What Forbes does

Forbes AAC, operating as a trade name of Forbes Rehab Services, Inc., is a US-based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) speech-generating devices (SGDs) and supporting software for individuals with communication disabilities. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Mansfield, Ohio, the company sells two core hardware lines — the iOS-based ProSlate Series (available in 6, 8, 10, and 13 inch form factors) and the Windows-based WinSlate Series — together with a portfolio of patented accessories including the SnapLock Keyguard, Enable Eyes eye tracking module, XTNDR extended battery pack, SoundPOD wearable speaker, and FlexABLE Handle and Stand. Its software stack spans the CoughDrop AAC app (acquired in 2023 through subsidiary MavWare, LLC), the CoreWord dynamic vocabulary language system, and Spark (powered by MindExpress), addressing users across developmental, acquired, and progressive conditions such as autism, ALS, cerebral palsy, and motor speech disorders.

The business model combines one-time hardware sales (ProSlate and WinSlate devices, mounts, keyguards, batteries, speakers) with recurring software revenue (CoughDrop subscription, CoreWord, Spark) and ancillary professional services (clinical training, ASHA-approved CEUs through the Ignite Education platform, funding advocacy). Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is typically mediated through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, with a charitable Voice of Grace program covering uninsured users. Distribution is primarily direct via a nationwide network of Assistive Technology Specialists who perform on-site evaluations, demonstrations, and training, supplemented by a web-based device Loan Library and a Funding Portal that streamlines insurance claims. The company sells exclusively to US customers and is privately held with no institutional investors or parent company identified; founder Clayton Smeltz serves as Chief Steward and is the named holder of multiple Forbes AAC patents.

Name

Forbes

Legal name

Forbes Rehab Services, Inc.

Website

https://forbesaac.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Forbes AAC, founded 1987 and based in Mansfield, Ohio, designs and manufactures iOS and Windows speech-generating devices, AAC software, and patented accessories for individuals with communication disabilities, sold across the United States through a direct Assistive Technology Specialist network and insurance funding channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Mansfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Speech-Generating Device Sales: Sale of dedicated hardware devices (ProSlate iOS-based series, WinSlate Windows-based series) as one-time purchases. Devices are sold with bundled AAC software and accessories. Insurance funding (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance) is a common payment pathway.
2. AAC Software Licensing & Subscriptions: Revenue from software products including the CoughDrop AAC app, Spark (powered by MindExpress), and CoreWord Language System. These are available as apps on the ProSlate and as standalone software licenses.
3. Accessories & Mounting Systems: Sale of accessories including SnapLock Keyguards, XTNDR Battery Packs, APEX Mounts, Environmental Control Systems, and SoundPOD wearable speakers as add-on or standalone purchases.
4. Clinical Support & Training Services: Professional support services for clinicians and families including on-site training, remote support, evaluation support, and home visits. ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered through the Ignite Education platform.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Forbes AAC designs, manufactures, and distributes dedicated speech-generating devices (SGDs) and AAC software for individuals with communication disabilities. The portfolio centers on two hardware lines — the iOS-based ProSlate Series and the Windows-based WinSlate Series — bundled with proprietary AAC software (CoughDrop, CoreWord, Spark) and complemented by patented accessories (SnapLock Keyguard, XTNDR Battery Pack, SoundPOD wearable speaker, FlexABLE handle/stand, APEX mounts, Enable Eyes eye tracking) plus clinical support and funding-navigation services.

Product overview

Forbes AAC develops and manufactures augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, software, and educational resources. The product portfolio centers on two core speech-generating device lines: the ProSlate™ Series (iOS-based devices in 6, 8, 10, and 13 inch sizes) and the WinSlate™ Series (Windows-based devices with eye tracking capability). Supporting software includes the web-based CoughDrop AAC App, the CoreWord™ dynamic vocabulary language system, and Spark™ powered by MindExpress. The ecosystem includes proprietary accessories such as the XTNDR™ extended battery pack, SoundPOD™ wearable speaker, SnapLock™ keyguards, FlexABLE® handle/stand, and APEX mounting systems. The company also provides Environmental Control Systems and Language Development Kits with clinical protocols. A device loan library enables trials before purchase.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ProSlate: World's first Apple-based dedicated speech generating device series. iOS-based speech-generating devices available in multiple sizes (6D, 8D, 10D, 13D).
• WinSlate
• CoreWord
• Spark
• SoundPOD
• FlexABLE
• SnapLock
• XTNDR
• Enable Eyes

Products and services

• ProSlate Series iOS-based dedicated speech-generating devices available in 6, 8, 10, and 13-inch models that run any AAC app from the App Store; backed by proprietary warranties and Forbes AAC's exclusive add-ons. Intended for individuals with communication disabilities who need a dedicated, durable communication device.
• WinSlate Series Windows-based speech-generating device for individuals with complex communication needs; supports eye tracking (Enable Eyes), gyroscopic head mouse, and switch scanning access methods.
• CoughDrop AAC App Device-agnostic, web-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) application that enables individuals with speech disabilities to communicate across hardware platforms; acquired by Forbes AAC through its subsidiary MavWare, LLC in 2023.
• CoreWord Language System Dynamic vocabulary language system whose layouts change based on communicator selections, providing core vocabulary, fringe words, and key phrase banks across five levels (CoreWord 6, 12, 20, 40, and 60) mapped to developmental stages.
• Spark Versatile AAC language system powered by MindExpress, supporting learning games, eye gaze access, and environmental control unit (ECU) integration for WinSlate devices.
• XTNDR Battery Pack Wheelchair-mount auxiliary battery pack that extends WinSlate device runtime to sixteen-plus hours, designed for users who require all-day portable power.
• SoundPOD Wearable Speaker World's first wearable speaker for AAC users, worn on a neck lanyard so the user's voice originates from the person rather than from a tabletop device; provides wireless connection, magnetic docking, large accessible buttons, and high-capacity lithium-ion battery.
• SnapLock Keyguard Patented, user-customized rigid keyguard that attaches to ProSlate and WinSlate devices to improve touch accuracy for users with motor impairments.
• FlexABLE Handle and Stand Patented ergonomic handle and stand bundled with ProSlate 10D and 8D devices; positionable using gross-motor movements, absorbs impact, and grips surfaces with open-cell foam for users with limited fine-motor control.
• APEX Mounting Systems In-house manufactured mounting systems for AAC devices, including tabletop, wheelchair, and floor-mount configurations for home, school, and clinical environments.
• Environmental Control Systems Systems that allow AAC users to control aspects of their home environment (lights, appliances, etc.), enabling greater independence and safety for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
• Language Development Kits Clinical protocol-based kits developed by speech-language pathologists for use with the WinSlate speech-generating device; uses play-based learning and systematic pathways to support language acquisition.
• Enable Eyes Eye Tracking Module Eye tracking add-on for WinSlate devices that enables alternative access control through eye gaze for users who lack fine motor control.
• Forbes AAC Loan Library Web-based loan library that lets clinicians and families trial ProSlate devices, WinSlate devices, mounting systems, and keyguards before committing to purchase; accessed via a third-party rental platform.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• MavWare, LLCcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 March 2023Forbes AAC acquired CoughDrop through the sale of its assets to a Forbes-owned subsidiary, MavWare, LLC. This acquisition combined CoughDrop's software with Forbes' hardware, providing a more stable long-term platform for the CoughDrop AAC app while maintaining ongoing support and community features.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• PRC-Saltillo: PRC-Saltillo is one of the largest US manufacturers of dedicated speech-generating devices (e.g., TouchChat, ChatPlus, NovaChat) and serves the same SLP, school, and Medicaid/Medicare-funded patient population as Forbes AAC, making it the most directly comparable competitor in dedicated AAC hardware.
• Tobii Dynavox: Tobii Dynavox is the global leader in eye-tracking-enabled AAC devices (TD I-Series, TD Pilot) and competes head-to-head with Forbes AAC's WinSlate + Enable Eyes combination in the high-end access-method segment for users with ALS and severe motor impairments.
• AssistiveWare: AssistiveWare publishes Proloquo, Proloquo2Go, and Proloquo4Text, leading iOS-based AAC apps that run on standard iPads and compete directly with Forbes AAC's ProSlate line and with CoughDrop in the app-based AAC software category.
• Smartbox Assistive Technology: Smartbox (UK) produces Grid AAC software and dedicated GridPad speech-generating devices, competing with Forbes AAC across both dedicated hardware and AAC software, particularly for users with motor speech disorders and cerebral palsy.
• Prentke Romich Company: Prentke Romich Company (PRC) makes AAC devices (Accent, Essence) and Unity language software used by SLPs in US schools and clinics, overlapping directly with Forbes AAC's WinSlate and CoreWord/Spark offerings.

Regional players

• Liberator Ltd: Liberator (UK/Australia) markets AAC devices and language systems such as LAMP Words for Life and MiniTalk in English-speaking markets outside the US, and overlaps with Forbes AAC's AAC product family in clinical features and target users.

Emerging players

• Lingraphica: Lingraphica specializes in AAC devices and apps for adults with aphasia, offering TalkPath News and dedicated speech-generating tablets that overlap with Forbes AAC's adult AAC focus and insurance-funded business model.
• Control Bionics: Control Bionics develops neuro-assisted and EMG-based AAC access technologies (NeuroNode) for users with severe motor impairment, competing with Forbes AAC's Enable Eyes and switch-based access in the high-acuity ALS/MND segment.
• Eyegaze Inc. Eyegaze Inc. produces dedicated eye-tracking AAC systems for users with cerebral palsy, ALS, and brain injury, directly competing with Forbes AAC's WinSlate + Enable Eyes combination in the eye-gaze access niche.

Others

• CoughDrop: CoughDrop is now owned by Forbes AAC's subsidiary MavWare, LLC; it remains a comparable reference point as a device-agnostic, web-based AAC app that competes with Proloquo, TouchChat, and LAMP Words for Life in the AAC software market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/aac_forbes
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCCp73Pk2wYCxpwrWewy3u8w
• Facebookfacebook.com/AAC.ForbesAAC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/forbes-aac
• Instagraminstagram.com/forbes_aac

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A1 record

Investments

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