The Aphasia Software Finder

Aphasia Software Finder  To learn more about what you can find on the Aphasia Software Finder, please watch this short video:

 

The concept

The Aphasia Software Finder (ASF) is a free website that enables people with aphasia, their friends and families, as well as speech and language professionals, to find appropriate aphasia therapy software apps and programs in the English language.

Not all aphasia apps are right for all types of aphasia – it is vital to find the right app for each person with aphasia.  If uncertain, we recommend asking for help from a professional.

The Aphasia Software Finder will have a significant upgrade in 2023, further details to follow.

How the Finder works

There are 4 different ways the user can search for aphasia therapy apps and software on this website.

    1. Search Finder: where you can enter the area you are interested in working on (e.g. reading, speaking etc.), and it will suggest possible appropriate apps and software.
    2. Search List: if you already know the name of the app you are looking for, this page lists all aphasia therapy apps and software alphabetically.
    3. Comparison Table:  this page allows you to search for certain key features that you may be looking for in aphasia therapy apps.
    4. Advanced Search for Professionals: this page introduces filters that allow the user to speed up and narrow their search, using specific criteria.

To find out more about any aphasia therapy app that come up on the lists, click on the name of the app:

    • The 1st page  that opens is an aphasia friendly description.
    • If you click on the information icon , the 2nd page has more detailed information that would be essential for Speech and Language professionals. This information will also be of interest to others and may be accessible to those with mild aphasia.
What else is on the website
  • General apps and software Finder provides a way of searching for apps and software that were not designed for people with aphasia but that might be helpful to some with every day life and using computers.
  • What’s New page will show what has been added and updated in the last 60 days – a useful and time saving tool for frequent visitors.
  • Research Evidence lists articles published that deal with aphasia therapy and use of computers.
  • Help and Resources tab has pages:
    • Accessibility – has pointers on how to use the website;
    • Links to websites that can be helpful when using computers if you have a communication disability;
    • Voice Activated Assistance; e.g. Alexa, Sira etc., this page looks at how new technology may help some people with aphasia;
    • Glossary of terms used on the website and FAQ.

The Aphasia Software Finder website is independent, objective, providing detailed summaries of the programs.
It does not offer advice but we strongly recommend that people consult with a Speech and Language professional before deciding which app or software to buy.
Our hope is that this information will enable people to identify programs that could be of benefit to them, reducing the risk of inappropriate purchases.
We hope, also, that it will save SLT professionals time and effort, as they should be able to find, on one website, up to date information about aphasia software and apps in the English language.

The Aphasia Software Finder team

The original idea came from Nicole Campbell, a Trustee of The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia, and a key member of the team since the website’s inception. Dr Brian Petheram, IT and aphasia specialist, from the Speech & Language Therapy Research Unit in Bristol was crucial to the original design of the website, as well as its continuing development.   Joining the team is Dr Abi Roper*, Speech and Language Therapist, Technologist and Research Fellow, City, University of London.  Kathy Cann, Clinical Lead for Communication, County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust; Support Co-ordinator for NETA [North East Trust for Aphasia] joined the ASF team as a Consultant in 2021.

Sarah Woodward, Speech & Language Therapist, specialist in aphasia and computer therapy, was part of the Aphasia Software Finder’s team, as a Consultant, from its early days in 2010 until 2021 and her contribution has been immeasurable.  Sarah is taking an extended, well deserved sabbatical.

Circle Interactive helped develop the current website, which they host and maintain.

*For transparency:  Dr Abi Roper was part of the team that developed Make Write, an app designed for people with aphasia and which is on our website.  Abi was not involved with the analysis or information posted on this website.

Thank you

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia and the ASF team would like to thank  Mrs Charmaine Mallinckrodt and the Eranda Rothschild Foundation for their generous support for this project.

The team would also like to thank the people with aphasia and to other researchers who gave us feedback and advice during the development of this resource, including Linda Worrall, Speakeasy, Dyscover, Tanya Rose, Rebecca Palmer and Bristol Area Stroke Foundation.

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia would like to thank Benjamin Shine for kindly designing and donating the logo for The Aphasia Software Finder.