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

Last updated 2026-07-09

What is PRC and what does it make?

PRC stands for Prentke Romich Company, an Ohio-based manufacturer founded in 1966. In 2021 it merged with Saltillo Corporation to form PRC-Saltillo, now one of the largest dedicated makers of AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices in the United States. ^[1]

The company's core products are speech-generating devices (SGDs): hardware tablets or purpose-built units running vocabulary software that lets a person select words, phrases, or symbols to produce synthesized speech. That sounds simple. The engineering underneath is not. PRC-Saltillo's flagship vocabulary system, LAMP Words for Life, is built on the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) framework, which uses consistent motor patterns so the user can eventually activate words without having to read or scan visually. That makes it genuinely different from a simple picture-exchange system.

The company also publishes TouchChat and WordPower vocabulary apps that run on its own Accent hardware or, in some setups, on an iPad. So when an SLP says "PRC device" they could mean dedicated hardware, a licensed app on consumer hardware, or a combination.

For a broader look at the whole AAC device category before narrowing to one brand, the AAC devices overview is a good starting point.

What devices does PRC-Saltillo currently sell?

The product line as of 2025 centers on a few hardware families and several vocabulary systems that run on them. Here's the honest lay of the land.

Accent hardware series. The Accent 800, 1000, and 1400 are purpose-built SGDs with 8-, 10-, and 14-inch screens respectively. They run Windows and are hardened against drops and moisture. Battery life is typically rated at 10 to 12 hours. The screens are higher-brightness than a standard iPad, which matters for outdoor or classroom use. They support keyguards (physical overlays that prevent accidental presses), eye gaze add-ons, and switch access, which consumer tablets don't accommodate as cleanly.

NuVoice. A smaller, lighter device aimed at users who need portability over screen size.

TouchChat HD and TouchChat HD-AAC. Apps that run on iOS. PRC-Saltillo sells these directly, and they can run on the company's own hardware or on a personal iPad. The iPad version is cheaper to acquire but doesn't qualify for Medicaid reimbursement as a dedicated SGD in most states, which matters a lot for funding.

LAMP Words for Life. Available as a standalone app and as the built-in vocabulary on Accent devices. This is the vocabulary system most cited in motor-planning research for autism and apraxia of speech.

WordPower. A deep vocabulary system available in multiple page sets (42, 48, 60, 84, 108 cells per page). Designed by Nancy Inman, it works well for users who are stronger visual-word readers.

One thing worth knowing: the vocabulary software and the hardware are somewhat separable. A child who learns LAMP Words for Life on an Accent at school can, in theory, use a similar layout on a personal iPad at home, keeping the motor memory intact. PRC-Saltillo actively promotes this continuity.

How much do PRC-Saltillo devices cost?

Without insurance, dedicated Accent devices list in the $6,000 to $10,000 range depending on size and accessories. ^[2] The NuVoice sits toward the lower end. Keyguards, mounting hardware, and protective cases add several hundred dollars each.

App-only options are much cheaper. LAMP Words for Life on the App Store costs around $299 to $349 for the app license alone (pricing changes; confirm on the App Store). TouchChat variants are in a similar range. If your child already has an iPad, this is a real option, especially for families who want to try a vocabulary system before committing to dedicated hardware.

The table below shows the approximate cost tiers.

These are list-price estimates. Actual negotiated insurance rates run lower. PRC-Saltillo has a funding department that helps families with prior authorization, and most SLPs who prescribe SGDs regularly have done this process many times.

Does Medicaid or insurance cover PRC devices?

Yes, in most cases, with a proper prescription. Speech-generating devices are classified as durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare Part B and most state Medicaid programs. ^[3] The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has covered SGDs since 2001 under a benefit category that requires a face-to-face evaluation by a physician or qualified non-physician practitioner, plus a written order.

For children specifically, Medicaid's EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) provision requires states to cover any medically necessary service for children under 21, even if the state's adult Medicaid plan doesn't. ^[4] That's a strong legal hook for families whose state program seems reluctant.

Private insurance varies. Many plans cover SGDs as DME with a prior authorization process that typically requires:

• An SLP evaluation documenting a communication disorder that other means cannot adequately address
• A physician prescription
• Evidence that less expensive options (like an iPad app) are medically insufficient

PRC-Saltillo maintains a funding support team for exactly this process. They'll help gather documentation and can sometimes identify state-level grant programs when insurance denies a claim. Denials happen. They're often overturned on appeal.

One honest caveat: if a child qualifies for a device through school under IDEA rather than through Medicaid, the school owns that device. It stays at school when summer comes. A separate home device funded through Medicaid is a different claim and a different process. Some families run both at once.

Who is a PRC device right for?

PRC-Saltillo devices are used across many diagnoses. The most common populations in pediatric SLP practice:

Autism spectrum disorder with limited or absent functional speech. LAMP Words for Life was designed with autistic motor-planning profiles in mind. A 2023 study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that LAMP-based intervention produced measurable gains in spontaneous communication for minimally verbal autistic children, though the authors noted sample sizes were small and replication is needed. ^[5] For more on autism spectrum speech therapy approaches broadly, that article covers the landscape.

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Children with CAS have difficulty with the motor sequencing speech requires. LAMP's consistent motor patterns address this directly. See the childhood apraxia of speech article for how AAC fits into a CAS treatment plan.

Complex communication needs from other causes. Cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, Angelman syndrome, Rett syndrome, Down syndrome, and others.

Adults with ALS, stroke, or progressive conditions. PRC-Saltillo devices are used in adult populations too, though that's a different clinical conversation.

Who PRC devices are probably not the best fit for: late talkers with typical motor and cognitive profiles and no structural barrier to speech. A 2-year-old who is just slow to talk but comprehends well and has no motor concerns doesn't need a $7,000 device. They may do better with low-tech AAC (core word boards, signing) or early intervention services. Early intervention is a good place to understand what's available before age 3.

The right candidacy assessment comes from a qualified SLP, ideally one with AAC specialization. ASHA's website lists AAC as a specialty area and describes what a proper AAC assessment involves. ^[6]

How does LAMP Words for Life actually work?

LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) is a treatment approach developed by Caroline Musselwhite and Carole Zangari and later adapted into the Words for Life vocabulary system. The core idea: consistent motor patterns for words reduce cognitive load over time, the same way a skilled typist stops thinking about individual keys.

In the app, each word or core vocabulary item lives in the same location every time, no matter what page the user is on. "More" is always in the same spot. "Help" is always in the same spot. Over repeated practice, the user builds a motor memory for that location and can activate it without visual scanning. That matters a lot for children with autism who struggle with visual processing or reading.

The vocabulary is organized around core words (high-frequency, flexible words like "want," "go," "stop," "more," "help") rather than fringe vocabulary (specific nouns like "banana" or "fire truck"). Research generally supports core-word systems for building generative communication rather than just labeling. ^[7]

A therapist using LAMP typically models with aided language stimulation: touching words on the device while speaking, so the child sees an adult using AAC in natural interaction. This isn't drilling. It's immersion.

One thing parents find confusing: LAMP Words for Life looks sparse at first. There aren't pictures for everything. The early weeks may feel like the child "can't say much." The payoff, for the right user, arrives months in when motor patterns lock in and communication gets faster and more spontaneous. Stick with it, and keep an SLP guiding the process.

What's the difference between a PRC device and an iPad with an AAC app?

This is one of the most common questions SLPs hear, and the honest answer is: it depends on the child and the funding situation.

Dedicated devices like the Accent series have real advantages. They're built for one purpose, so no incoming call interrupts a conversation. They're more durable. They support mounting systems and switch access far better than an iPad. The screen is often brighter. And they qualify as DME for Medicaid reimbursement, which an iPad app does not.

iPads have advantages too. The child may already be comfortable with one. They're lighter. The vocabulary apps (including PRC-Saltillo's own) look identical on iPad as on the Accent hardware, so motor learning transfers. And for a family that can't get funding for dedicated hardware, an iPad plus LAMP Words for Life or TouchChat for a few hundred dollars is a meaningful option.

ASHA's position is that the device should match the user's needs, not the other way around. ^[6] An AAC evaluation should include a trial of the device in real settings before purchase.

PRC-Saltillo offers free 30-day trials of their devices for evaluation. An SLP can request a trial unit for a client. Worth knowing: you don't have to buy blind.

For families exploring speech therapy at home or in clinic settings, the SLP guiding your child's care is the right person to decide whether dedicated hardware or an app-on-iPad approach fits better.

How do I get an evaluation for a PRC device?

The process has a few steps, and knowing them ahead of time saves weeks.

Step 1: Talk to your SLP or get a referral. If your child already has a speech-language pathologist, bring up AAC. If not, your pediatrician can refer you to an SLP. ASHA maintains a "Find a Professional" directory at asha.org where you can filter for AAC specialization. ^[6]

Step 2: AAC evaluation. An SLP usually runs this, sometimes with an occupational therapist involved if motor access (switches, eye gaze) is in question. The evaluation looks at the child's language, motor, cognitive, and sensory profile and matches those to device features. This is where a trial of the actual PRC device happens.

Step 3: Physician prescription. For insurance coverage, a physician or qualified non-physician practitioner must write a prescription for the SGD as DME. This is usually a formality once the SLP evaluation supports the need, but it has to happen.

Step 4: Prior authorization. Your SLP submits documentation to the insurer or Medicaid. PRC-Saltillo's funding team can help assemble the packet.

Step 5: Device delivery and programming. Once funded, the device arrives programmed to the vocabulary and layout chosen during evaluation. An SLP should do initial setup and train parents and teachers.

How long does this take? Medicaid timelines vary by state. Some families get approval in 6 to 8 weeks. Others wait 6 months. Private insurance is sometimes faster. Budget the time and follow up relentlessly.

For children under 3, early intervention programs funded through IDEA Part C can provide AAC services and sometimes devices without a separate Medicaid claim.

How is PRC-Saltillo different from other AAC brands?

The main competitors in the dedicated SGD space are Tobii Dynavox and Lingraphica. Here's an honest comparison.

Tobii Dynavox has a stronger eye gaze story, particularly for users with severe motor impairment who can't use their hands reliably. If your child needs eye gaze as the primary access method, add a Tobii Dynavox evaluation. PRC-Saltillo offers an eye gaze add-on (the EyeMax), but it isn't their core strength.

PRC-Saltillo's LAMP framework is the most researched motor-planning vocabulary approach for autism specifically. If LAMP is what your SLP is recommending, PRC-Saltillo is the natural hardware home for it, though the app runs on iPad too.

There's no universally best brand. The right device is the one that fits the specific user's motor, sensory, language, and funding profile after a proper trial. Any SLP who tells you one brand is always best without evaluating your child is cutting corners.

What do parents actually experience using these devices?

Without inventing testimonials, here's what the honest clinical and parent-community consensus looks like.

The learning curve is real. Most families report that it takes 3 to 6 months of consistent daily use before a child begins to communicate spontaneously with a new SGD, especially if they're starting with limited intentional communication. Expecting a device to produce sentences on day one is a setup for disappointment.

Aided language stimulation is the single most useful thing parents can do at home. That means picking up the device yourself, throughout the day, and modeling language on it while talking normally. "Do you want more?" and you point to "more" on the device. You don't demand the child use it. You show what it's for. This is the at-home practice that actually moves the needle.

School versus home tension is a recurring issue. Many children get a device funded through school (under IDEA), but that device stays at school. Communication doesn't pause at 3pm. Families in this spot often pursue a second device through Medicaid or grants for home use. PRC-Saltillo's funding team knows the grant landscape and can point to resources like the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation and state assistive technology programs.

Durability matters more than parents expect. Kids drop things. The Accent devices are built for it. An unprotected iPad is not.

One thing that genuinely helps: SLP-guided parent training, more than device training. ASHA recommends that AAC intervention include family and caregiver instruction as a core component, not an afterthought. ^[6] When evaluating SLP services, ask specifically how much of their time goes to training you, more than the child.

Can a PRC device be used alongside speech therapy, or instead of it?

Alongside. Always alongside.

This is a persistent fear among parents: that giving a child an AAC device will kill their motivation to develop spoken speech. The research does not support that fear. A systematic review in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found no evidence that AAC use inhibits speech development and some evidence it supports it. ^[8] ASHA's own guidance states plainly that AAC does not hinder speech development.

PRC-Saltillo devices are tools. Speech therapy, including work on oral motor skills, phonology, and language, continues in parallel. For a child with childhood apraxia of speech, LAMP is designed to complement motor-based speech therapy, not replace it.

For families managing AAC at home between therapy sessions, apps like Little Words can provide a complementary practice environment, with speech modeling and interactive activities built for neurodivergent kids. It's not a replacement for an SLP, but it can help bridge the gap between sessions. Start the quiz at littlewords.ai to see if it fits your child's profile.

The short version: get the device, keep the therapy. They work together.

For children who are late talkers without a confirmed communication disorder, the calculus is different. Speech therapy evaluation comes first. A device may not be indicated at all.

What questions should I ask before choosing a PRC device?

If you're heading into an AAC evaluation or have one scheduled, these are the questions worth raising with the SLP.

1. Why this vocabulary system over the alternatives? LAMP suits some profiles, but WordPower or Snap Core First might fit better for a child with stronger visual-word recognition. Ask for the reasoning.

2. Can we trial the device before committing? PRC-Saltillo offers 30-day evaluation loans. Your SLP can request one. If a clinic won't trial before prescribing, that's a yellow flag.

3. What's the access method? Touch? Switch? Eye gaze? The answer changes the hardware spec and the price.

4. What keyguard size is right? Keyguards matter for kids with motor difficulties. The wrong size makes the device harder to use.

5. Who will program the device and what's included? Programming a vocabulary system to a specific child's needs is not trivial. Some SLPs do it themselves; others rely on the device rep. Know who's doing it and how updates work.

6. What training do you provide for our family? Parent training is not optional. Ask how many sessions are included and what format they take.

7. What's the backup plan if the device breaks? Accent devices typically carry a 1-year warranty, and PRC-Saltillo offers loaner programs. Ask specifically.

8. How will school coordinate with home? If the device gets used in both settings, the programming needs to stay consistent. Ask who owns the device, who updates it, and how home and school communicate about vocabulary additions.

For children who also show echolalia, which is common in autism, the SLP should factor in how the device's vocabulary system handles echolalic patterns and whether it supports functional communication layered on top of echolalia.

Frequently asked questions

Is PRC the same as PRC-Saltillo?

Yes. Prentke Romich Company (PRC) and Saltillo Corporation merged in 2021 to form PRC-Saltillo. The combined company still sells the Accent hardware and LAMP Words for Life vocabulary that PRC was known for, along with Saltillo's TouchChat and NovaChat products. SLPs and parents often still say "PRC device" when referring to any product in the combined lineup.

What age can a child start using a PRC device?

There's no minimum age. Some children begin using AAC systems, including SGDs, as toddlers. ASHA and the AAP both support early AAC introduction for children with communication disorders. In practice, prescriptions for dedicated SGDs through Medicaid are most common starting around age 2 to 3, but earlier use of low-tech or app-based AAC is common for children identified in infancy with conditions like Down syndrome or cerebral palsy.

Will my child's school pay for a PRC device?

Possibly. Under IDEA, schools must provide assistive technology, including SGDs, if an IEP team decides it's necessary for the child to access education. But school-funded devices belong to the school and typically don't go home. Many families pursue a separate Medicaid-funded device for home use. The two funding streams are separate, and both can coexist legally.

How is LAMP different from PECS?

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) teaches children to hand a picture card to a communication partner to request items. It requires a partner and a physical exchange. LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) teaches consistent motor patterns on a device so the user can eventually activate vocabulary independently, without waiting on a partner's response. LAMP targets generative language; PECS focuses heavily on requesting. Some children use both at different stages.

Does using a PRC device mean my child will never talk?

No. Research consistently shows AAC use does not prevent speech development and may support it. A systematic review in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found no evidence of AAC inhibiting speech. Many children who begin with SGDs develop meaningful spoken words over time. The device is a communication support, not a ceiling. Speech therapy continues in parallel with device use.

What is the difference between WordPower and LAMP Words for Life?

Both are vocabulary systems available on PRC-Saltillo devices. LAMP Words for Life uses consistent motor patterns and is designed for users, particularly those with autism or apraxia, who benefit from building muscle memory for word locations. WordPower is organized around visual word recognition and works well for users who can read or recognize printed words. An SLP determines which fits a specific child's profile.

Can a PRC device be used without Wi-Fi?

Yes. Dedicated Accent devices store vocabulary and the text-to-speech engine locally. They don't need internet access to generate speech. An internet connection is needed for software updates, some cloud backup features, and certain activity apps, but core communication works offline. This matters in schools with filtered networks or for community use.

What text-to-speech voices do PRC devices use?

PRC-Saltillo devices offer several synthesized voices, including options from Acapela Group and Nuance. They also offer Voice Banking through the ModelTalker system, which lets a person record their own voice before a progressive condition affects it, then use a synthesized version of that voice on the device. For children, age-appropriate child voices are available to avoid the robotic adult-sounding speech of older SGDs.

How long does a PRC Accent device battery last?

PRC-Saltillo rates the Accent series at 10 to 12 hours of typical use, though heavy screen brightness or video features will shorten that. For school use, a full day on a single charge is generally achievable. The devices charge via standard power adapters, and PRC-Saltillo sells spare batteries for some models. Battery replacement is available through the company's repair service.

What is eye gaze access and does PRC support it?

Eye gaze access lets a user control a device by looking at items on the screen, tracked by an infrared camera. It's used when a person can't reliably use their hands, such as with severe cerebral palsy or ALS. PRC-Saltillo offers the EyeMax add-on for Accent devices. Tobii Dynavox is generally considered the leader in eye gaze technology, and children who need eye gaze as their primary access method should be evaluated on both platforms.

How do I get a free trial of a PRC-Saltillo device?

Your SLP can request a 30-day evaluation loan directly from PRC-Saltillo. The device arrives pre-programmed with a standard vocabulary layout for the trial. The SLP should make this request as part of a formal AAC evaluation. If you don't yet have an SLP, finding one through ASHA's professional directory is the first step. Trials are genuinely free and no purchase commitment is required.

Does Medicaid cover PRC devices for children in all states?

Medicaid's EPSDT provision requires all states to cover medically necessary services for children under 21, which includes SGDs when properly prescribed. In practice, coverage processes vary by state and prior authorization is always required. Some states have been more restrictive in applying EPSDT to AAC, but legal advocates and ASHA's public policy resources document families' rights to coverage. Denials should be appealed.

What happens if the device breaks or is lost?

PRC-Saltillo offers a standard 1-year warranty on Accent devices and extended warranty options. The company has a repair and loaner program, so a child isn't without a communication device while hardware is serviced. Loaner availability varies, so ask about it specifically when purchasing. Some Medicaid plans will fund a replacement device after a set number of years, typically 3 to 5 years, if the original is beyond repair.

Are there grants to help pay for a PRC device if insurance denies coverage?

Yes. Several national organizations offer equipment grants, including the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, the Challenged Athletes Foundation for some adaptive tech, and state assistive technology programs funded under the Assistive Technology Act. PRC-Saltillo's own funding support team maintains a list of current grant sources and can advise which might apply for a specific child's diagnosis and state of residence.

Sources

1. ASHA, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Practice Portal: AAC devices including SGDs are evaluated and prescribed by SLPs; cost ranges and funding pathways are documented in clinical practice guidance
2. CMS, Medicare Coverage of Speech Generating Devices, MLN Matters: CMS classifies speech-generating devices as durable medical equipment covered under Medicare Part B with physician prescription and face-to-face evaluation
3. Medicaid.gov, Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT): EPSDT requires states to cover any medically necessary service for Medicaid-enrolled children under 21, including SGDs, even if not covered in the state's adult plan
4. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, LAMP-based intervention outcomes for minimally verbal autistic children: A 2023 study found LAMP-based intervention produced measurable gains in spontaneous communication for minimally verbal autistic children, though sample sizes were small
5. ASHA, Augmentative and Alternative Communication overview and Find a Professional: ASHA recommends AAC assessment include trial of devices in real settings and family/caregiver training as a core intervention component
6. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Core vocabulary in AAC: Core word-based vocabulary systems support generative communication development and are recommended by research over fringe vocabulary approaches
7. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Systematic review on AAC and speech development, Millar et al. 2006 (updated literature reviewed 2014): Systematic review found no evidence that AAC use inhibits speech development and some evidence it supports speech production in children with developmental disabilities
8. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1401, assistive technology definition: IDEA requires schools to provide assistive technology including SGDs when the IEP team determines it is necessary for a child to access education
9. Assistive Technology Act of 2004, 29 U.S.C. § 3001, state AT programs: The Assistive Technology Act funds state AT programs that can provide equipment loans, demonstrations, and some funding assistance for AAC devices
10. AAP, Policy Statement on AAC for Children with Complex Communication Needs, Pediatrics: The American Academy of Pediatrics supports early introduction of AAC for children with communication disorders and recommends pediatricians facilitate referrals for AAC evaluation