The assistive communication technology market is growing fast. The global AAC devices market was valued at $2.09 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $3.56 billion by 2029, driven by an aging population, increased smartphone adoption, and rising awareness of communication disabilities.
That's impressive growth. But there's a problem buried in those numbers: the people who need these tools most are often the ones least able to afford them.
Dedicated AAC hardware can cost thousands of dollars. Insurance coverage is inconsistent, documentation-heavy, and slow. Medicare will typically only fund one speech-generating device every five years — meaning if your needs change, or your device breaks, you're largely on your own.
Addressing communication impairment from a multidisciplinary point of view through AAC strategies could significantly improve the biopsychosocial aspects of people with communication disabilities. The research is clear. The need is clear. The gap between need and access is also clear.
Smartphone-based AAC apps represent the most realistic path to closing that gap. They don't require insurance approval. They don't require a prescription. They work on hardware millions of people already own. And at $19.95 a month — less than a typical copay — they're accessible in a way that dedicated hardware simply isn't.
Leslie exists because communication shouldn't be a luxury. A 14-day free trial requires no credit card and no commitment — just a chance to see what's possible.