Finding the best AAC app for your family can be overwhelming. The Cboard app has a lot of robust features, simple symbols, and allows a lot of customization. But their complex grid and system make it hard for parents and users to understand. While TD Snap AAC app is less intricate, its simplicity and many supporting features make it one of the most effective communication apps for early learners. Many families are choosing TD Snap as their AAC device for autism, kids, adults, and more. Is it time for Cboard to go? Compare all of Cboard and TD Snap AAC features to decide for yourself.
Cboard |
TD Snap AAC |
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|---|---|---|
| Good for Early Communication |
Requires a log-in to access, which means younger kids must rely on caregivers to access their voice.
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Limits early learners because it does not have a robust enough vocabulary to give early learners a place to grow.
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| Affordable Pricing |
Free. But CBoard depends on charitable donations, which means the future of CBoard may not be certain.
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The dedicated devices offered are thousands of dollars, and the iOS or Windows app-only version is $49.99.
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| Easy to Get Started |
Set-up is simple (under 15 minutes). However, there is little support for customizing and learning more about its functionality. CBoard has an extensive FAQ page on their website but offers little more than that.
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There is little support in setting TD Snap up, leaving caregivers to spend quite a bit of time figuring out how to customize it on their own.
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| Behavior Supports |
CBoard offers no behavior supports. It is language-focused only.
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TD Snap does include some schedules, timers and scripts to help kids with transitions, but they are not of the highest quality.
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| Multiple Device options |
CBoard is a web-based app. This means that while it can be used on any device that has access to the internet, it is essentially restricted to the settings of individual browsers.
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While TD Snap does have a dedicated device option that is expensive, the app-only version is only available on iPad.
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| Easy Parent Modeling |
There is no apparent way to search for a word while web-based app is active.
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This app includes an internal search bar to show the path to words, but it requires taking the device out of a child's hands.
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| Incentives to practice |
There is no attached reward system that encourages new users to learn a new way to communicate.
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TD Snap does not have a point system or incentive program to help kids learn faster.
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| Natural voices and language availability |
CBoard offers natural voices in 33 languages.
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TD Snap is available in Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (US, CA, GB, AU), Finnish, French, German, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish. Multiple voices are offered, with the option to purchase additional voice engines.
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| Customer Support |
Offline support is only available on android or desktop via google chrome.
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TD Snap is made by Tobii Dynavox, so to get support outside of FAQ articles, you need to reach out to them via phone or email during office hours.
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| Motor Planning |
Users can drag pictograms/symbols or folders to wherever they want by "unlocking" them. This can make it difficult for AAC users to learn where words are if they keep getting moved around.
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TD Snap uses Core-First Vocabulary. It also has expandable grid sizes, which can make learning through motor planning difficult.
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| Simplicity of screen |
Words and images are big and easy to find. CBoard also has scrolling. However, the movement of words when adding vocabulary can get confusing!
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There is a strange scrolling sequence that can be confusing!
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| Affordable dedicated device option |
Cboard does not offer a device. It is web-based only, meaning protection of hardware is the sole responsiblity of parents or caregivers.
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Because TD Snap is offered through Tobii Dynavox, all the dedicated devices can be thousdands of dollars and are expected to get medicaid or insurance involved.
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| Communication with spelling |
No- CBoard functions with symbol-based words and does not have a separate keyboard to type out words letter-by-letter.
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TD Snap does include a page for literate users to spell words.
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| Built-In Safety and 9-1-1 Calling features |
There is no built-in safety feature outside of the AAC functionality itself. Because CBoard is limited to web-based browsers, there is little guarantee that users would have reliable access to a communication device in emergencies.
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No 9-1-1 funcitonality available.
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| Reminders to Practice |
There is no reminder feature or visual schedule included in CBoard.
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TD Snap has a very limited functionality that includes language, but not reminders to practice new skills.
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| Image and Symbol Quality |
CBoard is open source, meaning there were many different contributors to its content. User can upload any images they would like, as well as record their own audio for symbols.
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While there is a limited symbol set included, users can add their own symbols. However, it does offer a lot of diversity options when editing symbols.
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| Fun Games to Build Skills |
CBoard does not provide strategies to improve finger dexterity.
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Unfortunately, there are no games included with the purchase of TD Snap.
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| Levels of vocabulary |
While there is a lot of customization that can be done, there are no specific levels for users to work through as they grow in language capability
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The only words available are those in the Core First vocabulary.
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| Care team access |
CBoard has community board sharing and is always accessible from the web.
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Because TD Snap is a Tobii Dynavox app, it does include a cloud-based resource for backing up and managing the app, as well as share with a care team. But care team member's access is quite limited!
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See why Goally’s AAC talker app is the most affordable and most valuable AAC app for families.
Goally's language learning apps are just $12 a month. If it does not work for your family, you can cancel at any time.
