What communication looks like with HopeSays
🍎
Everyday wants & needs
"I want pizza." "Can we go to the park?"
~1,000 phrases covering food, activities, places, routines, people, and more — so the child or user can express what they want, when they want it.
💬
Connecting with others
"Guess what?" "That's so funny!" "Play with me."
Light Chat phrases for real conversation — not just requests. Social language that builds connection, turn by turn.
🌙
When words are hardest
"Something is wrong." "Head is full."
Inner Me and Quick Access phrases for moments of distress — before emotions escalate, when language often disappears first.
🆘
When safety matters & meeting new people
"My name is Eli." "I need help."
My Info builds a personal profile that speaks for your child — name, likes, personality. Quick Help keeps key support information one tap away — emergency contact, allergy reminders, and safety messages.
How it works — 3 steps
1
Open HopeSays in a supported browser
Use it on phone, tablet, or computer.
2
Find the right phrase
Browse 26 categories or use Search. A unique emoji makes every category instantly recognizable — no memorization needed.
3
Tap — the device speaks
Immediate spoken output. One tap = one phrase = one voice.
+
Set up My Info & Quick Help
Fill in your child's name, likes & personality once — My Info speaks it for them. Quick Help keeps key support information one tap away — emergency contact, allergy reminders, and safety messages.
Across all of daily life
I want water
Can we play together?
Read to me, please
I need a hug
I don't feel safe
Something hurts
I need a diaper change
Where is Mom?
That's so funny!
I did it!
Can we go home?
I know more than I can say
My name is...
Call my emergency contact
Real moments, early users
When words disappear under pressure
"Something is wrong." "Not the same." "I wasn't ready."
One tap — before emotions escalate, when language is hardest.
When feelings have no name yet
"Head is full." "I feel like a volcano." "I feel weird."
Internal states that can't be built word-by-word.
When they want to connect
"Guess what?" "Play with me." "I feel loved."
Communication that goes beyond requests.
Week 1
→ exploring without prompt
Even while playing in the backyard, he would walk back in to check that the device was still on the counter. When alone — usually occupied with scrolling YouTube — he was seen repeatedly pressing different buttons, trying different phrases, learning where things were. The voice was something he could hear and imitate.
Family observation, 1 week of use
He showed us: curiosity, ownership, motivation to learn on his own.
Week 2
→ first intentional communication
During a therapy session, when pushed to continue basketball, he pressed "I feel mad" — his first complete communicative sentence. Previously, he would squeeze the therapist's arm.
Therapist observation — student with no prior meaningful communication
He showed us: he had a voice. For the first time, words — not sounds. The right tool, in the right moment, made that possible.
Week 3
→ first emotional expression
"He pressed 'I feel loved' and laid his head on my shoulder. My heart melted."
Aunt & caregiver of a teenager
He showed us: emotional language, the ability to connect — and that he had always had something to say.
These are the kinds of moments HopeSays is designed to support — for children and individuals with autism, language delay, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, ADHD, and complex communication needs.
HopeSays · E.S. Yu, BCBA, CRC · E.S. Yu Studio · contact@hopesays.org
HopeSays AAC is a communication support tool, not a medical device, diagnostic tool, emergency response system, or replacement for professional evaluation or care. Always work with your child's SLP or BCBA for individualized communication planning.