About
AsTeRICS Grid is developed by the AsTeRICS Foundation, a European nonprofit specialising in open assistive technology. It is a fully open-source AAC and environmental control grid system — meaning it can function both as a communication board and as a controller for smart home devices, media players, and other connected systems. Unlike many AAC tools that are locked to a single input method, AsTeRICS Grid is designed to work with virtually any access method a user has available, making it exceptionally flexible for people with complex and changing needs.
What It Offers
- Fully customisable grids: Build communication boards from scratch or start from community templates; every element (symbol, colour, size, action) is configurable
- Multiple input methods: Touchscreen, mouse, switch scanning (one- and two-switch), eye gaze, voice input, head tracking — all configurable per grid
- Offline-first: After initial load, AsTeRICS Grid works completely offline; data is stored locally in the browser with optional cloud sync
- Smart home integration: Control devices via AsTeRICS ARE for environmental control — lights, TV, thermostat — from within the same grid interface
- Multi-language text-to-speech: Dozens of languages and voice options using Web Speech API and optional cloud TTS
- Community grids: A public library of shared communication boards across languages and use cases
- Free and open-source: No subscription; source code publicly available on GitHub
Who It's For
AsTeRICS Grid is most valuable for users who need a highly customisable AAC setup or who combine communication with environmental control — including people with ALS, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, or progressive neurological conditions. It suits advanced users, AT specialists, and therapists who want a powerful tool without commercial licensing costs. Beginners may find the learning curve steeper than simpler apps like Cboard; pairing with an AAC therapist is recommended for complex setups.