A free AAC app for aphasia, ALS and ICU recovery
A short guide for families and caregivers
This guide is for the family and caregivers of someone who has trouble speaking right now. It explains who a tap-to-speak AAC app suits, how to set up TalkForMe in about five minutes, and — just as important — what it cannot do.
What is AAC?
AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication: ways of getting a message across without speech, or alongside it. A communication board such as TalkForMe keeps ready-made phrases on large cards. The person taps a card and the phone says it aloud.
Who it suits
- People with aphasia after a stroke, who find it hard to find or say words.
- People living with ALS as speaking becomes harder.
- People who cannot speak for a while after ICU extubation.
- Families and caregivers who speak a different language from the patient.
It works best when the person can see the cards and tap the screen, or has someone to hold the phone steady. If seeing or tapping the screen is hard, ask the care team what other options exist.
Set it up in about 5 minutes
- Install the app — Download TalkForMe free from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). No account is needed.
- Say where it will be used — On first launch, choose whether it is mainly for home care or for hospital and ICU. This picks the phrases that come ready on the board. You can change it later in Settings.
- Choose the board language — Pick the language shown on the cards and spoken first. Nine board languages are available: Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai and Malay.
- Choose the caregiver’s language — If the caregiver speaks another language, pick it as the second voice. Each tap then speaks the patient’s language first and the caregiver’s second; if they match, it speaks only once.
- Check the red alert and the volume — Decide whether to turn on the red emergency control, turn the phone volume up, and tap a card to hear it. To add your own phrases, press and hold the gear (top-right) for about 2 seconds, then open Settings and Phrases.
What it cannot do
- It is not a medical device. It does not diagnose or treat anything, and it does not replace speech therapy or medical care.
- The red emergency control loudly calls for someone nearby. It does not dial any phone number or contact emergency services. If help is needed, someone who can use a phone must call the local emergency service.
- Phrases in languages other than Chinese are AI-assisted and reviewed with several models. They are not certified by clinicians or speech-language therapists. Check important lines with someone who speaks the language.
- It covers everyday needs with ready-made cards. Complex or unusual messages still need another way to communicate.
- The voices come from the phone. If the phone has no voice for a language, the app says so, and you may need to install one in the phone’s settings.
Common questions
Is TalkForMe really free?
Yes. Core features are free. Optional tips are available inside the app if you want to support the work.
Does the patient need to type?
No. They tap a large card and the phone speaks the message aloud.
Does the red emergency button call an ambulance?
No. It loudly calls for someone nearby. It does not dial or contact emergency services.
Are my phrases uploaded?
No. Phrases and settings stay on the device, and there is no account. The privacy page has the details.
Were the non-Chinese phrases checked by speech therapists?
No. They are AI-assisted and reviewed with several models, not certified by clinicians or speech-language therapists. Please check important lines with someone who speaks the language.
Try it today
Free for families. No account needed.
Home · How to use · Privacy