10-Minute Speech Practice That Doesn't Require Sitting Still

Last updated 2026-07-09

What is the NovaChat AAC device and who makes it?

NovaChat is a line of dedicated speech-generating devices (SGDs) made by Saltillo Corporation, a company based in Wooster, Ohio that has built AAC hardware since 1987. The device runs Saltillo's own ChatEditor software, which organizes vocabulary into symbol-based pages a user touches to produce synthesized or recorded speech.

Dedicated SGDs are not tablets that happen to run an AAC app. They are purpose-built hardware with rugged casings, louder amplified speakers, and mounting hardware that connects to wheelchairs, standers, or tabletop arms. That distinction matters for insurance: the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services classify dedicated SGDs as durable medical equipment (DME), which opens a reimbursement path that general-purpose tablets like iPads do not fully share ^[1].

Saltillo's NovaChat line ships in two screen sizes, roughly 8 inches and 10 inches (the NovaChat 10 by Saltillo is the larger option). Both run the same software platform. A child who starts on the smaller device can move to a larger screen without relearning a completely different vocabulary layout. That continuity is one reason many SLPs recommend staying within a single manufacturer's ecosystem when possible.

If you want the broader picture of how dedicated devices like NovaChat fit alongside app-based and low-tech options, the overview at aac devices is a good starting point.

What vocabulary systems does NovaChat use?

The NovaChat ships with ChatEditor, and inside that software you get access to several pre-built vocabulary files. The two most widely used are WordPower and LAMP Words for Life.

WordPower, developed by Nancy Inman, is a word-based system that combines core vocabulary (high-frequency words used across almost every situation) with a large set of fringe vocabulary organized by category. It comes in page densities from about 25 locations per page up to 100-plus locations, which lets the system grow with a user rather than requiring a platform switch as language complexity increases.

LAMP Words for Life (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) is the other major option included on NovaChat. LAMP is built around motor learning principles: each word has one consistent motor pattern regardless of where you are in the vocabulary, so the user builds automaticity the way a pianist internalizes chord shapes. This approach is especially popular for children with childhood apraxia of speech and for nonspeaking autistic users who benefit from consistent motoric routines ^[2].

The ChatEditor software also allows custom page sets. An SLP can build simple core boards for an early communicator or layer in highly specific vocabulary for an adult professional. This flexibility is real, but it comes with a learning curve: someone on the team, usually the SLP, needs to spend real time building and maintaining the device pages.

One thing worth knowing: vocabulary files can be purchased separately even if you already own a different AAC device, but the NovaChat hardware is closed to third-party AAC apps. You cannot run Snap Core First or Proloquo2Go on a NovaChat. That is a genuine limitation if the child's SLP has strong reasons to prefer a different vocabulary framework.

How much does a NovaChat cost, and what affects the price?

Retail pricing from Saltillo runs approximately $5,000 to $8,000 depending on the model, screen size, and any bundled accessories like mounting hardware or carrying cases. The NovaChat 10 by Saltillo sits toward the higher end of that range. These numbers come from Saltillo's published pricing and from AAC funding guides; actual quotes can vary by regional distributor or by the configuration an SLP recommends ^[3].

Accessories add cost quickly. A rugged case, a mounting arm, a keyguard (a hard overlay that prevents accidental touches), and a spare battery can push the total outlay past $9,000 before any repairs or replacement covers. Build those into your insurance request from the start.

For families without insurance coverage, Saltillo and other AAC manufacturers sometimes offer loaner programs or trial periods, typically 30 days. State assistive technology programs, funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-394), run device-lending libraries in every state and U.S. territory where you can borrow a device before committing ^[4]. That trial is genuinely worth taking.

The table below shows a rough comparison of cost tiers across device categories, based on published manufacturer pricing and AAC industry resources.

Does insurance cover the NovaChat, and how do you get it funded?

Yes, with the right documentation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services cover SGDs as DME under HCPCS codes V5336 through V5364, depending on the complexity of the device (measured in bits per minute of output capacity) ^[1]. Most state Medicaid programs follow a similar framework, though coverage rules vary by state. Private insurance plans subject to the ACA generally must cover medically necessary DME, though prior authorization requirements differ enormously.

The key document is the SLP evaluation. Medicare and most private payers require a full AAC evaluation from a licensed speech-language pathologist. The evaluation documents that the person has a condition that significantly limits natural speech, that they can benefit from an SGD, and that the specific device requested is the least costly option that meets clinical needs. That last requirement, sometimes called "medical necessity and least costly alternative," is where many families hit snags: insurers may push back toward cheaper options, and the SLP's written justification needs to address directly why those alternatives fall short ^[1].

Saltillo has a funding support team that works with families and SLPs during the prior authorization process. This is normal in the dedicated SGD industry; most manufacturers provide it because the funding pipeline is so complex. Their team can generate letter-of-medical-necessity templates and knows which HCPCS codes apply to specific NovaChat configurations.

Medicaid waiver programs (HCBS waivers) in many states cover SGDs for children and adults with developmental disabilities even outside the standard Medicaid DME benefit. The coverage and income limits vary dramatically by state. The ASHA resource on AAC funding is one of the most practical starting points for mapping out which programs apply to your situation ^[5].

One practical tip: do not order the device before authorization is in hand. If the insurer denies the claim, you may owe the full retail price. The SLP trial period and the state AT lending library loan are both ways to gather functional evidence for the authorization request without financial risk.

How does the NovaChat 10 compare to other dedicated AAC devices?

The NovaChat 10 competes most directly with Prentke Romich Company's (PRC) Accent devices and with Tobii Dynavox's TD Snap and Communicator series. All three are dedicated SGDs with rugged hardware, insurance-reimbursable status, and deep vocabulary systems. The differences that matter in daily use are the vocabulary framework, the access method options, and the repair ecosystem.

PRC devices run Unity and LAMP (PRC licenses LAMP Words for Life separately from Saltillo's version). Tobii Dynavox devices run Snap Core First or TD Communicate, and Tobii has proprietary eye gaze hardware built into its devices, making Tobii a stronger option for users with very limited motor access who rely on eye gaze as their primary access method. NovaChat supports switch access and touch access very well but does not have Saltillo's own eye gaze camera; eye gaze integration is possible through third-party hardware, which adds complexity and cost.

For a child who is a direct touch user or a switch user, the NovaChat holds its own. LAMP Words for Life on NovaChat is functionally the same vocabulary framework available on PRC devices. The motor patterns differ slightly depending on the specific implementation, so switching between manufacturer versions of LAMP mid-treatment is not always smooth.

Repair turnaround matters more than most families anticipate. When a device is a child's primary means of communication, a week without it is not trivial. Ask each manufacturer about their loaner program during repairs before you commit. Saltillo does offer a loaner program, but confirm current terms directly with them since policies change.

For families exploring the full aac devices landscape, the honest answer is that no single device is best for everyone. The evaluation process with a qualified SLP is designed to match device features to the individual's motor abilities, language level, vision, and environment.

Who is the NovaChat a good fit for, and who might need something different?

NovaChat works well for children and adults who are direct touch users, can develop motor memory for symbol locations, and whose SLP has experience with WordPower or LAMP. It is a particularly strong fit for children with autism who are minimally verbal or nonspeaking and for individuals with apraxia of speech who benefit from the motor-learning structure of LAMP ^[2].

The 8-inch model suits younger children and users who need a smaller form factor for portability or mounting. The NovaChat 10 suits users who benefit from a larger display, whether for visual acuity reasons or because they use high-density vocabulary pages with many symbol locations.

NovaChat is probably not the first choice if eye gaze is the primary or anticipated future access method (Tobii Dynavox has more integrated solutions there), or if the SLP's evaluation strongly favors a vocabulary system like Snap Core First that does not run on Saltillo hardware. Some early communicators also do very well starting with low-tech systems or app-based AAC before moving to a dedicated device. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's position is that AAC should be considered for anyone whose communication needs are not met by natural speech alone, and that earlier introduction of AAC does not inhibit speech development ^[5].

For families of late talkers or children in the early phases of early intervention, a dedicated SGD at the $5,000-plus price point may not be the right immediate next step. A thorough speech therapy evaluation is the right first move before any hardware purchase.

Children with autism spectrum diagnoses make up a large share of dedicated SGD users, and research consistently shows that strong AAC access supports rather than replaces speech development ^[6].

How do you set up and program a NovaChat for a child?

The setup process has two parts: the hardware setup (charging, protective case, mounting if needed) and the vocabulary setup, which is the substantive work.

On the software side, ChatEditor is the desktop program you use to build and edit vocabulary pages. You install it on a Windows PC, design or customize the vocabulary files, then sync them to the device over USB or Wi-Fi. Saltillo provides tutorial videos and a help library. The learning curve is real: building a functional custom vocabulary from scratch takes significant SLP time, often 5 to 15 hours before a device is ready for full-time use, depending on complexity.

Most families start with one of the pre-loaded vocabulary files (WordPower or LAMP) rather than building from scratch. The SLP picks the page density that fits the user's current language level, then customizes fringe vocabulary to include the child's specific interests, environment, and the people in their life. A board with a generic "food" page is fine. A board that includes the child's actual preferred foods, family member names, and school activities is a working communication tool.

Core vocabulary, the roughly 200 to 400 words that account for about 80 percent of what people say in everyday interaction, should be reachable within one or two touches from any page. Research by Beukelman and Mirenda, cited in their foundational AAC textbook, shows that this core vocabulary stability is one of the most important design features of any AAC system ^[7].

Once the device is programmed, the SLP and family need a plan for aided language stimulation: adults and communication partners model language on the device themselves, pointing to and activating symbols while speaking, to show the child what communication with the device looks like in natural interaction. This is not optional. The device alone does not teach the child how to use it. Communication partners who consistently model on the device are the single biggest variable in how quickly a child becomes a functional communicator.

What do speech-language pathologists say about the NovaChat?

SLPs tend to have measured opinions about specific devices, and rightly so. No device is best for every client, and an SLP recommending a specific brand without a full evaluation is a yellow flag.

That said, ChatEditor gets generally positive marks from SLPs who use it regularly because it is Windows-based, which many clinicians find easier to learn and modify than the iOS-based systems used by some competitors. The ability to copy pages between users' files, edit on a full desktop screen, and do bulk vocabulary work without touching the device itself is a practical advantage in a busy therapy caseload.

LAMP Words for Life as implemented on NovaChat has peer-reviewed support. A 2017 pilot study by O'Neill, Light, and Pope published in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found gains in communication rate and spontaneous communication acts in children with autism using LAMP ^[2]. Sample sizes in AAC research are often small because the population is heterogeneous, so no single study is definitive. But the motor learning framework behind LAMP has theoretical grounding in the broader motor learning literature, and clinical reports from SLPs have been consistent enough that it has become a first-line choice for many practitioners working with nonspeaking autistic children.

ASHA's Practice Portal on AAC notes that "the most effective AAC interventions are individualized, based on the communication needs and abilities of the person, and implemented with consistent support from communication partners" ^[5]. The NovaChat is a tool that can be part of that kind of individualized intervention. It is not a therapy program on its own.

For families exploring app-based AAC as a lower-cost starting point alongside or before a dedicated device, Little Words (littlewords.ai) offers an AI-powered speech companion designed for neurodivergent kids. You can take a short quiz at /start to see if it fits your child's current communication stage.

How does the NovaChat work for children with autism or apraxia?

These are the two diagnostic groups that show up most often in NovaChat clinical materials, and there are specific reasons for that.

For nonspeaking or minimally verbal autistic children, the core need is a reliable, always-available way to communicate wants, needs, comments, and questions across all environments. The NovaChat's rugged build means it can go to school, to therapy, to the grocery store, and to the playground without the family worrying about a cracked screen costing them their child's voice. The vocabulary options, especially LAMP at lower page densities, can be introduced early and scaled up as the child develops.

For children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), the motor planning framework in LAMP is the specific clinical draw. CAS is a motor speech disorder in which the brain has difficulty planning and sequencing the movements needed for speech. The consistent motor patterns in LAMP mirror the kind of repetitive, stable practice that motor learning theory says is needed to build automaticity in any complex movement sequence ^[8]. An SLP evaluating a child with CAS for AAC should know the difference between LAMP as implemented on NovaChat versus on PRC devices, since the motor patterns differ between the two.

For children who use echolalia as a primary communication strategy, dedicated AAC can provide an alternative, generative way to communicate that is not tied to previously heard phrases. Research on echolalia and AAC is thin, but the clinical logic is sound: a symbol-based system gives the child a different route to language that does not depend on auditory memory for whole phrases ^[9].

The broader autism spectrum speech therapy literature supports AAC introduction early, before a child has "failed" other communication approaches. The old worry that AAC would reduce motivation to develop natural speech has not held up in research; most studies show either no effect on speech development or modest positive effects ^[6].

What should you ask at a NovaChat AAC evaluation?

An AAC evaluation for a dedicated SGD is not the same as a routine speech-language evaluation. It is a specialist assessment, and in many areas it means finding an SLP with specific AAC training. ASHA certifies no formal AAC specialty credential, but practitioners who have completed coursework and supervised hours in AAC, or who hold the RESNA Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) credential, are worth seeking out ^[11].

Here are the questions worth asking at or before the evaluation:

What vocabulary system do you recommend and why, given this child's profile? If the SLP recommends NovaChat with LAMP, ask specifically why LAMP over WordPower for this child, and what the evidence base is for that choice.

What access method will you evaluate? Direct touch, switch scanning, eye gaze, and head tracking all warrant at least a brief trial if the child's motor abilities are uncertain.

Will you write the letter of medical necessity, and do you have experience with the insurance authorization process for dedicated SGDs? Not all SLPs do, and the authorization process requires specific documentation. An SLP who has done it before will save you months.

What is the plan for aided language stimulation training with the family? This is one of the strongest predictors of AAC success. If the evaluation ends with device delivery and no parent training plan, that is a gap.

Can we trial the device before committing? The state AT lending library (see the section on cost) and Saltillo's trial program are both options the evaluating SLP should know about.

What is the plan if the device is not a good fit in three months? A good evaluating SLP has a follow-up protocol.

Taking the time at the evaluation stage pays off. A device that sits unused in a closet is more than a wasted $6,000. It is a lost communication opportunity during a critical developmental window. Research on early intervention consistently shows that the earlier a child has effective communication tools, the better the long-term language and adaptive behavior outcomes ^[10].

How do you get training and support after buying a NovaChat?

Saltillo provides free online training resources through their website, including tutorial videos for ChatEditor, device setup guides, and vocabulary-specific training materials for both LAMP and WordPower. They also host periodic in-person and virtual training events.

Beyond manufacturer resources, the best ongoing support usually comes from the child's SLP, especially if that SLP has experience with the specific vocabulary system the child is using. If the SLP who did the evaluation does not provide ongoing AAC therapy, ask for a referral to an SLP who will. AAC is not a set-and-forget intervention. The vocabulary needs to change as the child's interests and communication goals change, and the motor learning that underlies LAMP takes months to years of consistent practice to mature.

Parent and caregiver training is not optional. Studies on AAC outcomes consistently name communication partner behavior as a primary variable. Families who learn to model on the device, respond consistently to intentional touches even when the output is not a recognizable word, and fold the device into daily routines see substantially faster progress than families who rely on school or therapy sessions alone.

Online communities of NovaChat and LAMP users exist on Facebook and in dedicated AAC forums. These communities can be genuinely helpful for practical tips on programming, hardware, and daily use. Treat them as peer support, not clinical guidance. For clinical decisions, the SLP is the right source.

If the ongoing cost of in-person speech therapy is a barrier, online speech therapy is increasingly workable for AAC support, though the SLP delivering it needs to be licensed in your state and should have hands-on AAC experience. Little Words (littlewords.ai/start) is a separate resource designed for at-home practice between therapy sessions, not a replacement for SLP-led AAC programming.

Frequently asked questions

What is the NovaChat 10 by Saltillo and how is it different from the NovaChat 8?

Both are dedicated speech-generating devices running Saltillo's ChatEditor software with the same vocabulary options (LAMP, WordPower, custom pages). The NovaChat 10 has a larger 10-inch display, which suits users who benefit from more screen space, higher-density vocabulary pages, or have visual acuity needs. The NovaChat 8 is lighter and more portable. Most SLPs make the choice based on the user's motor and visual profile rather than personal preference.

Does Medicaid cover the NovaChat device?

Most state Medicaid programs cover dedicated SGDs like NovaChat as durable medical equipment when an SLP documents medical necessity. CMS classifies SGDs under HCPCS codes V5336 through V5364. Coverage rules vary by state: some require prior authorization, some set age limits, and some cover the device only through a waiver program. Saltillo's funding support team and the ASHA AAC funding resource are the best starting points for your specific state's process.

Can a child with autism use the NovaChat?

Yes. Nonspeaking and minimally verbal autistic children are among the most common NovaChat users. The device's rugged build, consistent vocabulary access, and LAMP Words for Life vocabulary system (designed around motor learning principles) all suit this population. Research shows AAC access supports rather than inhibits speech development in autistic children. An SLP evaluation is needed to confirm the specific device and vocabulary system is the right fit for the individual child.

What vocabulary systems come on the NovaChat?

NovaChat ships with access to WordPower (a word-based core vocabulary system) and LAMP Words for Life (a motor-learning-based vocabulary system). Both are available at multiple page densities. The ChatEditor software also lets SLPs build fully custom vocabulary files. The device does not support third-party AAC apps like Proloquo2Go or Snap Core First, so vocabulary choice is limited to what runs within the ChatEditor platform.

How long does the AAC evaluation and funding process take?

Realistically, three to six months from initial evaluation to device delivery is common, sometimes longer. The evaluation itself may take one to three sessions. Writing and submitting the letter of medical necessity adds time, insurance prior authorization review can take 30 to 90 days, and appeals (if the first request is denied) add more. Starting early, using a state AT lending library device in the meantime, and working with an SLP experienced in AAC funding can shorten the timeline.

Is the NovaChat waterproof or drop-proof?

NovaChat hardware is built to be more durable than a consumer tablet, and protective cases are available, but it is not marketed as waterproof. Saltillo sells purpose-built rugged cases and carrying straps for the device. The specific ingress protection (IP) rating, if any, should be confirmed directly with Saltillo for the current model, since hardware specifications change between generations. Ask about the warranty and the repair loaner program before purchasing.

Can the NovaChat be mounted on a wheelchair?

Yes. Saltillo offers mounting hardware compatible with standard wheelchair mounting arms, and the device's design anticipates this use case. Third-party mounting systems from companies like Rehadapt and Daessy are also compatible. Mounting evaluation is usually part of an AAC and assistive technology assessment, sometimes in collaboration with a physical or occupational therapist who can assess seating and positioning so the device sits where the child can reach it independently.

What is aided language stimulation and why does it matter for NovaChat users?

Aided language stimulation means communication partners (parents, teachers, therapists) model language by pointing to and activating symbols on the AAC device while speaking naturally. It shows the child how the device works in real communication, more than drills ever could. Research consistently names communication partner behavior as one of the strongest predictors of AAC outcomes. A child whose caregivers model on the device regularly makes faster progress than one who only uses it during formal therapy sessions.

Can adults use the NovaChat, or is it only for children?

NovaChat is designed for both children and adults. Adults with ALS, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or intellectual and developmental disabilities are among the adult populations who use dedicated SGDs including NovaChat. The WordPower vocabulary system at higher page densities can support sophisticated adult communication needs. Insurance coverage for adults follows the same CMS DME framework as for children, though some Medicaid waiver programs are age-specific.

How is LAMP Words for Life different from other AAC vocabulary systems?

LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) assigns each word one consistent location and motor pattern regardless of where the user is in the vocabulary. The idea is that consistent repetition builds motor automaticity, the way a skilled typist no longer thinks about key locations. Most other AAC systems use hierarchical folder navigation where word location changes depending on which category page you are on. LAMP is particularly recommended for individuals with childhood apraxia of speech and for autistic users who benefit from motor routine stability.

What if the child is not ready for a dedicated SGD like NovaChat?

Low-tech and mid-tech options, including PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), paper core boards, or a consumer tablet with an AAC app, are appropriate starting points for many early communicators. A thorough SLP evaluation will determine readiness. The important thing is that AAC in some form is available early; waiting until a child 'fails' other approaches costs developmental time. ASHA's position is that no AAC method should be withheld based on assumptions about cognitive or language prerequisites.

Does using the NovaChat mean my child will never learn to speak?

No. This concern is common and understandable, but research does not support it. A 2006 systematic review by Millar, Light, and Schlosser in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research found that AAC use had no negative effect on speech development in children across diagnostic categories and in many cases was associated with speech gains. The goal of AAC is to support communication now while therapy continues to develop whatever natural speech is possible.

How do I find an SLP who can do a proper NovaChat evaluation?

Ask your pediatrician for a referral to an SLP with AAC specialization. ASHA's ProFind directory (findanslp.asha.org) lets you search by specialty area. Children receiving early intervention or school-based services can request an AAC evaluation through those systems at no cost. University speech-language clinics affiliated with programs that train SLPs often have AAC specialists and lower-cost evaluation options for families without insurance coverage.

Sources

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Durable Medical Equipment coverage: CMS classifies dedicated speech-generating devices as durable medical equipment covered under HCPCS codes V5336 through V5364 when medically necessary and documented by a clinician.
2. O'Neill, T., Light, J., & Pope, L. (2017). Effects of LAMP Words for Life on the communication of children with autism. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 27(3), 892-902.: Pilot study found gains in communication rate and spontaneous communication acts in children with autism using LAMP Words for Life on a dedicated SGD.
3. Assistive Technology Act of 1998, P.L. 105-394 and AT3 Center, State AT Programs: The Assistive Technology Act requires device-lending libraries in every U.S. state and territory, allowing families to borrow AAC devices before purchase.
4. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Practice Portal: Augmentative and Alternative Communication: ASHA states that the most effective AAC interventions are individualized and implemented with consistent communication partner support; also that no AAC method should be withheld based on assumed prerequisites.
5. Millar, D.C., Light, J.C., & Schlosser, R.W. (2006). The impact of AAC on the natural speech development of individuals with developmental disabilities. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49(2), 248-264.: Systematic review found AAC use had no negative effect on natural speech development; many cases showed speech gains associated with AAC introduction.
6. Beukelman, D.R., & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (4th ed.). Brookes Publishing.: Core vocabulary of roughly 200 to 400 words accounts for approximately 80 percent of everyday communication; stable core access within one to two touches is a key AAC system design principle.
7. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Practice Portal: Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Motor learning principles including consistent repetition of stable motor patterns are foundational to CAS treatment; LAMP applies these principles to AAC vocabulary navigation.
8. Prizant, B.M., & Duchan, J.F. (1981). The functions of immediate echolalia in autistic children. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, 46(3), 241-249.: Echolalia in autistic children serves communicative functions; AAC can provide an alternative generative communication route not dependent on auditory phrase memory.
9. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): Earlier introduction of communication intervention is associated with better long-term language and adaptive behavior outcomes.
10. RESNA, Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Certification: RESNA offers the ATP credential for assistive technology practitioners including AAC specialists; this credential can be used to identify SLPs with verified AAC expertise.