Predictable on Via: My Favourite Features

Emily Gabrielle
Emily Gabrielle
3rd February 2026

Amy Smyth, Regional AAC Consultant for Ireland, shares her favourite features in Predictable.

As Predictable is now available on Via, I’m thrilled to share three of my favourite features in Predictable, a text based AAC app that puts the AAC user at the centre of communication.

Personalised short-cuts for quick communication 

Within Predictable, the shortcut feature gives communicators the ability to customise shortcut keys and is a game-changer for efficiency. For example:

  • Students in class can set up shortcuts for common phrases like “I have a question” or “Can you repeat that?” to participate quickly.
  • Professionals in meetings might create shortcuts for technical terms or greetings to keep conversations flowing.
  • Social settings like family gatherings or hanging out with friends become easier when favourite phrases or jokes are just a tap away.

This level of customisation ensures communication is not only effective but also authentic and expressive. This helps AAC users keep up with the flow of real time conversation, share their personality and use everyday sayings that really sound like them, because communication is more than just words, it’s the in-jokes, TikTok phrases and local lingo that makes someone’s voice their own.

Protecting your information with the privacy key 

In today’s world, privacy is essential for autonomy, and Predictable’s Privacy Key delivers exactly that. With one tap, users can prevent a message from being saved to history, giving them full control over what is recorded. This is especially useful in situations where confidentiality matters, such as: 

  • Medical appointments, where sensitive health information should remain private.
  • Banking or financial discussions, ensuring personal details aren’t stored.
  • Personal conversations, like sharing feelings or private thoughts, without leaving a digital trail.

 
This feature empowers AAC users to decide what stays private, reinforcing independence and trust, something everyone should have control over.  

Sharing messages 

The Show Key is an innovative tool that transforms communication in challenging environments. It allows users to display their message visually without speaking it aloud and even rotate the message, so it faces the communication partner. There is also the option to have the device speak the message aloud – which gives the AAC user full control for sharing their information. This is incredibly helpful in: 

  • Busy cafés or restaurants, where background noise makes speech hard to hear.
  • Hospitals or clinics, where quiet communication is preferred.
  • Libraries or classrooms, where speaking out loud might disturb others.
  • Public transport, where privacy and discretion are important.
  • Appointments with professionals, like lawyers or financial advisors, where clarity matters.

 
By offering a silent, visual way to share messages, Predictable ensures AAC users can communicate confidently in any setting.  These are just a handful of features that really stood out to me, and I’m excited to learn more and explore as we go.