From Homemade Switches to High-Tech App: Celebrating the 10-Year Anniversary of APP2Speak!

This month marks a significant milestone for me and everyone involved in the development of APP2Speak: our app’s 10-year anniversary!

Reflecting on our journey, it feels like a natural progression. My initial intention wasn’t to develop a speech app; I was simply addressing the communication challenges faced by my patients, continuously seeking better solutions. This relentless pursuit of improvement ultimately led to the creation of APP2Speak, a tool that has empowered hundreds to communicate more effectively.

In this post, I’ll take you on an exciting journey through our most significant milestones over the past decade and share our bold vision for getting APP2Speak into even more hands in the next 10 years.

Our Milestones

In July 2014, APP2Speak was first introduced on the Apple App Store. This launch marked the beginning of our mission to provide a user-friendly, effective communication tool for individuals with speech impairments. The positive reception from early users confirmed the need for such an app.

By November 2018, we expanded our reach by releasing APP2Speak on Android tablets. Making the app available on both iOS and Android platforms ensured that more users could benefit from our technology, regardless of their device preference.

In August 2019, we launched a new version of APP2Speak with enhanced features. These updates included tools to assist not only individuals with speech impairments but also those with additional challenges such as low vision, hearing impairments, and physical difficulties. This release underscored our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Recognizing the need for mobility, in January 2020, we released APP2Speak for iOS/Android smartphones. This version improved flexibility and mobility within the community, fostering an era of inclusion for individuals with speech impairments by allowing them to communicate on-the-go.

Continuing our innovation, in June 2021, we introduced another update with additional new and upgraded navigational features to further assist individuals with speech impairments. Each enhancement was designed to make communication easier and more effective for our users.

 

In April 2022, we introduced APP2Speak Lite, a scaled-down version of our full app. This version was designed to provide a communication solution for individuals needing temporary assistance, such as those in hospice care or with temporary speech impairments. It also serves as a cost-effective AAC resource for professionals with limited budgets.

In October 2022, we launched a GoFundMe campaign to support our business after eight years of self-funding. As we continue to self-fund, we need additional monetary support to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technology including the development of the cross-platform earmarked for July 2025.

Today, APP2Speak has over 700 users across 20 countries and is available at assistive technology lending and demonstration libraries in over 40 state and federal agencies.

Showcases and Presentations

Over the past decade, APP2Speak has been showcased and presented at numerous healthcare events. These opportunities have allowed us to connect with professionals, the public, and share our innovations. Some of the notable events include:

• Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference and Expo: A premier event where we demonstrated APP2Speak to industry leaders and explored the latest advancements in assistive technology.
• American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Conference: An important venue for us to present our app to speech-language pathologists and other professionals dedicated to improving communication for individuals with speech impairments.
• ASHA Connect Conference and Expo: Another vital platform where we engaged with experts in the field and showcased how APP2Speak can make a difference in the lives of those with communication disorders.
• Greater St. Louis American Parkinson’s Disease Association: This event allowed us to connect with individuals affected by Parkinson’s and demonstrate how APP2Speak can enhance their communication abilities.
• Missouri Assistive Technology Power-Up Conference and Expo: A key event where we highlighted our app’s features and received insights from users and professionals alike.
• Missouri Tech Fest: An exciting opportunity to present APP2Speak in a tech-focused environment, showcasing its innovative approach to speech assistance.
• Adam Morgan Foundation Power of Neurodiversity Conference: We were proud to participate in this conference, which focuses on embracing neurodiversity and supporting individuals with unique communication needs.
• ASHA Online Aphasia Conference: A virtual event where we demonstrated how APP2Speak can aid individuals with aphasia in improving their communication skills.
• Closing the Gap Conference and Expo: This event provided a platform to share our app with educators and professionals working with individuals with disabilities including communication impairments.
• Missouri Adult Communication Disorders Group (MACDG): A local event where we engaged with speech-language pathologists and other professionals to discuss communication disorders and the benefits of APP2Speak for individuals with speech impairments.

I’ve been honored to be featured on countless radio and podcast shows. I have truly enjoyed being interviewed and sharing how the APP2Speak app has helped people regain their communication independence.

Recognition

Our journey has been filled with incredible recognitions and truly impactful moments, and we are both thrilled and humbled by the experiences we’ve shared along the way:

2017: APP2Speak made it to the 3rd round of the Shark Tank competition. This experience was a testament to our app’s innovative approach and its potential to make a significant impact for individuals who have a speech impairment or lost their ability to speak.

 

 

 

2019: We were honored to receive the Gateway to Dreams Impact Award for Kindness, recognizing our dedication to improving communication for individuals with speech impairments.

2019: We were proud finalists in the MAC Tank competition, showcasing our augmentative and alternative communication app’s potential to a broad audience and receiving valuable feedback from industry experts.

 

 

 

2020: APP2Speak was nominated for the Adam Morgan Inclusion Award for Most Cutting-Edge Neurodiversity Program. This nomination highlighted our commitment to creating innovative solutions for diverse communication needs.

 

 

Meaningful Impact and Cherished Memories

 

We’ve also proudly supported the St. Louis Regional Chapter for ALS, where I had the pleasure of meeting Helen, a remarkable individual whose story continues to inspire our work. Listen to her story.

 

 

 

 

Media coverage, including an interview with a TV reporter during a consultation with Officer Gary Glasby in May 2018, helped raise awareness about the importance of effective communication tools. Watch the interview.

 

And then there’s the heartwarming story of Bob and Wayne, best buddies since childhood. Despite their differences—one being tech-savvy and the other not— Wayne helps Bob find his voice with the APP2Speak AAC app before Wayne’s laryngectomy surgery. Read their inspiring story.

Distinguished Evaluation

In 2020, JMIR Aging (Journal of Medical Internet Research) highlighted APP2Speak as one of only seven AAC apps to be “highly rated” and one of only nine communication apps shortlisted for purchase/download. This recognition validates our efforts to provide a high-quality, effective communication tool. Read more.

Looking Back with Gratitude

Wow! Looking back at what I’ve written here, I realize there are many parts of the journey I couldn’t fit in. Like the time my son was videotaping me for a grant contest, and the prop decided it had enough and took a dive behind me. Or when my husband was filming me for another contest called One Million Cups, and our dogs decided they deserved some screen time, either by making surprise appearances or adding their own commentary in the background.

And who can forget the epic pizza party where friends and family pitched in to assemble APP2Speak’s first paper marketing mailing? Let’s just say the pizza wasn’t the only thing getting stuffed that night!

As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, we are filled with gratitude for the support and dedication of our users and community. We look forward to continuing our mission to improve communication for individuals with speech impairments worldwide.

Here’s to 10 more years of APP2Speak innovation and inclusion. Where every word counts towards speech and communication independence.