The CoughDrop AAC app and Goally's AAC app share many features, but there are key differences. Goally is the most affordable dedicated speech-generating device and offers an easy setup, with customization controlled from a separate app. Both apps focus on accessibility, but Goally also includes fun games to build skills and incentives to practice. Check out the table below to compare features like pricing, vocabulary, and keyboard functionality in CoughDrop vs Goally AAC.
Goally |
CoughDrop |
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|---|---|---|
| Video Modeling & Practice |
Kids learn core words on Goally's AAC with our included FUN Word Lab Language Learning app - includes video modeling curriculum & gamified interactive practice.
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There are no included interactive video modeling & practice curriculum. Kids have to learn the meaning of words on their own.
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| Easy to Get Started |
Set up everything remotely from the Parent App in under 10 minutes. Optional one-on-one coaching and tutorial videos are available for additional support!
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Estimated time: 15-20 minutes. Coughdrop guides the user through set up. Although customizing coughdrop's AAC talker app is pretty straightforward, there is not much onboarding support from the Coughdrop team.
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| Good for Early Communication |
Goally is easy for kids who are just starting out with an AAC talker. It has a simple setup process and an intuitive design that kids love!
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CoughDrop can work for early users but is often helpful for adults and users that do not have good dexterity. Users can enable eye tracking to sync with eye gaze.
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| Affordable Pricing |
Goally is one of the most budget-friendly dedicated AAC devices available (not thousands of dollars!). Receive the tablet in just 2-3 days or have it covered by insurance.
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CoughDrop is $9/mo OR $295 for a lifetime payment. However, they charge a $45 fee for a "supervisor" account, which allows other caregivers access to edit the board. There is a 2-month free trial option.
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| Family Sharing |
Add unlimited care team members from the Parent App. Mom, Dad, teacher, therapist, and friends can take part in the language journey.
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CoughDrop charges per-communicator, so all care team members can create an account for free.
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| Easy Parent Modeling |
Goally has built-in prompting that mom and caregivers can model remotely from their own device. Goally will light the way to the word by highlighting every step users need to take to get to a word.
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Modeling is done through a search function on cough drop's interface. It will highlight a path, but the search must be done on the AAC device itself, leaving search and other settings exposed for user to get distracted by while in speak mode.
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| Incentives to Practice |
Using Goally's token board and behavior tracker features, parents can reward kids with points for practicing their talker.
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The user can set goals and badges for practicing within the application.
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| Natural Voices and Language Availability |
Goally offers a multitude of natural voices in many accents, all in English, through amazon poly voices. Goally is also text-to-speech technology, which means you can add any word to your vocabulary and Goally will speak it for you. However, Goally only offers about 20 options.
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CoughDrop's premium voices are only available on iOS, Android and Amazon apps. Voice settings also depend on the device being used. Although there is a multitude of languages and accents, the flexibility in voice selection is not consistent.
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| Customer Support |
Offers one-on-one coaching, expert SLP advice, and live chat support on the Goally website.
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The only support available is through FAQ articles, videos, and email communication.
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| Motor Planning |
Yes. Goally uses the science of core words to build muscle memory to learn language.
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Yes. CoughDrop's users learn through muscle memory. Words do not move, and others can be hidden.
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| Grid Layout |
Goally is totally customizable. You can increase or decrease the grid size as your child needs. You can also change the color theme to make it fun for kids.
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More advanced users are set up with an overwhelming grid with very small buttons.
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| Reminders to Practice |
Goally’s routines help users rememeber to practice. Build a practice schedule or checklist, and even set a reminder to maximize progress.
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CoughDrop does not have any apparent reminders that help encourage users to practice.
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| Image and Symbol Quality |
Goally uses openmoji symbols that kids are familiar with. Not only that, but all of these symbols are open-source, so mom and teacher can put the same symbols on supplemental materials! Users can also upload their own images for perfect customization.
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CoughDrop uses Open Symbols, an open source collection of symbols for communication.
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| Fun Games to Build Skills |
Goally has games (like a dexterity games, Game Garage, & Word Lab) that helps users build skills, like finger dexterity. This improves AAC use because it encourages users to practice skills that translate directly to AAC. These games can be turned on or off at anytime.
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CoughDrop offers little in regard to improving dexterity outside of consistent AAC practice. No supporting features.
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| Affordable Dedicated Device Option |
Yes! To help kids make progress faster, Goally’s AAC comes on a dedicated tablet. No web browser, youtube, or any other distractions.
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No dedicated device offered. If users want a dedicated device for CoughDrop, they have to go through a third party.
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| Keyboard Functionality |
Goally has type mode, allowing users to spell out sentences with their keyboard. Goally will even suggest words as you type!
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CoughDrop has a keyboard screen that provides the ability to spell words from scratch. This keyboard is used by many older users. The keyboard can be found in a side bar shortcut.
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Discover why Goally’s AAC talker app is helping kids learn to communicate faster than CoughDrop.
Kids are rough— we get it. If your Goally gets broken within 90 days, we’ll replace it for free.
