Speech, Language & Communication Tools

Day 15

Technology isn’t a replacement for speech therapy, but it can be a powerful partner—especially in the moments between therapy sessions. For me, apps and games became both practice tools and confidence builders. They gave me ways to keep working on my speech while also making practice fun.

Early in Recovery: The Basics

In the beginning, I needed structured support to get even the smallest sounds and words out. The apps I used then were designed specifically for people with apraxia and aphasia:

• Tactus Therapy – Apraxia Therapy → Guided me step by step through sounds and words.

• Constant Therapy → Provided exercises for speech and cognitive practice, tailored to my progress.

• Oral Motor Exercises → Helped me strengthen the muscles needed for speech.

These tools gave me something reliable to return to every day, even if progress was slow.

As Time Went On: Expanding My Tools

Once I had a foundation, I started to explore more apps—some for language, others for cognition or memory. These became part of my daily practice alongside speech therapy:

• Clue Word

• Elevate (brain training app)

• SmallTalk (Aphasia series)

• Multisyllabic Words

• Crossword+ and the New York Times Mini Crossword

• Minimal Pairs

• Speech Sounds on Cue

• Aptus Pacesetter

• Phonics Genius

• FlipStudy → for keeping my own word list

• Aptus Inference

• Hangman

Each app offered something different: timing, word recall, problem-solving, or fun challenges that kept me motivated.

Recovery isn’t just about practice—it’s about finding ways to stay connected every day. Built-in tools and apps make a big difference for me:

• iPhone & Android Accessibility Features → voice-to-text for messages, text-to-speech to help with reading, and display adjustments for easier use.

• iPad and Computer Tools → text-to-speech supported longer reading, and dictation allowed me to “speak” messages when typing was hard.

• Reading Supports → apps like Libby (free library e-books and audiobooks) and Kindle (adjustable fonts and text-to-speech) helped me read books again.

  
  

These aren’t just “shortcuts”—they’re bridges that keep communication flowing when speech or reading feels overwhelming.

What I Still Use Today

Recovery isn’t a straight line—it’s a lifelong journey. Even now, I keep my brain active with daily practice. My favorite? Wordle. It’s short, playful, and gives me a little win every morning.

Tips for Choosing Tools

• Start simple. Early recovery may need very structured apps—later you can layer in more challenging ones.

• Mix speech and brain games. Both are important for recovery.

• Track what helps. I kept notes on which apps felt useful so I could share with my therapist.

• Make it fun. The best app is the one you’ll actually use.

  
  

✨ Takeaway Tip: Try adding one new app into your week. Even five minutes a day can strengthen your recovery and give you confidence between therapy sessions

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Note: Because aphasia makes speaking, reading, and writing more challenging, I use tools like ChatGPT to help me organize my thoughts, check for consistency, and make sure my writing is clear and cohesive. Technology has become an important part of how I share my story and continue my recovery.