Coughdrop
CoughDrop is a cloud-based AAC software platform serving individuals with complex communication needs (autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, aphasia), now combined with Forbes AAC to offer insurance-funded dedicated speech-generating devices and premium vocabulary boards.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersSouth Jordan, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Coughdrop does
CoughDrop is a privately held, US-based (South Jordan, Utah) software company that builds a cloud-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) platform for individuals with complex communication needs, including those with cerebral palsy, autism, ALS, developmental disabilities, and aphasia. The platform features the proprietary CoreWord Language System, which uses dynamic vocabulary layouts that auto-update with next-word predictions after each selection, and includes built-in data tracking, goal-setting, secure messaging, video recording, and remote modeling capabilities to support AAC teams (SLPs, educators, families). The product is distributed across web browsers and native apps on Android, iOS, Kindle, Amazon, and Windows, enabling a product-led growth motion aimed at consumers, families, and clinical teams.
In November 2023, CoughDrop combined with Forbes AAC to extend its offering into insurance-funded dedicated speech-generating devices (ProSlate, WinSlate), premium vocabulary board sets (CoreWord, Symbol Links, Quick Core Pro, Vocal Flair Pro), and the AAC NOW! bridge program that allows users to deploy CoughDrop on consumer devices while awaiting device funding. Revenue is generated through lifetime subscription accounts sold direct-to-consumer via mycoughdrop.com and through hardware sales distributed via Forbes AAC's insurance-billable channel. The company remains small (1-10 employees), bootstrapped with no disclosed institutional funding, and is led by founder and CEO Brian Whitmer.
Coughdrop firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Coughdrop
- Website
- https://mycoughdrop.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- CoughDrop is a cloud-based AAC software platform serving individuals with complex communication needs (autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, aphasia), now combined with Forbes AAC to offer insurance-funded dedicated speech-generating devices and premium vocabulary boards.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Coughdrop industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Assistive Communication Software
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) & Speech/Language Therapy Tech (EDAFAKAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) Devices, Apps & Training (EDAKAIAB), Autism Communication Support (AAC, Pragmatics & Language) (EDAKAKAG), Assistive Hearing & Communication Access (Captioning, Hearing Support, Transcription) (EDAFAKAC)
Keywords
Where Coughdrop is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- South Jordan
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Coughdrop business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Subscription (Lifetime Account): CoughDrop offers a cloud-based AAC app through lifetime subscription accounts purchased via its website. Accounts are accessible through Android, iOS, Kindle, Amazon, and Windows apps as well as the website. The company ran a 50% discount promotion during AAC Awareness Month (October 2023).
- Dedicated Speech-Generating Devices (Hardware): Through the Forbes AAC partnership, CoughDrop is available on dedicated speech-generating devices (ProSlate, WinSlate) which are sold as hardware products. These devices are eligible for insurance funding, creating a separate revenue stream through hardware sales. Dedicated SGDs include extended warranties, repair coverage, durability features, and integrated environmental controls.
- Premium Board Sets (Forbes AAC): Premium vocabulary board sets (CoreWord, Symbol Links, Quick Core Pro, Vocal Flair Pro) sold through the Forbes AAC brand, integrated with CoughDrop's software platform.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Lifetime Account (Full Price) |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Lifetime Account (50% Discount) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Coughdrop product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CoughDrop provides a cloud-based AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) software platform that enables individuals with complex communication needs to produce speech through customizable communication boards and dynamic vocabulary layouts. The software is available via web browser and native apps across Android, iOS, Kindle, Amazon, and Windows, and is also pre-installed on Forbes AAC's dedicated speech-generating devices (ProSlate, WinSlate). It supports multiple access methods (touch, eye gaze, joystick, switch scanning) and includes data tracking, goal setting, secure messaging, and remote modeling tools for AAC teams.
Product overview
CoughDrop is a single, unified cloud-based AAC software platform. It provides a customizable speech-generating communication app accessible across web browsers, Android, iOS, Kindle, Amazon, and Windows devices. The core product includes customizable communication boards with voice output, data tracking and reporting tools, goal setting, secure messaging, video recording, and remote modeling capabilities. It features the CoreWord Language System with dynamic vocabulary layouts that automatically update based on user selections. CoughDrop can run as a standalone app on consumer devices or as software on dedicated speech-generating hardware such as Forbes AAC's ProSlate and WinSlate devices.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- CoughDrop AAC App
Quantifiable outcome
- Core vocabulary comprises approximately 78% of the words people use every day and includes vocabulary from all word groups, making core vocabulary systems highly functional across activities and contexts
Companies that use Coughdrop
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Coughdrop technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Coughdrop partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Forbes AACflagshipCoughDrop and Forbes AAC joined together as one company to provide comprehensive AAC systems — combining CoughDrop's cloud-based software with Forbes AAC's dedicated speech-generating devices (ProSlate, WinSlate). Forbes AAC sells hardware that runs CoughDrop software, with devices eligible for insurance funding. The partnership also includes premium vocabulary board sets (CoreWord, Symbol Links, Quick Core Pro, Vocal Flair Pro) and the AAC NOW! program for barrier-free AAC access.
- The Voice Keeper KidscoreThe Voice Keeper Kids creates custom personalized voices for pediatric AAC users. Families select a voice donor (typically a sibling or cousin close in age), and The Voice Keeper creates a synthetic voice that closely resembles the donor's voice. The personalized voice is then connected to the individual's AAC device (including CoughDrop). CoughDrop blog features The Voice Keeper as a voice customization option.
- Project Core (Universal Core)coreProject Core's Universal Core language system is used within CoughDrop's implementation programs. Speech-language pathologists use the Universal Core mat to direct communication partners during sessions, and universal core icons are embedded into Google Slides for visual reminders. The Universal Core mat is referenced as a foundational tool in CoughDrop-supported AAC programs.
- Building WingsminorBuilding Wings provides literacy curriculum and resources referenced in CoughDrop's blog content on literacy instruction for AAC users. Maureen Donnelly (Building Wings Curriculum Development Manager) and Trish Johnson (Building Wings President) co-authored articles on the CoughDrop blog about bridging comprehensive literacy and the science of reading for AAC users.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights2 records
Coughdrop competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Tobii Dynavox: The dominant global AAC hardware-and-software specialist, producing dedicated speech-generating devices (TD I-series, TD Pilot) bundled with AAC software. Directly competes with CoughDrop/Forbes AAC across both consumer app and insurance-funded dedicated device channels, serving the same autism, CP, ALS, and aphasia populations.
- PRC-Saltillo: Long-established U.S. AAC manufacturer offering dedicated speech-generating devices (ChatPlus, Accent, NovaChat) and the TouchChat app. Competes head-to-head with CoughDrop in schools, clinics, and insurance-funded device fulfillment, and is one of the most direct substitutes for the Forbes AAC hardware line.
- Smartbox Assistive Technology: UK-based AAC company producing Grid software and dedicated speech-generating hardware (Grid Pad). Closely comparable to the CoughDrop/Forbes AAC software-plus-SGD model, with similar grid-based vocabulary systems and eye-gaze/switch access support; serves a comparable clinical population.
- AssistiveWare (Proloquo): Developer of Proloquo and Proloquo4Text AAC apps for iOS/macOS, a direct software-only competitor to the CoughDrop app. Targets the same autism, CP, and aphasia users with subscription-based consumer AAC, and competes for the same speech-language pathologist recommendations.
- Jabbla: Belgian AAC manufacturer offering dedicated speech-generating devices (Mobi, Tellus, Vibe) and Mind Express software. Directly comparable to the Forbes AAC hardware-plus-software combination and competes in the same European and North American clinical/insurance channels.
Emerging players
- Avaz Inc. India-based AAC app developer focused on autism and special-education communication. Overlaps with CoughDrop's primary use cases (especially autism and developmental disabilities) on iOS/Android, but is more narrowly consumer-app focused rather than offering dedicated hardware or insurance-funded devices.
- Lingraphica: U.S. AAC company producing dedicated speech-generating devices (TouchTalk, AllTalk) and TalkPath Therapy apps, primarily serving adults with aphasia. Comparable to CoughDrop's aphasia segment and the Forbes AAC device model, with a similar clinician-led go-to-market.
- Cboard: Open-source, web-based AAC app that competes with CoughDrop's free/consumer positioning. Targets many of the same use cases (autism, CP, developmental disabilities) and is a relevant indirect competitor in the self-serve AAC channel.
- Control Bionics: Developer of NeuroNode and COSMO AAC solutions that combine software with novel access methods (EMG/switch). Comparable to the CoughDrop/Forbes AAC integrated offering on the hardware-plus-software dimension, but differentiated by its proprietary access technology for users with severe motor impairments.
- Spoken: App-based AAC platform focused on aphasia and adult communication needs. Overlaps with CoughDrop's aphasia segment and competes in the same consumer-app AAC category, but does not offer dedicated speech-generating hardware.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Coughdrop social profiles
Digital presenceCoughdrop financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Coughdrop leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Coughdrop funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Coughdrop M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Coughdrop
What does Coughdrop do?
CoughDrop provides a cloud-based AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) software platform that enables individuals with complex communication needs to produce speech through customizable communication boards and dynamic vocabulary layouts. The software is available via web browser and native apps across Android, iOS, Kindle, Amazon, and Windows, and is also pre-installed on Forbes AAC's dedicated speech-generating devices (ProSlate, WinSlate). It supports multiple access methods (touch, eye gaze, joystick, switch scanning) and includes data tracking, goal setting, secure messaging, and remote modeling tools for AAC teams.
Is Coughdrop a public or private company?
Coughdrop is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Coughdrop founded?
Coughdrop was founded in 2014. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Coughdrop based?
Coughdrop is headquartered in South Jordan, United States, in the North America region.
How does Coughdrop make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Software Subscription (Lifetime Account) is the primary driver. The others are dedicated Speech-Generating Devices (Hardware) and premium Board Sets (Forbes AAC).
Who are Coughdrop's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Tobii Dynavox, PRC-Saltillo, Smartbox Assistive Technology, AssistiveWare (Proloquo) and Jabbla. Emerging players are Avaz Inc., Lingraphica, Cboard, Control Bionics and Spoken.
Does Coughdrop have an API?
No public API is recorded for Coughdrop.
What industry is Coughdrop in?
Coughdrop's product category is Assistive Communication Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFAKAB, AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) & Speech/Language Therapy Tech, with a secondary code of EDAKAIAB, AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) Devices, Apps & Training. Its SIC code is 7372.