Pic-A-Talk
I am Uma Roa, a computer science graduate and the CEO and co-founder of Pic-A-Talk, an innovative augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) application designed to help non-verbal children enhance their communication skills. Pic-A-Talk leverages image-based speech output, making it easier for users to learn and pronounce words correctly.
My inspiration for creating Pic-A-Talk comes from my personal experiences with my sister Lea, who has autism and speech apraxia. Watching Lea use images to communicate sparked the idea for this project, which began as a school assignment and evolved into a significant social enterprise in the Philippines. My dedication to inclusivity and accessibility has driven Pic-A-Talk’s success, earning recognition from speech therapists and educators.
Under my leadership, Pic-A-Talk has established partnerships with numerous speech therapy centers and foundations, extending its reach and impact. My entrepreneurial journey has been marked by several accolades in startup competitions, highlighting the innovation and effectiveness of Pic-A-Talk in the field of special education.
I am passionate about creating inclusive communication solutions and am committed to empowering children with communication challenges. I look forward to contributing to a more inclusive society where every child has the opportunity to express themselves and thrive.
- The Philippines
Product and Services:
Pic-A-Talk AAC is a revolutionary communication solution designed to empower individuals with communication disabilities. Our product stands out in the market for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive digital capabilities, affordability, offline accessibility, customization options, and multilingual support.
At the heart of Pic-A-Talk AAC is its user-friendly interface, meticulously crafted to ensure ease of use for individuals of all ages and abilities. Our intuitive design allows users to navigate the application with minimal effort, facilitating seamless communication experiences.
One of our key differentiators is the fully digital nature of our product. Unlike traditional communication aids that rely on physical boards or cards, Pic-A-Talk AAC harnesses the power of digital technology to provide a dynamic and versatile communication solution. This not only enhances convenience but also enables users to access a wide range of communication tools and features within a single platform.
Accessibility is another hallmark of Pic-A-Talk AAC. Recognizing the diverse needs of our users, we have engineered our product to be accessible offline, ensuring uninterrupted communication in any environment. Whether in remote areas with limited connectivity or during travels, individuals can rely on Pic-A-Talk AAC to facilitate effective communication at all times.
Customization lies at the core of our product philosophy. We understand that communication preferences vary from person to person, which is why Pic-A-Talk AAC offers extensive customization options. From personalized vocabularies and layouts to tailored voice settings, users have the flexibility to create a communication experience that truly reflects their individual needs and preferences.
Moreover, Pic-A-Talk AAC is equipped with multilingual support, allowing users to communicate in their preferred language(s) with ease. This feature not only enhances inclusivity but also broadens the reach of our product, catering to diverse linguistic communities worldwide.
In summary, Pic-A-Talk AAC is not just a communication tool—it’s a catalyst for empowerment, independence, and inclusivity. With its user-friendly interface, digital capabilities, affordability, offline accessibility, customization options, and multilingual support, Pic-A-Talk AAC is redefining the landscape of augmentative and alternative communication solutions.