Terms of Use

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Model Communicator (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Service. If you are using Model Communicator on behalf of a minor or someone in your care, you accept these terms on their behalf.

Description of Service

Model Communicator is a free augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tool designed to help individuals who need support expressing themselves. The Service includes a web application and an iOS application, both of which provide symbol-based communication grids, text-to-speech functionality, and customizable vocabulary boards.

Model Communicator’s core communication system is provided at no cost and will remain free. We may offer optional add-ons, such as additional vocabulary packs, for purchase in the future. None are offered today, and none will ever be required in order to communicate. The Service is funded independently and is offered freely to families, educators, and speech-language professionals.

User Accounts

Model Communicator offers optional user accounts through Google Single Sign-On (SSO), managed by our authentication provider, Clerk. Creating an account allows you to save custom grids and sync your preferences across devices.

You are not required to create an account to use Model Communicator. The core communication features work without signing in. However, certain features like saving custom grids to the cloud require authentication.

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account. If you believe your account has been compromised, please contact us immediately at jim@modelcommunicator.com.

User-Generated Content

Model Communicator allows you to create custom communication grids tailored to individual needs. When you create a custom grid, that content belongs to you. We do not claim ownership over any grids, vocabulary sets, or configurations you create.

By storing your custom grids on our servers, you grant Model Communicator a limited license to host, store, and transmit that content solely for the purpose of providing the Service to you. This license ends when you delete your content or your account.

Privacy and Analytics

Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. The short version: the app never records, analyzes, or transmits the words you say.

This marketing website uses Google Analytics to measure page traffic, and only if you choose "Accept All" on our cookie banner. It does not run inside the Model Communicator app. When you install the native app from Apple's App Store or another app store, that platform may report aggregate download, session, and crash statistics to us in line with the analytics-sharing setting on your device. We do not embed any analytics, crash-reporting, or advertising SDK in the app, and we never receive statistics that identify an individual user.

Acceptable Use Policy

You agree to use Model Communicator only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to:

• Use the Service in any way that violates applicable local, state, national, or international law
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Service, other accounts, or computer systems
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers connected to the Service
• Upload malicious content, viruses, or any code designed to harm the Service or other users
• Use the Service to harass, abuse, or harm another person
• Use automated tools to scrape, crawl, or extract data from the Service

Intellectual Property

The Model Communicator platform, including its design, code, default vocabulary grids, icons, and branding, is owned by Model Communicator and its creator, Jim Tyler. These materials are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

You retain full ownership of any custom grids, vocabulary sets, and configurations you create using Model Communicator. We will never sell, license, or distribute your custom content without your explicit permission.

The default communication grids included with Model Communicator are provided under a license that allows free use within the application. They may not be extracted, redistributed, or used in competing products without written permission.

Medical Disclaimer

Model Communicator should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified speech-language pathologist or other healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding communication needs.

While Model Communicator is designed with input from speech-language professionals, the selection of vocabulary, grid layout, and communication strategies should be guided by a qualified professional who knows the individual user.

Disclaimer of Warranties

Model Communicator is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or completely secure.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Model Communicator disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

We strive to keep Model Communicator reliable and available, but as a free service maintained by a small team, we cannot guarantee 100% uptime. We recommend that users who depend on AAC communication always have a backup communication method available.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Model Communicator, its creator, and its contributors shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of data, loss of profits, or loss of goodwill, arising out of or related to your use of the Service.

In no event shall our total liability to you for all claims related to the Service exceed the amount you paid to use the Service (which, as a free service, is zero dollars).

Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in the State of Michigan.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Use from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of Model Communicator after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

For significant changes, we will make reasonable efforts to notify users through the application or via email if you have an account.

Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms of Use, please contact us:

Email: jim@modelcommunicator.com
Project: Model Communicator
Location: Michigan, USA