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.

Nonverbal student using a picture-symbol communication app on a tablet at school while his teacher listens

What Symbol-Based Communication Software Works Best on Tablets for Nonverbal Students?

October 6, 2026

The Short Answer

The best symbol-based communication software for a nonverbal student is the one that matches the student's current language level, runs on the tablet the family and school can actually support, and is consistent between home and the classroom. For most students, that means a full-featured AAC app with picture symbols and natural-sounding text-to-speech, such as TalkTablet PRO, Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, or LAMP Words for Life.

What "Symbol-Based" Means

Symbol-based AAC software displays a grid of picture symbols. When a student taps a symbol, the tablet speaks the word or phrase aloud. Students who cannot yet read or spell can still build sentences by combining symbols, and the spoken output lets them be understood by anyone nearby.

What to Look For in Symbol-Based AAC Software

Core vocabulary: high-frequency words (want, go, more, stop, help) that combine into many messages.
Adjustable grid size: fewer, larger buttons for beginners; more buttons as skills grow.
Natural text-to-speech voices: age-appropriate voices help students feel the voice is their own.
Easy editing: teachers and parents should be able to add photos, names, and classroom vocabulary in minutes.
Platform flexibility: some apps run only on iPad; others run on both Apple and Android tablets.
Backup: a way to save and restore custom vocabulary if the tablet is lost or replaced.

Popular Symbol-Based AAC Apps for Tablets

TalkTablet PRO – $199.99, one-time purchase. Runs on both Apple and Android tablets. Symbol-based with text-to-speech, and widely used by families and speech-language pathologists since 2012.
Proloquo2Go – $249.99, Apple only. A widely used symbol-based app from AssistiveWare.
TouchChat HD – $150–$300, Apple only. Offers several vocabulary sets for different ability levels.
LAMP Words for Life – $299.99, Apple only. Built around consistent motor planning, often recommended for autistic learners.

All four are one-time purchases rather than subscriptions.

Apple or Android?

Many schools and families assume AAC means iPad. In practice, Android tablets such as Samsung Galaxy Tab models are often less expensive and just as capable for communication. If a district or family uses Android devices, choose software that supports Android. TalkTablet PRO is one of the few full-featured symbol-based AAC apps available on both platforms.

Tablet, Case, and App as One Package

For a nonverbal student, the device has to survive a school day. Pre-configured speech tablets from Gus Communication Devices include the tablet, AAC software, and a protective case with screen protector, ready to use on arrival:

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, and lifetime US-based phone support are included. Gus Communication Devices is a supplier to the Arizona Department of Education.

Tips for Success in the Classroom

Model on the device: adults tap symbols while they talk, so students see how it is used.
Keep the device with the student all day, not in a backpack or on a shelf.
Use the same software at home and school.
Write AAC use and training into the IEP.

For a full price comparison, read How Much Does an AAC Device Cost? Full Price Breakdown. Questions? Call 360-303-3356.

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