Using A Split View To Model Language With Angela Moorad, SLP

October is AAC Awareness Month, and I am thrilled to have interviewed Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP! Angela brings over 35 years of experience in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with a focus on supporting individuals from birth to age 21. We dive deep into a powerful technique for enhancing communication: using split screen or split view with AAC alongside another app or program, such as YouTube or a book. Angela walked me through each step, sharing practical tips on how to use this strategy to enrich the communication experience for your child or students.

As the founder of OMazing Kids AAC Consulting, Angela has extensive expertise in AAC feature matching, beta testing educational apps, and creating resources for Gestalt Language Processors. You don't want to miss this insightful conversation!

Tara: Hi, Angela! I know many people, especially non-speech language pathologists (SLPs), often have questions about AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience with AAC?

Angela: Sure! I've been doing this for over 35 years, so a long, long time—way before iPads even existed! Back then, we didn’t have many options. We were excited to have mid-tech devices, which were considered fancy at the time. I’ve worked with kids from birth to 21 years of age. The first half of my career focused on early intervention, where I visited families’ homes. Then, I worked in a pediatric rehab hospital with inpatients, outpatients, and even did teletherapy. I also contracted with schools, so I’ve seen a lot in my career!

In addition, I’ve kept up with adult AAC needs. As SLPs, we tend to think forward about what AAC solutions we might need ourselves one day. I also love tech, and the iPad era really opened up AAC in a big way.

How the iPad Has Changed AAC Accessibility for Families and Kids

Angela: The iPad really broke down barriers in the AAC world. There’s still gatekeeping, unfortunately, where people feel you have to earn your way to trying AAC. But now, many parents can afford to buy an iPad, an Android tablet, or even an Amazon Fire tablet and load an AAC app onto it, ranging from free apps to more robust ones.

They don’t always have to wait for a professional's approval to get started with communication tools anymore. It gives more freedom to families, making communication more accessible.

Tara: That’s a great point. Even 26 years ago when I started, there were barely any tools available—and what existed was expensive!

Angela: And not to mention heavy! A lot of devices were built for wheelchairs, and younger kids, like three- or four-year-olds, weren’t getting approved for them. In fact, back in the early '90s, I worked with a child who was almost three, and we managed to get a Dynavox 2C approved for her. She was the first child in our state under the age of four to have AAC approved as durable medical equipment.

Innovations That Have Come From the iPad Generation in AAC

Tara: Wow, that’s an amazing accomplishment. How has the iPad generation changed the landscape of AAC and innovation?

Angela: The iPad leveled the playing field. It's no longer as restrictive as it once was, and it’s driven a lot of innovation in AAC. Now, many apps get updates at least once a month with new features or bug fixes. It used to take years to see meaningful updates to AAC systems. The iPad opened up more creative ways to use AAC, allowing for much more flexibility beyond the traditional grid of buttons.

Staying Updated on AAC Apps and Resources

Tara: I love how you keep people updated on the latest AAC apps, sales, and features, especially on your Facebook page and website. That information really helps families and providers, and ultimately benefits the kids.

Angela: I enjoy doing it! The pandemic actually gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into this. With nowhere to go, I spent countless hours every day exploring AAC apps. I discovered features hidden deep within these apps that even I, as an experienced user, didn’t know about. That’s how my first feature-matching resource came to be—thank the pandemic for that!

The Value of Split Screen Technology for AAC Users

Tara: That’s one of the reasons I wanted to have you on the podcast—and on YouTube! You're going to show us some features, like the split screen, which is a game-changer for AAC users. Should we dive into how split screen works?

Angela: Definitely! Let’s start with where you can find it. If you're using iOS 18 on your iPad, you'll need to go into settings, then multitasking and gestures, and make sure “Split View” is turned on. That will enable you to use two apps side-by-side, which is super useful. For example, I’ll show how you can use Proloquo2Go (an AAC app) on one side and a Kindle book on the other.

This split view feature is great for reading with an AAC device open, so you can model language while telling a story. You can drag the split screen to adjust the size and view more of the app or the book.

Tara: That’s a really cool feature! It lets the AAC device truly become part of their everyday language, rather than just a tool for requests. I love how it opens up more opportunities for communication, like commenting on a story.

Angela: Exactly! It’s not just about requesting. I’ve noticed kids get more engaged with their AAC when they can use it to talk about something like a book or video. It makes the device feel more meaningful to them.

Using Freeform to Enhance AAC Learning and Interaction

Tara: You’ve shown me before how the Freeform app can be a great tool for AAC users. Can you walk us through that?

Angela: Sure! Freeform is like a giant multimedia whiteboard where you can add all kinds of content, and it automatically syncs with iCloud. You can create personalized boards for each student or child, filled with things they love, like favorite videos or symbols. You can even copy and paste from AAC apps directly into Freeform. It’s a fun way to encourage language use and store thoughts permanently.

Tara: I can see how that would be amazing for keeping kids motivated. You could create a whole board based on their interests, and they can keep adding to it!

Angela: Exactly. It gives them ownership of their language and communication. They can come back to it, change it, and feel like their voice is valued.

Using Google Maps as a Communication Tool

Angela: It took me quite a while to realize what these kids were doing, but they would hone in on a map, focusing on a particular area like the city park. What they were trying to communicate was that they wanted to go to the park. They had memorized where it was on Google Maps and would zoom in to show it.

Tara: That’s so fascinating! It's amazing how they use Google Maps to communicate.

Angela: Yeah, it's incredible. Google Maps works, but Apple Maps doesn’t support this. Kids could even pull up the address of their favorite ice cream shop on Google Maps as a way to tell you what they wanted. Then you can model on their AAC device, saying things like “park fun” or “go again,” bridging their interest with communication.

Using Split View with AAC Devices

Tara: Can you do split view on YouTube?

Angela: Yes, but only on regular YouTube, not YouTube Kids. Something important to note is you can’t use split view when you’re in Guided Access, which locks you into one app. It can be frustrating if you’re unaware of this. You can also create playlists for popular children’s songs, like “Super Simple Songs,” to make it more user-friendly. On iOS 17 and higher, there's also an accessibility feature called Assistive Access, where you can have multiple apps in a secure area. It’s a good option as long as it doesn’t shrink the AAC app too much, causing vision or motor issues.

Tara: That’s such a great tip! And these features seem perfect for AAC users and their families.

Classroom Applications: Interactive Whiteboards and Modeling

Tara: I experimented a few years ago with using split screens on big interactive whiteboards. For example, on one side, I had the “Hickory Dickory Dock” song, and on the other side, a core board with hidden symbols. I would model language like “up” or “down” while the song played, which was simple but very effective.

Angela: There are so many options with split screens, like using them to read books, draw, or bring in images and videos. Teachers and parents don’t need to be AAC experts to immerse kids in different ways to communicate.

Tara: Exactly! AAC should be fun and accessible.

Babbling on AAC Devices: A Sign of Learning

Tara: A lot of people get frustrated when kids start using a new AAC device and just push buttons repeatedly. I've heard it compared to how children babble when learning language. What do you think about that?

Angela: It can definitely be like babbling. It’s also about learning where things are on the device. Sometimes what looks like random button pushing is just a child exploring. Given time and access, many kids go from “random” use to intentional communication. Everyone deserves the opportunity to try robust AAC without barriers or prerequisites.

The Importance of No Prerequisites

Tara: Presuming competence is so important. There shouldn’t be a list of prerequisites before giving a child the chance to use an AAC device.

Angela: Exactly. I’ve worked with clients who, at age 18 or 19, had never had the chance to try AAC because they “didn’t meet certain criteria.” It’s heartbreaking. Everyone deserves access to robust AAC.

Tara: I’ve experienced this too. A few years ago, I helped a student get a robust AAC device. The school SLP questioned why he had it, saying he didn’t understand it. But within months, the child started using it to communicate intentionally. One day, he kept pressing “bowling alley,” but his mom discovered it was mislabeled—it was actually McDonald’s! He knew the golden arches and used the device correctly. How important is that access, right?

Angela: That’s such a great story! It’s proof that without opportunities, kids may never show what they’re capable of. Everyone deserves access to explore AAC without prerequisites.

Wrapping Up: Tools, Tips, and Resources

Tara: We’ve covered so much today, from using split screens to the importance of presuming competence. For those interested in exploring AAC further, October is AAC Awareness Month, and Angela’s Facebook page is a great resource. Thank you for sharing your expertise and techniques, Angela!

Angela: Thank you for having me! I hope everyone takes something valuable away from this.

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To listen to the podcast version of this interview: Episode 92

Watch the video:

AAC Devices & Multimodal Communication

AAC For Everyone: Lilly's Voice

If you use visual supports in your classroom or home, you are going to want to sign up for this free Visual Supports Starter Set ASAP! Click here to have one sent to your inbox. Also, be sure to read more about visual supports and how they can help autistic children here.