TheraPlay4Kids Guest Speaker Series

SpellRBoard - Digital Letterboard App For Text-to-Speech Communication

Julia Kazak is a mother of two amazing boys with Autism, Dylan and Jesse. She is an advocate not only for her children, but works to bring awareness, understanding, and communication solutions to non speakers everywhere, to help them find their voice.

Whether due to speech impairments, neurological conditions, or other challenges with verbal communication, SpellRBoard allows users to spell out words and phrases using an alphanumeric letterboard. SpellRBoard is a simple, effective, and accessible digital letterboard app designed to help individuals who are unable to communicate reliably using their voice now have a text-to-speech AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) solution available with an easy to use app on Apple iPads.

The Story Behind the Development of SpellRBoard

Julia’s oldest son Dylan, wanted his brother, Jesse, who is non-speaking, on the autism spectrum, and used a letterboard to communicate to be more independent and be able to have his own voice to express his thoughts, feelings, and interact more fully. Dylan originally developed this app as a tool to help his younger brother who is on the autism spectrum and is non speaking. After helping his brother, Dylan upgraded and continue to work on his creation, SpellRBoard, making it available to kids and adults everywhere.

Paired with text-to-speech technology, SpellRBoard offers an easy-to-use platform for those in need of an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) solution. SpellRBoard removes the clutter of ads, pop-ups, and ongoing payments so that users can focus solely on what matters most: communication.

The Features of SpellRBoard

SpellRBoard is a digital letterboard designed for Apple iPads. Features include:

• Alphanumeric Letterboard: SpellRboard uses a digital alphanumeric letterboard that includes all the letters of the alphabet, numbers, and commonly used symbols. The letterboard is easy to navigate and designed for fast and reliable spelling, allowing users to create complete thoughts by selecting individual letters.

• QWERTY Letterboard.

• Text-to-Speech (TTS) Output: Using Apple’s proprietary Text To Speech synthesizer.

• Save/Copy Options: Easily save your spelling sessions to other apps like the Notes app.

• Customizable Speech Settings: Choose from a variety of voices and adjust speech speed, pitch, and volume to ensure the voice output meets individual preferences and needs.

• Offline Functionality: SpellRboard works without requiring an internet connection, ensuring that users have reliable access to the app at all times, whether at home, on the go, or in settings where internet access is unavailable.

• Ad-Free, No Additional Costs: SpellRboard is a one-time purchase with no hidden fees, no ads, and no in-app purchases. All features are included at the time of purchase, offering a hassle-free experience. No registration is required.

• Different Color Options for personal preference

• Variety of voices / accents available

• Option to change the speed and pitch of each voice

Global Text to Speech Language Ability

Supported Languages and Options with the SpellRBoard:

• English TTS Voices with English Alphabet.

• French TTS Voices with English Alphabet

• Spanish TTS Voices with Spanish Alphabet

• Different accents for each voice an additional option

• QWERTY board option provided

• Other Languages can also be requested on the Home Page by filling out the feature request form

Obtaining a SpellRBoard of Your Own

If you have any questions, requests for the app, or if you find an issue within the app, please contact Julia and developers directly, either by filling out the Bug Issues/ Feature Request form on the Home Page or emailing spellrboard@gmail.com

The app is made for iPads and sold in the Apple app store. The cost is $39.99 US. There are no hidden fees/ads or add on costs. The app purchase is a one time cost with no registration or Wi-Fi needed. Use for communication needs is available at all times. 

More Information on Julia, Dylan, and Jesse, including links to a demo video and podcast can be found by clicking any of the active links below:

SpellRBoard website

Podcast with an OT on the Development and Features of the SpellRBoard

Demo Video of SpellRBoard

About the SpellRBoard App

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