Who Owns Proloquo2Go?
For many parents, educators, and individuals who rely on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to express themselves, the name Proloquo2Go is synonymous with hope, independence, and a powerful voice. But a common question that arises is, "Who owns Proloquo2Go?" The answer leads us to a company deeply dedicated to empowering individuals with communication challenges: AssistiveWare.
AssistiveWare: The Driving Force Behind Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2Go is developed and owned by AssistiveWare, a company founded by David Niemeijer and Peter van de Steeg. From its inception, AssistiveWare's mission has been to create cutting-edge assistive technology that breaks down communication barriers and unlocks the potential of individuals with diverse communication needs.
AssistiveWare is not just a software developer; it's a company built on a foundation of understanding and empathy for the AAC community. Their commitment extends beyond simply creating an app. They actively engage with users, speech-language pathologists, educators, and researchers to ensure their products are not only technically advanced but also deeply practical and user-centered.
The Genesis of Proloquo2Go
The development of Proloquo2Go was a response to a recognized need for a more robust, flexible, and user-friendly AAC solution. Before Proloquo2Go, many options were either too expensive, too complex, or lacked the customization needed to truly meet the unique communication profiles of individuals. AssistiveWare aimed to change that.
Proloquo2Go was first launched in 2009, and since then, it has undergone continuous development and improvement, driven by the evolving needs of its user base and advancements in technology. This iterative process, informed by real-world feedback, is a testament to AssistiveWare's dedication to its mission.
More Than Just an App: AssistiveWare's Ecosystem
While Proloquo2Go is their flagship product and most widely recognized, AssistiveWare offers a suite of related products and services designed to create a comprehensive AAC ecosystem. This includes:
- Proloquo: This is the umbrella brand for AssistiveWare's AAC solutions. Proloquo2Go is a specific app within this family.
- Proloquo Coach: A tool designed to support the implementation and use of Proloquo2Go, offering resources and guidance for caregivers and professionals.
- SymbolStix: AssistiveWare has a strong partnership with SymbolStix, a leading provider of symbols used in AAC. This integration allows Proloquo2Go users access to a vast library of visual supports.
- The AssistiveWare Team: Comprised of experienced software engineers, designers, speech-language pathologists, and customer support specialists, all working collaboratively to enhance the user experience and effectiveness of their products.
AssistiveWare's ownership of Proloquo2Go means that the app's future development and direction are firmly in the hands of a company that prioritizes the AAC community. They are not beholden to external investors with different agendas, allowing them to maintain their focus on user needs and ethical product development.
"Our goal is to empower every individual to communicate, participate, and thrive. Proloquo2Go is a testament to that mission, and we are constantly innovating to ensure it remains at the forefront of AAC technology." - Quote attributed to the AssistiveWare team.
Why AssistiveWare's Ownership Matters
The fact that AssistiveWare, an independent company, owns and develops Proloquo2Go has several significant implications for users:
- Continued Innovation: AssistiveWare is committed to ongoing research and development, meaning Proloquo2Go will continue to evolve with new features, improved functionality, and expanded language support.
- User-Centric Approach: As an independent entity, AssistiveWare can prioritize the needs and feedback of its users above all else. They are known for their responsiveness to the AAC community.
- Long-Term Support: Users can be confident that Proloquo2Go will receive consistent updates and support for the foreseeable future, ensuring its usability and relevance.
- Ethical Practices: AssistiveWare has a strong reputation for ethical business practices, focusing on accessibility and affordability where possible, rather than solely on profit maximization.
In summary, when you ask "Who owns Proloquo2Go?", the answer is unequivocally AssistiveWare. This ownership structure is a critical factor in the app's success and its continued ability to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals who rely on AAC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Proloquo2Go
How is Proloquo2Go different from other AAC apps?
Proloquo2Go is distinguished by its extensive customization options, user-friendly interface, and robust vocabulary building tools. It is designed to grow with the user, offering a wide range of symbol sets, voices, and structural organization that can be tailored to individual needs and learning styles.
Why is AssistiveWare's approach to AAC important?
AssistiveWare's approach is important because they are an independent company deeply committed to the AAC community. This allows them to focus on user needs, continuous innovation, and ethical development, rather than being driven by external financial pressures. Their dedication ensures the long-term viability and effectiveness of their products.
How often is Proloquo2Go updated?
Proloquo2Go receives regular updates, often multiple times a year. These updates include new features, performance improvements, bug fixes, and often expansions to vocabulary and symbol libraries, all based on user feedback and technological advancements.
Where can I get more information or support for Proloquo2Go?
The best place for detailed information and support is the official AssistiveWare website. They offer comprehensive resources, tutorials, FAQs, and contact options for their dedicated support team, which includes speech-language pathologists.
