STACS: Standardized Tactile Augmentative Communication Symbols
by American Printing House for the Blind
Last verified June 15, 2026 · classified May 23, 2026
What it is
Summary
AI-generated from vendor-published content · May 23, 2026
STACS is a standardized set of tactile symbols designed to give learners who are deafblind or have combined vision and communication disabilities a consistent, tangible vocabulary system. Each symbol represents a concept or word through a distinct raised texture or shape that can be felt and recognized by touch — the same symbol always means the same thing, which is the 'standardized' part that matters most for learners who can't rely on print or visual AAC. This is a complete physical kit from APH, not software — you're getting a set of tactile symbol cards or objects that an SLP or vision specialist uses to build a core vocabulary with a specific student. The system requires a professional to select and teach the symbols; these don't work as a self-directed tool. Federal Quota eligible, which means students in the U.S. who are legally blind may have access to APH products through their state's quota allocation — check with your teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) before purchasing out of pocket.
Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
- AT Act lending
- Medicaid waiver
- Out of pocket
- School district
- Vocational rehab
What Setup Looks Like
- Out of the box
Open the kit and review the included symbol set and documentation to understand what concepts are represented. - With professional help
- A speech-language pathologist (SLP) or teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) conducts a communication assessment to identify target vocabulary appropriate for the learner.
- The professional selects symbols from the STACS set corresponding to the learner's priority vocabulary and establishes consistent symbol-referent pairings across environments.
- Initial implementation typically takes multiple sessions over several weeks; ongoing instruction is embedded into daily routines. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.
Getting it
Try Before You Buy
Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.
Where to Get It
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How to Fund This
Equipment like this is often pursued through official state programs. These are common starting points — each program decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so the first step is always a phone call.
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Sources & fine print
Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from American Printing House for the Blind — view on vendor site; last verified June 15, 2026.
Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on May 23, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.