ATTENTION - Today PRC-Saltillo released the following statement on Facebook: "Hello, everyone. We sincerely appreciate your feedback regarding your concerns with the latest app update, and we have heard you. Our app engineers are diligently exploring a solution that could provide best-of-both-worlds options for our communicators.  Our ideal solution would be to provide an option for those who wish to change back to the original settings while keeping the recent update changes as an option for those who like the new look.

In addition, features like AirDrop have not been removed, but we have identified a bug when importing files from outside the app. We are also working on a fix for this bug while we identify a solution for the concerns mentioned above. As we work on this, we encourage you to use the import feature from within the app itself. Thank you again for sharing your concerns with us. We will keep you posted when a new app update is available."

Thank you for everyone who signed the petition and reached out to them.  I have petitioned and advocated for things with many companies and PRC-Saltillo remains the most responsive, and among the most focused on AAC users ever over things like profits, shareholders (doesn't apply to them but does to other (ahem, TD), marketing and branding.  I am thrilled with their response and hope that they release these changes ASAP, I hope by Christmas.  Thank you again to everyone who took the time to support AAC users or to advocate for themselves as AAC users.  And thank you to PRC-Saltillo.  Sincerely, Kate Ahern, M.S.Ed

Further note: we will reopen the petition if we don't have the solution by 1/1/2026

Children and adults, many of whom are autistic or have communication challenges, rely on TouchChat for their everyday communication needs. A recent update changed their vocabularies, stripping them of the ability to customize fundamental aspects like image sizes, fonts, and colors that have become crucial to their effective communication. This sudden alteration comes as a shock to many users who find it difficult, or even impossible, to adapt to these changes due to the nature of their conditions.

For individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other conditions that resist change in their environment, this modification in TouchChat's interface is more than a mere inconvenience; it upsets their whole communication process. Furthermore, the recent changes result in reduced negative space, a crucial design element for users with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), making their experience more challenging. Users with low vision also find it difficult as they can no longer change line sizes to suit their needs.

Additionally, the loss of features such as AirDropping vocabulary files impacts parents/caregivers, speech therapists and educators who now cannot easily update or back up student vocabulary files.  This was done without notice that the feature would be lost, meaning no one was able to make plans on how they would share files when this method would no longer work.

Saltillo needs to take immediate action to reinstate the customization and other features that were previously available. It is essential they allow users to have control over their image sizes, line thickness, fonts, font sizes, and colors. It is also essential caregivers and professionals maintain the ability to update and backup devices easily. By doing so, Saltillo not only upholds user satisfaction but also ensures that each individual can utilize TouchChat according to their personal requirements.

Saltillo’s mission should embody inclusivity and adaptability. Enhancing the communicative abilities of users should remain at the forefront of their service, ensuring every voice is heard and understood. We believe retaining and enhancing features that support individuality in communication tools is paramount.

Let's stand together to urge Saltillo to make these urgent adjustments, ensuring that every person who depends on TouchChat can communicate effectively and comfortably. Sign this petition to advocate for restoring user choice in TouchChat's customization options.