Set up before handing over
- Open the tools on the device and browser you intend to use.
- Choose Adult setup. Set an editing PIN and keep the recovery code somewhere secure.
- Use Profiles to create a profile with initials or a nickname.
- Choose a tool and personalise its pictures, words or activities. Check speech on the device.
- Save a backup using Adult controls before relying on your personalised setup.
The adult PIN protects editing. It does not stop a child using their communication tools, and it does not encrypt the information stored on the device.
The six tools
My Words
Tap pictures to build a sentence, then choose Speak. Use the word boards or quick messages. Adults can edit the board, choose vocabulary and add personal tiles or photos. Stop speaking cancels the voice; it does not lock the app.
Visual Timetable
Choose Add the first activity, enter a label and select a picture. Save and add another builds the day in order. Choose Whole day or Now and Next. Finished this activity marks progress; completed activities stay crossed through in Whole day.
First–Then–Reward
Use Choose first activity, Choose then activity and Choose reward. Agree the sequence together before starting. An adult marks each step finished. Communication, essential needs and regulation breaks should remain available throughout.
How do I feel?
Choose a feeling, something that might help, or both. The child can say they are not sure. An optional intensity choice helps them say how much. Speak my message reads their choices together. No emotion history is recorded.
Pupil view
Choose Pupil view in the app header for a simpler display with fewer adult controls and less scrolling. Adult view requires the editing PIN. Communication and Stop speaking remain available.
Step by Step
Choose “Choose an example or create your own” and personalise one of 20 examples or start a blank routine. The examples cover self-care, school organisation, learning tasks and everyday routines. Set out one action per step, using symbols or photos. Save the routine, then mark each step finished as you go. Undo last tick corrects a mistake; Start again resets the sequence. Adults can edit, duplicate, delete and print routines. Print whole routine creates a compact sheet; longer routines may continue onto another sheet. Print one step per page creates larger separate pages. Editing resets progress. Routines and completion progress are saved with the pupil profile and included in backups.
My Stories
Choose from 20 editable examples across school routines, changes, getting support and social situations, or start a blank story. Add familiar words, original symbols or personal photos, then arrange the pages. An adult reviews every page before saving. Read a page aloud or print the story, including saving as PDF through the browser print dialogue. Each profile can hold up to 30 stories, with up to 20 pages each. Stories are included in profile backups. Drafts save on this device as you edit and are included in profile backups. Use Save story or Save routine when ready for pupil use. The browser warns before leaving an unfinished draft.
Examples are starting points for personalisation with the pupil. Check that the words and pictures accurately describe the situation and available support.
Profiles and backups
Information stays in this browser on this device. Clearing browser data, device failure or browser storage removal can erase it. Keep regular backup files in your school-approved storage.
- Save this profile: exports the selected profile’s six tools and personalised pictures.
- Save all profiles: exports every profile held in that browser.
- Restore one profile: adds it as a new profile. It does not combine changes with a profile already there.
- Restore all profiles: replaces the current profiles after confirmation.
Backups do not contain the adult PIN or recovery code. Treat exported files as school data. They are not encrypted by the app.
Moving from another website
Data does not automatically follow you from evanrowan.com or another domain. Export from the original website, then restore in Day by Day Tools. Use the same browser and domain consistently for everyday work.
Speech and devices
Speech uses the voices available on your device. Voice choice and quality can vary. On iPad, check the volume and Silent Mode, then try Speak again. Some voices need an internet connection.
The tools are designed for tablet and computer screens. Phones can be used, but there is less room for picture choices. Check speech, photos and backup downloads on your actual devices before pupil use.
Offline use
Open the app online first. Adult controls will show whether the offline page is ready. Test reopening it without a connection on the actual device. Offline speech depends on the voice installed. Offline storage can still be removed by the browser, so keep backups.
Adult controls and a forgotten PIN
Open Adult controls and enter the PIN to unlock editing. Editing locks again when you leave the app or after inactivity. The child’s communication tools remain available.
If you forget the PIN, use the recovery option and the recovery code saved during setup. Keep that code with the responsible adult. Do not clear browser data to try to unlock the app: that can remove pupil profiles.
Choose support thoughtfully
These tools support everyday communication and routines. They do not assess or diagnose needs, and should not replace a child’s established communication system or individual specialist advice.
Need help? Contact Ian with the device, browser and problem. Please do not send pupil names, photos or backup files.