Having an AAC device is a great mode of communication. And while Touchchat and the Goally AAC app are both great options, we dared to wonder: what sets them apart? Touchchat is an AAC web application that is useful if all you need is simplicity with no strategy. If you want to see consistent progress in language skills, however, Goally, offers a lot more bang for your buck. It was built for helping parents create goals and strategy with ease without feeling overwhelmed. Dig into the details of Touchchat versus Goally below.
Goally |
TouchChat |
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| Affordable Pricing |
Price: $12/mo for our language apps. No contract; cancel anytime. You can even save 20% ($108) by purchasing an annual license after trying it for a few months. Goally is the cheapest high-quality AAC talker out there. Goally cares about making such an important tool accessible to any family, anywhere.
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The $9.99 lite version has no voice output, which can defeat much of the purpose of the app. The HD version is $149.99 and pro version is almost $300. There is no family sharing. Dedicated devices cost over $4,000.
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| Core Word Lessons & 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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Kids are on their own when it comes to learning the vocabulary words and their meanings.No included interactive video modeling & practice curriculum.
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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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Is great for kids who need an interactive board that guides them to make sentences based on the selected word.
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| Easy to Get Started |
It only takes ten minutes to get started on Goally's AAC app. The set-up process for Goally’s talker is just a few steps that Goally guides new users through step-by-step. Goally also offers free one-on-one parent coaching sessions for 30 days, and tutorial videos are available for additional support.
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There is an intense programming set up process and a 108-page manual for parents.
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| Behavior Supports |
Goally has a built-in behavior tracker that allows parents and caregivers to keep track of and teach behavior that helps encourage AAC practice
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TouchChat is pretty simple in its function and does not offer more than communication.
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| Multiple Device Options |
Goally is offered both as an app and as a dedicated device that removes all distractions like youtube and other apps. Log in on up to 4 devices. It is one of the only robust AAC apps offered on android devices. The app also works on apple and amazon devices.
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TouchChat is only available on iOS devices (or one of two dedicated device options that cost over four thousand dollars) and is chained to one person's apple ID. This makes it difficult to use with a variety of caregivers, teachers, and locations.
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| Easy Parent Modeling |
Goally has built-in prompting that mom and caregivers can model remotely from their own device. This helps caregivers focus on the person they are partnering with instead of on the 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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The Word Finder feature is on the app itself within the keyboard functionality, meaning caregivers must take the device away from the user to show them how to find a word.
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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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TouchChat does not have any internal motivators to practice.
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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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Available in English, Spanish, Hebrew, and Arabic. However, many voices have to be purchased separately.
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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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LiveChat or calling support is only offered when subscribed to a premium support plans. If you are using the Lite app, you have to rely on support articles for help.
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| Motor Planning |
Yes. Goally keeps the words in the same spot so users can use the magic of muscle memory to learn language. No hunting for words... talk about speedy communication!
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The vocabulary avaiable is WordPower, a word-based page set made by Nancy L. Inman, M.A.T., CCC-SLP. This type of board helps users create sentences "on the fly."
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| Simplicity of the Screen |
Goally keep the screen simple and easy to spot words and pictures, even after adding custom words & folders with custom photos & audio. Users also have the unique ability to scroll, which keeps them from being overwhelmed by scrunched symbols.
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Buttons are often small and thin in size when using it to its fullest potential, requiring good finger dexterity.
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| Affordable dedicated device option |
Goally's dedicated and actually affordable tablets ($149) works great for users who get distracted on other devices. There are no web browsers, youtube, social media, or ads.
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The only available dedicated device is a NovaChat by Saltillo or TouchChat Express, which are over $4,000 in cost.
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| Communication with spelling |
Goally focuses on providing symbol-based words and therefore does not provide a keyboard. Goally values providing high quality communication tools for early learners.
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TouchChat offers a keyboard for creating words from letters. It also has head tracking.
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| Built-In Safety and 9-1-1 Calling features |
Safety matters. And because users always have their talker on them for communication, Goally created a safety ID card that can help them if they are in trouble. Goally devices also have 9-1-1 calling ability that can be turned on or off from the web portal at any time.
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TouchChat only offers the functionality of a talker.
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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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No built-in incentives to grow in communication.
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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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You have to purchase additional symbol libraries and voices to make it uniquely customized.
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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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Touch Chat has no external or supporting games that improve AAC users' finger dexterity.
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| Levels of Vocabulary |
Goally has a standard vocabulary that comes with over two thousand words. This includes five hundred core words based on child development. Goally grows with your child as you add words to the vocabulary and turn on word endings for children ready to learn grammar.
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Has a robust vocabulary- base of 500 core words, has grammar features that you can turn on, and has a literacy feature called "logical linking"
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| Care team access |
Goally allows unlimited care team members and unlimited devices. Mom, Dad, teacher, therapist, and friends can take part in the language journey.
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The app is limited to devices logged in on the apple ID used to purchase the software.
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Discover why Goally’s AAC talker app is easier to use and will help your child communicate faster than TouchChat.
Goally's AAC language apps are just $12 a month. If you aren’t satisfied, you can cancel at any time.
