My name is Jolanda Massier-Kooiker. Since 2007 I have been self-employed; I work as a web developer.
I am also a mother of four. Our son Hárris is nine. He is autistic, has an intellectual disability, and cannot speak.
Hárris develops very slowly in many areas. Even so, we noticed early on that he was remarkably good with a smartphone or tablet. He played a game flawlessly in which he had to match words to pictures. Only those words were often very general, such as ‘helicopter’ and ‘clarinet’. If Hárris could learn this way, I wanted to offer him words that actually appeared in his life — such as mama, papa, spoon, fork, and chair.
That became the start of TWIYO. I designed a first app with personalized word games, tailored to his own world.
A while later our speech therapist advised us, after extensive practice with pictograms among other things, to start using a speech device. From that advice to delivery took half a year. We went through questionnaires, appointments, representatives, and waiting times. For someone who needs a tool to express themselves, I find that far too long.
Eventually we received an iPad with specialized software and support. That route was valuable — but the long wait and the amount of paperwork kept gnawing at me. I became convinced that supported communication had to be simpler, more accessible, and more affordable.
With my years of experience in web development, I therefore rebuilt my original games app from the ground up. TWIYO is now a full communication aid in the form of a web app that works directly in the browser. No application process, no long waiting times, and users do not need to buy a special device. The app works on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. A touchscreen is preferred.
TWIYO brings learning and communication together. The app includes learning modules where users practice words, images, letters, and concepts. There is also a communication board where words can be spoken aloud or combined into a full sentence. On the spelling board, users can type words themselves and have them spoken.
The app is fully personalizable. Users can add their own words and photos, so that ‘mama’ or ‘playground’ does not show a generic image, but a recognizable photo from their own life or therapy journey. That content can be used for practice and for communication.
TWIYO stands out on four points: the app is immediately accessible, affordable, personal, and usable on almost any existing device.
What began as a solution for Hárris turns out to be relevant for a much larger group.
What is a web app? Read the explanation
In TWIYO my professional experience and my personal life come together. I know how to build an accessible online product, and I also know from daily life what it means when someone cannot say what they want, feel, or need.
Make supported communication available to everyone who cannot or struggles to speak: without a long application process, without high purchase costs, and directly on a device you already have.
All personal images and data are stored locally on your device. Nothing is uploaded to the cloud — ever.
Letters, counting, and the word-image game are free. Premium (AAC, speller, progress) is deliberately affordable, with a 14-day trial — so more families can start without a large upfront investment.
Works on any device with a browser. No special hardware, no app store, fully offline after installation.
For people who cannot or struggle to speak — including autism, speech-language difficulties, aphasia, dyspraxia, or other causes. Sensory-friendly, large buttons, customizable content.
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