and unique communication needs.

Some discover that APP2Speak becomes a lifeline for them, while others realize it’s not the right fit for their situation. Both kinds of stories matter deeply to me, because they help me understand the real-world ways people live with communication challenges—and they remind me why I created APP2Speak in the first place.

 What I love most is seeing how people take the app and make it their own, whether they’re customizing it with favorite phrases and photos, using it to connect with loved ones, or simply finding peace of mind knowing it’s there if they need it.

Let me share a few stories with you. Some of these are success stories, while others demonstrate the tough choices some people have to make when it comes to their communication needs. But both kinds of stories highlight just how personal this journey can be.

When APP2Speak Wasn’t the Right Fit

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that not every tool works for every person. And that’s okay.

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Take, for example, a young man in Michigan in his late 20’s who has Down syndrome. He gave APP2Speak a fair trial, using it consistently for about a week. But eventually, he became sensitive to the app’s speech output. The sound bothered him enough that he decided to stop using it.

I appreciated hearing his family’s feedback because it highlighted something very real: some people have sensory sensitivities that make synthesized speech uncomfortable. That’s not a flaw in the person—or even in the technology—it’s just a reminder that communication solutions have to be flexible and individualized.

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Another story comes from Missouri, where a woman in her late 60’s had a stroke and was subsequently diagnosed with aphasia. She tested APP2Speak and used it successfully, but she ultimately decided not to continue. Why? Because she wanted to focus on rebuilding her verbal speech and writing skills. She told me she worried the app would become more of a crutch than a bridge.

I understood her reasoning completely. For her, recovery meant leaning into speech therapy, writing practice, and other rehabilitation techniques. APP2Speak gave her a sense of what was possible, but she decided her journey would focus on reclaiming the skills she had had previously.

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Both of these stories are powerful reminders that communication support doesn’t look the same for everyone. Sometimes, what a person needs most is not a device or an app, but encouragement and support to pursue their own path toward recovery.

When APP2Speak Becomes a Lifeline

On the other hand, some people find APP2Speak to be an essential part of daily life.

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For example, in California, a man in his early 70’s was preparing for a major life change. He’d been diagnosed with lingual cancer and knew surgery would remove part of his tongue, leaving his speech permanently affected. Instead of waiting until after the procedure, he bought APP2Speak ahead of time.

He set it up, practiced with it, and made sure he felt comfortable using it before the day of his surgery. Today, he uses it frequently out in the community—ordering coffee, asking for help, chatting with neighbors.

For him, APP2Speak wasn’t just a safety net. It was preparation. It was confidence. It was knowing that even if his natural speech changed forever, he would still have the ability to communicate.

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Another story that has stuck with me comes from Indiana. An elderly woman living in a skilled nursing facility has dementia and other underlying conditions. Despite these challenges, she’s able to use APP2Speak successfully to express her wants, needs, and ideas.

Her daughter and caregiver took the time to set up the app for her and continues to update it with personalized content. With just a few taps, she can make herself understood in ways that reduce frustration and bring comfort.

Watching her daughter take an active role in shaping her mother’s communication tool reminds me that AAC isn’t just about technology—it’s about relationships.

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And in New York, a woman in her mid-30’s who is on the spectrum is thriving with the help of APP2Speak. Her mother manages the app and uses it with her both at home and out in the community. Together, they’ve customized it to help her express her wants, needs, and preferences clearly and consistently.

For this family, APP2Speak has become much more than a communication app. It’s a bridge to independence, dignity, and mutual understanding.

What These Stories Teach Me

Every time one of our APP2Speak users shares one of these stories with me—whether it’s about success, hesitation, or a decision to stop using APP2Speak—I’m reminded of something essential: communication is personal.

What works for one person may not work for another. What’s empowering for one may feel limiting for someone else. And that’s okay.

The real magic happens when people take ownership of their communication journey. Sometimes that means embracing AAC technology fully. Sometimes it means trying it out and deciding to pursue a different path. Either way, the courage it takes to keep searching for solutions is inspiring.

As the creator of APP2Speak, these stories shape how I think about the app, how I continue to improve it, and how I go about supporting the people who use it.

Why I Love What I Do

My favorite part of working with APP2Speak customers isn’t just about seeing the app succeed. It’s about seeing people succeed.

• It’s about the man in California who walked into surgery with peace of mind.
• It’s about the daughter in Indiana who gives her mother a stronger voice every day.
• It’s about the mother in New York who empowers her daughter to be heard clearly and confidently.
• And yes, it’s also about the people who bravely say, “This tool isn’t for me right now,” because even that is an important and empowering choice.

Every one of these experiences matters. They’re why I do this work. They’re why I believe in giving people options. And they’re why I’ll never stop listening, learning, and improving.

Try APP2Speak for Yourself

If you or a loved one has lost the ability to speak, you don’t have to face that challenge alone. Technology like APP2Speak can be a powerful support—but ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for you.

That’s why I invite you to sign up for a free demonstration of APP2Speak. You’ll get to see how it works, test it for yourself, and decide whether it’s the right tool for your communication journey.

Because in the end, what matters most isn’t the app itself. It’s your voice—and making sure it’s heard loud and clear.