Giving Thanks Through Communication: How to Use Augmentative Communication Apps to Express Gratitude This Holiday Season

November always feels like a gentle tap on the shoulder, reminding us to slow down and soak in what (and who) we’re grateful for.

But for adults who can’t speak because of stroke, ALS, Parkinson’s, brain injury, or surgery like a laryngectomy, sharing those emotions isn’t always simple.

The feelings are there—love, appreciation, closeness—but the words don’t always follow.

That’s where AAC such as speech apps for nonverbal adults becomes so powerful. It gives people the chance to express what matters most.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that mission is close to my heart.

It’s the reason I created APP2Speak—to help people communicate the human stuff, the stuff that makes relationships deeper and holidays sweeter.

Gratitude may be a universal language, but sometimes it takes technology like a speech impairment app to help it shine through.

 

Why Gratitude Matters in AAC Communication

Expressing gratitude does more than brighten someone else’s day. It lifts the spirits of the person giving it, too.

When someone can say, “Thank you,” even through AAC, it builds confidence, self-worth, and emotional well-being. It reminds them they still have a voice—and that their voice still matters.

Gratitude also brings people closer. When AAC users leverage technology to express their gratitude, caregivers feel appreciated. Family members feel connected. Friends feel seen.

The simple act of expressing thanks reinforces that everyone belongs at the table, especially during the holidays.

How powerful is gratitude? According to an article on PositivePsychology.com that I read recently, research has shown that gratitude boosts mood, improves relationships, and strengthens social engagement.

AAC opens the door for those same benefits, even when spoken words aren’t possible.

Common Barriers to Expressing Gratitude

The truth is, expressing thanks through AAC doesn’t always happen naturally.

One reason is because a lot of AAC tools prioritize functional messages like “I need water” or “I’m tired.”

Helpful? Absolutely. But emotional language often gets left in the dust.

Also, caregivers—with the best intentions—sometimes take over conversations or forget to model gratitude. And if the AAC phrases don’t feel personal or relevant, users may not feel motivated to tap them at all.

The good news? A little customization goes a long way. With a few thoughtful updates, APP2Speak users can bring gratitude to life this season.

Customizing APP2Speak for Gratitude and Connection

APP2Speak’s customization capabilities can be used to increase the likelihood of gratitude being expressed.

Adding personalized gratitude phrases into the app is one of the simplest ways to make communication more heartfelt. Here are a few you can add right away:

• “Thank you for helping me.”
• “You make me smile.”
• “I love spending time with you.”
• “I’m thankful for my family.”
• “You made my day.”
• “I appreciate you.”

You can take this a step further by adding real photos, using APP2Speak’s ability to customize the photo pages.

Pictures of a spouse, adult child, grandchild, caregiver, or even a beloved pet can spark an emotional connection instantly. Seeing the face of the person they’re talking to makes the message even more meaningful.

APP2Speak also makes it easy to add voice clips, so users can express gratitude in a familiar voice—maybe a daughter’s voice or a grandchild’s. That little detail can turn a simple “thank you” into something warm and personally meaningful.

All of this can be done in just a few taps inside APP2Speak—no tech expertise required.

Real-Life Example

I have personally experienced how APP2Speak has made the expression of gratitude easier for users.

One such example is Bob, a stroke survivor who relies on AAC to communicate.

Before using APP2Speak, he could only show his appreciation through smiles or nods. His wife understood him, but Bob always wished he could do more.

Once he added a personalized gratitude phrase into APP2Speak, everything changed. Now, at the end of each day, he taps a single button that says, “I’m thankful for you.”

His wife told me it’s become the moment she looks forward to the most.

And Bob? He feels like himself again–able to express love, not just needs.

Another example is Susan and Jack, who were married for over 50 years.

Jack had Parkinson’s and was losing his speech. When he started using APP2Speak, he was able to continue to communicate with Susan, even as his speech was going away.

Susan loved the fact that she could personalize the custom pages to his way of communicating with her. And he was able to express things that mattered the most.

Stories like Bob’s and Susan and Jack’s remind me why this work matters.

Tips for Including AAC Users in Holiday Gatherings

With the holidays upon us, we’re reminded of just how much we have to be grateful for.

But holiday celebrations can be noisy, busy, and full of fast-paced conversations, making it hard to find the right moment to express that gratitude.

Here are a few simple adjustments you can put in place to make the holiday far more inclusive for your loved one using AAC:

• Create a “holiday gratitude” page in APP2Speak with seasonal images like a turkey, family table, pumpkin pie, or a cozy fall scene. This gives them quick access to ready-made vocabulary to use to talk about the holidays.
• During those traditional “What are you thankful for?” moments, make sure the AAC user gets a turn.
• Seat them where they can easily see and hear others—visual access is communication access.
• Give them plenty of time to respond. Nobody likes feeling rushed, especially when sharing something meaningful.
• Encourage all forms of communication—gestures, facial expressions, laughter, and photos count, too.

These small steps help ensure everyone feels connected and included in the holiday cheer.

Conclusion

This time of year, traditions have a way of bringing people together. And everyone deserves the chance to say, “Thank you,” no matter how those words are spoken.

Whether it’s tapping a button, sharing a photo, or using a familiar voice clip, gratitude can shine through beautifully with AAC—especially with a tool designed for real human connection like APP2Speak.

If you already use APP2Speak and you’d like to customize gratitude phrases or create your own holiday message pages, I’d be happy to help. Just click over to our Contact page and send me a message.

And if you haven’t tried APP2Speak yet and would like to do so, please fill out the appropriate form on the Contact page and I’ll get back to you for a free demonstration.

Here’s to a season filled with warmth, connection, and heartfelt communication for everyone!