Ephȟíŋ Kte! is our version of an open source AAC app that runs on almost any device. It utilizes Open Board Format (OBF), an open source format for vocabulary boards that allow them to be portable. And our initial voice will likely be based on eSpeak-ng, another open source project that provides text to speech voices without extensive recorded voice samples.
Our goal has always been to make AAC accessible in our communities. By implementing our own versions of these software packages, we can provide licenses at cost, along with tools for other tribes to create their own vocabs in their own languages. This software runs on nearly any internet accessible device, but does not require the internet to run, and we know that dedicated devices, or even the newer iPad based devices, can be quite expensive. This allows families to model on any device available, even their phone, when working with their family member.
Click here to sign in to Epȟíŋ Kte!
As we move forward, we’ll add more features, but the original app includes support for SMS messaging, remote modeling, eye gaze, data logging, and assessment tools. We can also pull OBF vocabs in English into our setups.
A cost structure has not been created yet; we’re still working out the basic issues of running a server and what that costs. But we anticipate keeping fees extremely low for families, providing scholarships as necessary, and working with schools and language programs to create affordable options.