CommUnity

CommUnity App — Bridging Words, Symbols, and Understanding

CommUnity is a groundbreaking communication platform created by 3.14 Academy, designed to empower individuals with neurodivergent communication styles—particularly those who are nonverbal, minimally verbal, or have limited literacy. The app bridges traditional text messaging with symbol-based communication, offering an intuitive, inclusive, and dignified way for users to connect with family, friends, educators, and support teams.

At its core, CommUnity reimagines everyday communication through accessibility, empathy, and intelligence. By combining the simplicity of text messaging with the structure of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems, the app ensures that no message is lost in translation—literally or emotionally.

Core Functionality

CommUnity uses the Mulberry Symbol Database, a robust and recognizable library of visual representations, to automatically translate text messages into symbols. When a message is received—say, “Let’s go to Grandma’s house at 3!”—the app instantly converts it into a sequence of corresponding symbols, helping nonverbal or early literacy users interpret meaning visually.

Key Features

Two-Way Symbol Translation: Converts text messages into symbol sequences and vice versa for seamless communication between neurodivergent and neurotypical users.

Custom Vocabulary Builder: Allows users or caregivers to add new words, phrases, or personalized symbols for people, activities, and places that matter most.

Personalized Profiles: Each user profile adapts to their unique communication needs—whether they prefer full sentences, partial prompts, or single-word expressions.

Emotion Icons and Context Cues: Messages can include mood markers (happy, frustrated, tired) or situational cues (home, school, outside) to enrich expression and empathy.

Offline Mode: Core communication features remain functional without internet access, ideal for use in schools, therapy sessions, or travel.

Educational and Therapeutic Integration

CommUnity is not just an app—it’s a learning tool. Educators, therapists, and parents can use it to track communication patterns, monitor vocabulary growth, and support goals in IEPs or therapy plans. Data analytics can show progress in symbol recognition, sentence complexity, and emotional expression over time.

The platform also integrates with AAC-based teaching models and is designed to complement existing tools rather than replace them. Teachers can use it for classroom communication, homework coordination, or social skills development. Therapists can incorporate it into speech sessions, helping clients generalize AAC use beyond therapy rooms.

Design Philosophy

CommUnity’s design philosophy rests on simplicity, humanity, and equity. The app avoids cluttered screens, bright distractions, and jargon-heavy menus. Instead, it uses a minimalist interface with large buttons, neutral colors, and optional high-contrast settings to reduce sensory overload. Every interaction is guided by the principle that communication should be accessible, natural, and empowering—never clinical or infantilizing.

Intended Users

Nonverbal and minimally verbal individuals who rely on visual communication

Children and adults with autism, apraxia, Down syndrome, or global developmental delay

Educators and therapists seeking a simple bridge between classroom communication and everyday life

Parents and caregivers looking to connect with their loved ones through shared understanding

Law enforcement and community workers who want to improve accessibility and communication during interactions with neurodivergent individuals