We often overlook how essential communication is in our daily lives. It’s something most of us do without a second thought—whether we’re sharing a laugh with friends, telling stories, or expressing frustration. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep, words are our constant companions.
But for millions of people, the simple act of speaking is not so simple. For them, communication is a challenge—a daily struggle to express their thoughts, needs, and feelings. And yet, even in the face of these challenges, a useful tool has emerged to help bridge the gap: AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
What is AAC
At its core, AAC is about symbols and pictures—simple, clear images that help people who have difficulty speaking communicate. Symbols, in fact, were one of humanity’s earliest forms of communication. Just as ancient cave dwellers drew on walls to share stories, AAC empowers people today by providing them with a visual language that can bypass the spoken word.
Traditional AAC devices have been a lifeline for those with speech and communication challenges, but they’ve always had their limits. Often tethered to a single device, users have found themselves cut off from the digital world the rest of us take for granted. But Ner Chat, a Long-Island-based startup, is turning the tide. With the launch of its two-way AAC messaging integration on iOS, communication is no longer confined. Now, AAC users can connect freely across platforms like iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram—just like everyone else.
Breaking Down Barriers
For years, users of AAC devices have been stuck communicating only within their specific device, unable to access the apps and platforms most people use every day. Want to send a quick iMessage, share a photo on Instagram, or jump into a group chat on WhatsApp? For AAC users, that’s been next to impossible—until now.
Ner Chat’s latest innovation changes all that. By embedding AAC messaging into iOS, users can tap into their communication tools across any app that uses the iPhone’s keyboard. AAC users can now text, post updates, and chat with friends online just as effortlessly as anyone else. The barriers that once kept AAC users out of the digital world are gone, and a new age of inclusion is here.
A New Kind of Keyboard for Everyone
This breakthrough was made possible through a close partnership with Co-founder Scott Soifer’s technical expertise and App Store reviewers, who helped Ner Chat bring their vision to life. This new type of accessibility keyboard integrates AAC symbols right into iOS, allowing users to switch between AAC and traditional text input just as easily as changing languages.
Picture this: a user who was once limited to a single communication device now jumps into a WhatsApp group chat, leaves a comment on a Facebook post, or shares their story on Instagram—all using their AAC tools integrated into their iPhone. What used to be a fragmented communication experience is now seamless, empowering AAC users to participate in the digital world in ways that were once unimaginable.
Empowering Independence
Ner Chat’s mission goes beyond simply connecting people. It’s about giving individuals the freedom to communicate on their own terms. Co-founder Dylan Makani, inspired by his experiences with a nonspeaking friend, knows firsthand how limited traditional AAC devices can be. He says, “Large corporations aren’t doing enough to provide accessible communication to their user bases. As a result, many people with speech and hearing difficulties are left falling through the cracks. With this integration, we’re giving our community the independence and autonomy to communicate on ‘traditional’ apps, usually inaccessible. It’s all about building a more inclusive future.”
As Ner Chat continues to innovate, the company remains dedicated to fostering an equitable world where everyone, regardless of their communication challenges, can express their wants, needs, and desires with confidence and autonomy.
Based in New York with strong Long Island roots, the company is looking to partner with more organizations to improve their accessibility offerings.
Need more assistance in making informed decisions about web accessibility? Nebula and The Viscardi Center are committed to offering customized accessibility solutions that improve the online experience for all users.
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Michael Caprara Chief Information Officer, The Viscardi Center |