Do I need a prescription or doctor's order to buy a speech tablet?

No. Gus Communication Devices sells AAC speech tablets directly to consumers with no prescription, no physician's order, no speech evaluation, and no pre-approval required. You can order today and receive your device in 3 to 4 business days. This is a major advantage over going through insurance, which can take months and require multiple evaluations.

What is the best AAC device for a non-verbal child?

For children and adults who are nonverbal or minimally verbal, we recommend the Samsung 8.7 inch Speech Tablet Bundle at $499.99 as the best entry-level option, or the Samsung 11 inch Speech Tablet Bundle at $699.99 for best overall value. Both include TalkTablet PRO pre-installed with 15 SLP-designed vocabulary sets, over 30,000 SymbolStix symbols, and customizable button pages ready to use out of the box.

What is the best AAC device for an adult who has lost speech?

For adults who have lost the ability to speak, we strongly recommend the Samsung 11 inch Speech Tablet Bundle at $699.99. The larger screen makes button selection easier for adults with motor challenges. TalkTablet PRO includes vocabulary sets designed for adults to express needs, feelings, and everyday phrases. No prescription or speech-language pathologist evaluation is required to order.

Are speech tablets HSA or FSA eligible?

Yes. AAC speech tablets purchased from Gus Communication Devices are generally HSA and FSA eligible as assistive communication devices for qualified medical purposes. We recommend confirming with your plan administrator before purchase.

Does Gus Communication Devices accept insurance?

We sell directly to consumers at consumer prices and do not bill insurance directly. Our devices are priced $499 to $999, compared to $4,000 to $8,000 for traditional dedicated AAC devices billed through insurance. Many customers find it faster and cheaper to pay directly. We accept HSA and FSA cards, Shop Pay 0% financing for 12 months, and all major credit cards. No insurance authorization or Medicare pre-approval is needed.

How long does shipping take?

Most orders ship within 1 business day and are delivered in 3 to 4 business days via free shipping. We ship to all 50 US states. No sales tax is charged outside of Arizona.

What is TalkTablet PRO and is it included with the speech tablets?

TalkTablet PRO is an award-winning AAC app developed by Gus Communication Devices. It is a one-time purchase, not a subscription, and is included free with all Samsung bundle purchases pre-installed (a $250 value). It features over 30,000 SymbolStix symbols, 15 SLP-designed vocabulary sets, customizable button pages from 1 to 144 buttons per page, offline use with no internet required, and supports Android, iOS, Windows, and Chromebook.

How do your prices compare to traditional AAC devices like Tobii Dynavox?

Our speech tablet bundles range from $499.99 to $999.99 and include the tablet, AAC app, and protective case. Traditional dedicated AAC devices such as those from Tobii Dynavox or PRC-Saltillo typically cost $4,000 to $8,000 when purchased through insurance channels, and often require a speech evaluation, physician prescription, and months of waiting. We offer the same communication capability at consumer electronics pricing with no delays.

Young child tapping a picture-symbol AAC app with text-to-speech on a tablet while her mother smiles beside her

Symbol-Based Communication Software with Text-to-Speech and Picture Symbols for Beginners

October 6, 2026

Which Software Combines Text-to-Speech and Picture Symbols?

Most full-featured AAC apps combine picture symbols with text-to-speech, so a beginner taps a picture and the tablet speaks the word aloud. Well-known examples include TalkTablet PRO, Proloquo2Go, TouchChat HD, and LAMP Words for Life. For beginners, the question is less about whether an app has both features and more about how easy it is to start small and grow.

Why Beginners Need Both

Picture symbols let a person communicate before they can read or spell, and help people with aphasia who have lost access to written words.
Text-to-speech turns each tap into a spoken voice, so the person is heard and understood by anyone in the room, not just by someone looking at the screen.
Typing with speech gives literate users, such as adults after a stroke or living with ALS or Parkinson's, a way to say anything once they are ready.

Beginner-Friendly Features to Look For

Large buttons and small grids to start, with the option to add more buttons later.
Ready-made starter vocabulary so the device is useful on day one.
Clear, natural voices in an age- and gender-appropriate choice.
Easy photo import for family members, pets, favorite foods, and places.
Simple editing that a parent, caregiver, or teacher can do without training.
A path to growth from single words to phrases to full sentences.

Beginner Options Compared

TalkTablet PRO – $199.99, Apple and Android. Picture symbols, text-to-speech, and typing with speech in one app.
Proloquo2Go – $249.99, Apple only.
TouchChat HD – $150–$300, Apple only.
LAMP Words for Life – $299.99, Apple only.
Simple button devices (BIGmack, GoTalk) – $100–$570. Recorded messages, very limited vocabulary.

The Easiest Start: A Ready-to-Use Speech Tablet

Beginners and their families do best when the device works the moment it comes out of the box. Speech Tablets by Gus Communication Devices arrive pre-configured with the AAC software, a protective case, and a screen protector:

8.7" Samsung with TalkTablet PRO: $499
11" Samsung with TalkTablet PRO: $699
11" Apple with TalkTablet PRO: $849
11" Apple with Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, or LAMP: $999

Free FedEx shipping, no sales tax outside Arizona, HSA/FSA eligible, 0% financing for 12 months, and lifetime US-based phone support. Samsung models ship within 24 hours.

Tips for the First Weeks

Start with a handful of motivating words: more, stop, help, eat, drink, and names of favorite people.
Model: tap the symbols yourself while you talk.
Keep the device within reach all day.
Add vocabulary gradually as new words are used.

For pricing on every type of AAC device, read How Much Does an AAC Device Cost? Full Price Breakdown. Need help choosing? Call 360-303-3356.

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