Backing Up AAC Apps on the iPad

Is everyone ready for September 19^th,2019? This is the date that iOS 13 drops and all our Apple devices will remind us to Update our Software.  This new iOS has some great accessibility features, but with anything new, there is some risk. I have not had any problems yet, but…. The nightmare scenario is that -gasp- your app gets buggy with the new iOS. You could lose hours of work that you have put into customizing someone’s voice.

Better safe than sorry, so now is the time to BACKUP YOUR AAC! Below, I have summarized the options for many of the most popular AAC apps. Take a look and share this information with teachers, families, and caregivers.

Believe me, I am well familiar with that sinking feeling you get when all your hard work has disappeared…..

Proloquo2Go

Go to the settings cogwheel within the app:

Settings –> Backup –> Back Up User Now (This backs up the user on the device)

Other options include:

• Dropbox
• Google Drive
• Export to iTunes
• Export with AirDrop
• Connect to Computer (export via WIFI)

Proloquo4Text

Go to the settings cogwheel within the app:

Settings –> Backup –> Back Up User Now (This backs up the user on the device)

Other options include:

• Dropbox Integration
• Export Backup to iTunes

TouchChat HD with WordPower

Go to Vocabulary –> Choose New Vocab –> Menu

Options include:

• iShare Service (Free for the first year)
• Import/Export Vocab
  • Export to iTunes
  • Dropbox
  • Export and Share (allows you to use email, AirDrop, Google Drive, etc…)

Speak For Yourself

Make sure that editing is enabled and touch the daisy on the top right of the screen. Choose Vocabulary. Scroll down to Backup and Restore.

Options include:

• iTunes
• Dropbox
• Email
• Share via AirDrop

LAMP

Go to Vocabulary –> Choose New Vocab –> Menu

Options include:

• iSharePRC
• Import/Export Vocab
  • Export to iTunes
  • Dropbox
  • Export and Share (allows you to use email, AirDrop, Google Drive, etc..)

CoughDrop

This app works across multiple devices and keeps them “in sync”. This way, you don’t have to worry about backing up. Syncing is automatic when the device is connected to WIFI.

Avaz

Go to the Settings cogwheel on the top right.

Settings –> Backup & Restore

Options include:

• Connect to Dropbox
• Create new backup (on the device)
  • This option automatically dates your backup, which is very useful

And a friendly reminder that, if you are working with an iPad that belongs to a school district, check to see if they allow backups of student information to the cloud. We never want to violate a student’s privacy rights. Be FERPA safe!

Don’t have AAC? If you live in Pennsylvania, you can borrow iPads and apps through TechOWL.

http://TechOWLpa.org

Try before you buy.  And then back it up!