Designed to meet changing access needs
Alpha Core is a text-based AAC vocabulary, that will support you however your access method changes over time. You can swap to a more accessible layout without losing any phrases you’ve added or personal changes you’ve made to the vocabulary. Developed by SLP Amy Roman.
Alpha Core offers a range of ways to help you communicate as physical abilities change. There are seven different keyboards, from QWERTY which is ideal for touch users, to the frequency scanning keyboard optimised for switches, or a 2-Hit keyboard for hitting smaller targets. Each keyboard gives you quick access to everything you need, pre-stored topic words and phrases, prediction and chat history to speed up your rate of communication.
Alpha Core is designed for literate people with physical needs that may change over time, such as those with ALS or MND. Some people might start out using a touch screen and then find it more accurate to switch to eye gaze.
Alpha Core was designed by SLP Amy Roman and is based on over 20 years of clinical experience working with people who have ALS, their families, caregivers and therapists.
Core word keyboard
The Core Word keyboard provides you with the most commonly used words alongside a QWERTY keyboard, where you can spell out words that aren’t listed. They are arranged alphabetically and grouped by colour to make them easier to find.
Explore more keyboard layouts
QWERTY Standard keyboard
QWERTY Standard is a basic keyboard with word prediction and chat history in the two rows above the letter keys. The + icon gives you access to more features including Editing, Mute, and an attention alert.
QWERTY Large Cell keyboard
QWERTY Large Cell has bigger cells than the standard QWERTY keyboard. The row of prediction cells above the keyboard also doubles up as your chat history. This is a good keyboard for eye gaze users and people who like larger cells.
Frequency Scanning keyboard
The Frequency Scanning keyboard is arranged by letters that appear most frequently in the first 1-2 characters of a word. The most common letters are in the top left of the keyboard, where they are quickest to reach.
Split Frequency keyboard
The Split Frequency keyboard has 28 cells on the screen and is split across two grids, with the most commonly used letters appearing on the first grid, and less frequently used letters on the second grid.
2-Hit keyboard
The 2-Hit keyboard has 12 extra large cells. This keyboard has a reduced number of apps and doesn’t include topic grids, however when you switch to this layout you will still be able to find all the topic phrases in your chat history.
AEIOU Large Cell Leyboard
The AEIOU Large Cell keyboard has larger cells than QWERTY Large Cell. Word prediction appears in a vertical column down the side of the keyboard, which you can also use to switch to chat history.
Useful topics and readymade phrases
You’ll find a wide range of pre-stored phrases organised by topics, covering everyday topics such as greetings and household requests. There are topics that are relevant to people with physical difficulties, such as comfort and positioning or diet and eating strategies. There’s also an emphasis on general and medical needs.
This vocabulary is easily personalised, with spaces to add your own words and phrases, and quickly remove those that aren’t relevant to you.
Accessible Apps
Alpha Core includes a selection of accessible apps for sending emails, text messages, browsing the web, watching YouTube videos, message banking and Computer control for accessing Windows.
Available in Grid
Alpha Core is included in Grid for free. Try a range of grid sets for symbol and text communication with a 30 day free trial of Grid for iPad, or a 60-day free trial of Grid 3 (Windows).
Find everything you need to get started with Alpha Core on the Smartbox Hub. Explore the grid set manual, find printable resources and watch tutorial videos.
