The HASILUX team has received the following detailed information from the Talkii development team. They provide a comprehensive insight into the functions, development and possible uses of the app.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication and language development
Talkii is a digital solution for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) from SOVI Solutions SARL. Talkii has more than 10,000 certified AAC pictograms to facilitate communication.
It enables the development of language and promotes the development of communication skills. Thanks to Talkii, non-verbal people can express their needs through customised symbols and become more independent with the help of the daily planner.
The app is fully customisable with the ability to upload photos, create sentences, record voices, rename pictograms (individual words or sentences) and set activities in the daily/weekly planner.
Talkii Supervisor and Talkii Tab
Talkii is divided into two apps:
- one for parents and therapists (Talkii Supervisor): it serves as a remote control and allows the UK user to manage their pictogram library, daily routine and much more.
- The UK app (Talkii Tab) is for people who use UK. It is kept simple so as not to overwhelm the user and to make it easy to use.
Both apps can be used on a smartphone as well as on a tablet.
For an optimal user experience, the company recommends using the Talkii Supervior app on a smartphone and the Talkii Tab app on a tablet.
Target persons
- Autistic people,
- people with aphasia,
- people with verbal apraxia,
- people with phonological disorders,
- people with lateral sclerosis,
- people with BMI,
- people with trisomy 21,
- people with muscle disorders,
- etc.
Development
The app was developed by students from Luxembourg and Vienna. As part of their studies, they were asked to create a company with a business plan. Gianluca Marinelli, whose close relative has two autistic brothers, had the idea to develop this app.
The originally fictitious project became a real and popular product that many people use in their everyday lives to enable more barrier-free communication.
Purchase
The Talkii Apps – Talkii Supervisor & Talkii Tab: Talkii Supervisor & Talkii Tab have been developed exclusively for Android devices. You can buy the apps in the Google Play Store and test them free of charge for 7 days. You can find more information about the prices on the Talkii website.
The Talkii device: For an optimal user experience, you can also purchase the Talkii Package. Tablet, smartphone, Talkii tablet case, armoured glass, Talkii transport bag, delivery and training hours are included in this offer! You can also find more information about the Talkii package on the Talkii website.
You also have the option of contacting a member of staff by e-mail (sales@talkii.app) if you have any questions about purchasing the apps or the package.
Questions for the developers
In which languages is Talkii available?
In 7 languages: Luxembourgish, German, French, English, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish.
Is there also a user manual without purchasing a package?
The user manual is exclusively for our customers and their representatives. If you are interested in Talkii you can request a brochure by e-mail (support@talkii.app).
Is Talkii also used by psychologists / therapists / doctors?
Talkii is mainly used by therapists such as speech therapists and occupational therapists, but is also frequently used by teachers and classroom assistants. Talkii is also used by family assistants, carers in care homes and rehabilitation facilities.
Can the costs be reimbursed by the health insurance company?
Under certain conditions, long-term care insurance can also be used to cover the need for technical aids, including communication aids.
However, it is necessary to submit an application for benefits beforehand and wait for authorisation from the long-term care insurance evaluation and control authority (Administration d’Évaluation et de Contrôle – AEC).
For further information, please contact the AEC’s “Technical aids” helpline: 24 78 – 60 40.In which schools is Talkii in use?
Talkii is used on a daily basis by several schools in Luxembourg. Here you can find a list of schools that support this technology, and some have even participated in its development:
- Centre pour enfants et jeunes présentant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme (CTSA)
- Centre de développement Moteur (CDM)
- CL Centre de Logopedie (CL)
- European School
- Ecole inclusive et innovante : le Campus „Wobrécken“
- Duelemer Schoul
- Ecole fondamentale Millermoaler Schull
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