Universally compatible with
all Apple devices
Discover MyVoice
An app for giving a voice to someone who doesn't (or cannot) use their own voice, Discover MyVoice is so uniquely simple. A child with autism could learn and use this app immediately after you set it up. There's NOTHING to get in the way of the user at all!
By my judgment this app is for younger children who are just beginning or struggling to communicate their basic needs, or for people who have greater challenges.
The bottom row of images act as categories. You can record a message with each category if you like. The top row represents the images/words and phrases you input within the categories. Your child slides the bottom row of images left or right by swiping on the lower part of the screen. Then, after touching the preferred category's image, the images/phrases pop up on the top row that correspond with the chosen category. Your child can slide the top row left and right also if needed. Touch the image on the top bar to hear the recorded message. That's it!
The very first time you start with Discover MyVoice you are automatically in edit mode. You MUST customize the app with your pictures and whatever speech you want the user to have access to. This app comes with no default images. Go to your iPad or iPhone's settings area to toggle between user and edit modes.
It's fantastic how user mode and edit mode are totally separate. You cannot use this app as alternative and augmentative communication unless it's in user mode. No non-sense and no confusion there.
The only place I see any hint of confusion is when I'm in edit mode adding images. There's no 'save' button. You have to touch 'back', which saves your image and the audio you recorded and takes you back to the category screen. This process would be a bit more intuitive if the button said 'Save & go Back' to put minds at ease. Also, instead of 'Update Image' it would be nice to see 'Get New Image'.
There one feature I'd like to see in edit mode; We don't need default artwork, but users would greatly benefit from the ability to search the web within Discover MyVoice to seek images for use in the app. This would be especially helpful for those who don't have a camera on their iPad or iPod Touch or for when the image you want just isn't available anywhere else.
When setting up the app you'll probably prefer to record your voice to go along with each picture, although you have the option to use the built-in voice. But the built-in voice is quite electronic sounding.
Discover MyVoice is not the Taj Mahal of communication apps. But it's extremely simple to setup and use. If you want to avoid a lot of confusion, and think this app will fill the bill for your child, you should probably take the plunge and buy it. Frankly, I like it.
