Review of Special Needs Apps

Autism Apps That Will Help You

Father's app lets disabled son 'speak' thru iPad - Yahoo! News

Father's app lets disabled son 'speak' thru iPad - Yahoo! News Looking forward to this low cost AAC app. I will be buying it the day it comes out to review for everyone.

Mom with Apps for new iPad owners

App Friday: Happy Holidays! Moms with apps gives new iPad owners suggestions on how to start with apps.

Happy Holidays

Alpha Belch

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alphabelch-a-childrens-book/id404071495?mt=8

Cute sound effects and kinda gross but funny and free til Saturday.

New AAC apps

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tapspeak-choice-for-ipad/id408507581?mt=8#

FreeAppAlert - Free iPad apps that were paid iPad apps yesterday

FreeAppAlert - Free iPad apps that were paid iPad apps yesterday

Please join this facebook page to get the latest free apps and information.

For those of you that are new to the iPad

iCommunicate Additional Features Demo

proloquo2go and the iPad review « N0thingbuteverything's Weblog

proloquo2go and the iPad review « N0thingbuteverything's Weblog A mom's review.....

How to Multi-Task between AAC apps on the iPad

Sorry for the poor quality but since I said I would post it this weekend, here goes. Using iCommunicate, Answers Yes/No and TapSpeak together as an example of how to go between each app quickly

iPad as alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) device — mywirelessreview.com

iPad as alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) device — mywirelessreview.com

iPad for AAC

C demonstrates some new apps

This is C demonstrating some new downloaded apps including in order Art of Glow, Music Draw Free, Swirl City Lite, Scratch A Sketch Lite, Instruments Free, and Drums.

iPad helps Zac talk to his family again | The Daily Telegraph

iPad helps Zac talk to his family again The Daily Telegraph

I demonstrates iCommunicate to make choices

Using Multi-Tasking on the iPad with the AAC apps

I love using the multi tasking features with the AAC apps. There would be no way I could handle switching devices. It is sooooo easy now. Bubby is using iCommunicate, Answers:Yes/No and TapSpeak for choice making, answering questions and sequencing.
Using 3 devices from Enabling Devices to acheive the same multi tasking would cost $229.95 for the Basic Communication Builder, $105.95 for the Big Talk, and $108.95 for the Twin Talk for a total of $444.85 and that does not include the time it takes to make all the pictures and print them out and the batteries for the devices. I was able to take the pictures, upload and program the activity in less than 10 minutes.

Number Identification using iPad

Della Using Proloquo2Go For Trick-or-Treating On The iPad

My Favorite Holiday Apps and Other recent Downloads

I think most of these are Free

Call Santa.... A pretend call to Santa
Jingle Bells... Ring 5 different bells
Christmas Tale...interactive Story
Santa Smash....catch a pop up Santa
Christmas Delight...Decorate a Tree and email it as a Christmas Card
TreeGram...Simplier Decorate a Tree and email it
Jingle...Story and Puzzle about a dog at Christmas
Flying Poodle...Christmas Story
Elmo Monster Maker....They have added Holiday themes
Cookie Doodle...Make Holiday Cookies

Recent Noteworthy Apps
Vocal Zoo Golden...Animal Sounds
Drums....Drum Set
Instruments Free....Twelve Different Instruments
Chimes..Sound Game
Redneck Piano...Redneck themed pianos
Baby Pop...Pop Bubbles with Different Sounds/Pictures
Funny Phone...Call Different Animals
Scratch Lite...Wipe off screen to show a picture
Glow Doodle...Draw with glowing light
Music Draw Free..Draw with music
Art of Glow...Draw with Glow lights and shapes
Swirlcity Lite...Music and draw with swirling glowing lights
Animal ABC...Comical Interactive Alphabet

The Life That's Chosen Me - Karen Taylor-Good/Lisa Aschmann

A wonderful mom posted this recently and it is worth sharing.

Drawing/Painting Apps

Which apps for drawing/painting is your favorite? I use Glo Draw, Art of Glow and Draw with Stars.
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Apps for Communication

RJ's Ultimate iPad Case for Special Needs

New Blog of Lillie with her iPad and reviews

http://www.lilliespad.com/

Special Education and the iPad

Special Education and the iPad from Hunter Berk on Vimeo.

Lions Club, Queens for Kids Donate iPad to Special Needs Child | GantDaily.com

Lions Club, Queens for Kids Donate iPad to Special Needs Child GantDaily.com

Wiki site about using iPads and the iTouch

http://mobilelearning4specialneeds.wikispaces.com/PDF+Tutorials

Leah gets high tech treatment

Leah gets high tech treatment

The Prayer Child Foundation

The Prayer Child Foundation

Grant organization that has purchased iPads for children with disabilities.

Cerebral Palsy Touchscreen Therapy Demo

Grant for FREE iPads for ASD

Home - HollyRod Foundation
Click on the iPad link for the application for a FREE iPad for children and adults with a diagnosised autism spectrum disorder. There are qualification criteria.

Sandra On Ipad 2

School includes Apple IPad in curriculum - Chicago Autism & Parenting | Examiner.com

School includes Apple IPad in curriculum - Chicago Autism & Parenting Examiner.com

Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt » The iPad as an Affordable Communicator: Initial Review

Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt » The iPad as an Affordable Communicator: Initial Review

R J Cooper has made a switch for the iPad

http://www.rjcooper.com/ipad-switch-interface/index.html

Promo code for Answers Yes/No HD app

I have been offered 4 free promo codes for the app Answers Yes/No HD app http://appshopper.com/education/answersyesno-hd So I will be offering them up randomly to whoever submits short stories with pictures and/or videos of your child and how you are using the iPad to publish here and on Facebook within the next 7 days. 

Becoming Han Solo

Max uses the iPad and Proloquo2Go in class

C plays the free app Singing Pumpkins

I uses the iPad to match animal sounds

I is developmentally delayed due to Prader Willi Syndrome. He is using the iPad to match animals and animal sounds. He is also imitating some animal sounds. He loves using the iPad in an interactive manner instead of just playing alone

Bubby talks with the animals on the iPad

Bubby is 2.5 and has special needs. He has a TBI as a result of shaken baby syndrome. He also is developmental delayed and has CVI as a result. He is working with the iPad on repeating animal sounds. He is using the app Elias Zoo which is free from iTunes

TapSpeak Choice | Conley Solutions

TapSpeak Choice Conley Solutions

TapSpeak Sequence with Maya Torres

Using the iPad to ask for his pacifier

S is almost 18 months old. He has holoprocencephaly or HPE. He is using the TapSpeak app on the iPad to ask for his pacifier. He does it over and over and enjoyed this interactive game more than any passive game he played.

iPad and children with special needs - TechMarketView - UKHotViews

iPad and children with special needs - TechMarketView - UKHotViews

Angel Playing The Harp

Wall Street Journal First 4 minutes 28 seconds about the iPad

Parents Turn to iPad for Speech Therapy - WSJ.com

Parents Turn to iPad for Speech Therapy - WSJ.com

iPad app demonstration Old MacDonald by Duck Duck Moose

Dublin Schools Using iPad As Educational Tool | WBNS-10TV, Central Ohio News

Dublin Schools Using iPad As Educational Tool WBNS-10TV, Central Ohio News

Zach's a Mac

My First Week with the iPhoneBehind the Curtain | Behind the Curtain

My First Week with the iPhoneBehind the Curtain Behind the Curtain

iPad app_myChoice

Erin Uses her iPad

Erin Uses her iPad at One True Media - share slideshows, slide shows, Facebook slideshows, free video sharing, video montages.

Peek A Boo Wild App Demonstration for the iPad

Using the Template for Adam's Game for the iPad

AbbyiPad

iPad app demonstration Vocal Zoo

Peek A Boo Barn App Demonstration for the iPad

Sandra with her Ipad - August 2010

Child with Special Needs with limited movement can access the iPad

C uses iPad to answer questions

C is using the app Answers Yes No to answer questions about what he wants to play with. This is the first time we have used this app. I have now made a template to prevent the accidental swipes. C is 2 years old with cerebral palsy and seizure disorder. www.babieswithipads.blogspot.com using iPads to promote development with infants and toddlers with special needs

iPad app Demonstration of Wheels on the Bus by Duck Duck Moose

Template for Adam's Game

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Yes No template

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Answers Yes No

Simple app that you ask the child a question and they tap yes or no to answer. I was very pleased with how it worked for 3 toddlers yesterday. I plan on making a template out of craft foam to prevent accidental answers. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to mount the craft foam for easy on and off?
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Makenzies Miracle: Just Wait...I'll Show You!

Makenzies Miracle: Just Wait...I'll Show You! Meet Makenzie and how she uses her iPad.

Moms with Apps offers Free App Friday

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/draw-stars-play-musical-animated/id367460661?mt=8   If you are interested in the latest apps reviewed by moms  Then check out the webside Moms with Apps and/or their facebook page Moms with Apps.  Each Friday they give away FREE apps.  Today they are giving away two and one looks perfect for our little ones.  It is called Draw with Stars.  I am downloading it as I type.  Don't forget to check out Free App Friday with Moms with Apps.

iPad app demonstration Fish School

The iPad has arrived! See videos… « Carly and Jay, Plus 2

The iPad has arrived! See videos… « Carly and Jay, Plus 2

Baby with Special Needs motivated to crawl using the iPad

iPad app demonstration of Tap Tap Baby

Baby with visual impairments using his vision with the iPad

iPad app demonstration of Tap Speak

iPad demonstration for Adam's Game app

Little Bella's I Close My Eyes App Demonstration for the iPad

iPad app demonstration Itsy Spider by Duck Duck Moose

Duck Duck Moose apps for iPhone and iPad Review | Kids | iOS Central | Macworld

Duck Duck Moose apps for iPhone and iPad Review Kids iOS Central Macworld I love all the apps from Duck Duck Moose. Look for the demonstration on YouTube at bab0066vpy

App Demonstration Baby Shapes iPad

iPhone and iPad, 6 Reasons Why Children Love Them as Much as Adults | AppsMarketing Blog

iPhone and iPad, 6 Reasons Why Children Love Them as Much as Adults AppsMarketing Blog

More App demonstrations

I have uploaded several app demonstrations on YouTube.  I will be placing one or two each day on this blog and the Facebook page.  If you want to look at them all in stead of waiting then please go to http://www.youtube.com/ and search for My Channel at bab0066vpy to watch every video and app demonstrations so far.  Thanks

App Demonstration Piano Pups iPad

Baby Rattle App Demonstration (Free)

B uses the iPad to communicate his wants

B is almost 2 and he has global developmental delays due to CDG 1a. He is using the TapSpeak App on the iPad to ask for the page of his favorite book to be turned

iPad motivating toddler with special needs

This is 2 yr old Bubby who is using the iPad to try to use his left arm and hand more. He is a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome.  He is using the apps Bubbles, I love Fireworks lite, and Baby Shapes.

B plays Sparkabilities App on the iPad

B is almost 2 and he has global developmental delays due to CDG 1a. He is using his vision and fine motor skills to find the little star that is getting increasing difficult to find on the Sparkabilities app

HSiPadSpecialNeeds

Baby A and the iPad playing the Rattle app

This is A at 2.5 yrs old and he has cerebral palsy with a mild hearing loss. He is using the iPad to learn to follow directions. He is playing the app Rattle (free).  He has to watch and time his hit to get the sun to move faster. He is in his stander playing games

S demonstrates variety of baby apps on the iPad

This is S and he is 1. He has holoprosencephaly. He is demonstrating several baby games on the iPad. First is the Baby Shapes app, next is Fish School, then Piano Pups, and finally Peek a Boo Wild. S has a very hard time playing with typical toys due to some tightness in his arms and hands but he does a good job understanding and playing with the iPad

C tries to draw with chalk/C draws with the iPad

C attempts to use chalk to draw.  C has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder.  The marks on the board are my marks in attempting to show him how to make marks. 

C using Glo Draw (free) to make marks.  He is able to make marks himself without demonstration and is more engaged in the activity.

Demonstrating the free app Hatch!

This free app Hatch! is great for a little more cause/effect. The egg has to be touched multiple times before it hatches to show cartoon animal. I like it for the antcipation and the repeated attempts at cause/effect.

Sparkabilities HD 1 App Demonstration

This is one of my favorite apps Sparkabilities HD 1 http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sparkabilities-babies-1-hd/id379360112?mt=8 . It is very visually stimulating and as the flash cards keep going the image gets smaller and instead of just hitting the screen anywhere you have to touch the smaller image. The image also becomes more hidden in the background. My only complaint is that the movies move very quickly. The app costs $4.99. I am ready to buy II and the toddler version is in the works from my understanding. You can purchase these in full length DVD and also watch 6 minute sample clips on youtube.

App Demonstration of Look Baby

Look Baby is a free app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/look-baby/id325952583?mt=8  I like to use it for basic cause/effect, to encourage reaching, and to maintain visual attention/fixation.  It has simple pictures and pleasant music/sounds effects.  When working with vision I often turn the volume down or off to minimze distraction.  The child does need to touch the item on the screen not anywhere on the screen which makes it a little more challenging.

Fish School - by Duck Duck Moose (iPad, iPhone app for kids)

iPad Picture Book Offers First Ever Sign Language Narration | Gizmodo Australia

iPad Picture Book Offers First Ever Sign Language Narration Gizmodo Australia

Do I HAVE to go out and buy my 2 year old an iPad?

This was a question from one of the moms that I am using an iPad with her toddler.  My answer was 'No'.  I have not met an infant/toddler yet that HAS to have an iPad.  It is just another tool for therapy so far, just like a stander, Big Mac switch, switch toys, Benik Vest, etc.  So no child has to have one but can I see some benefits so far and the answer is 'Yes'.  The first few weeks I have been taking some data.  Nothing scientific or anything.  I did no official testing prior to using or nothing official after.  Just my own judgement call from the experience I have had with the child before using the iPad. 

The Results for 15 children with a variety of dx

Increase in Motor Skills in 6 including more reaching, sitting balance, and hand use

Increase in Visual Skills in 4 including visually guided reach, visual fixation, visual field, and visual attention

Increase in Language Skills in 3 including more vocalizations and increase in signing

Increase in Auditory Skills in 2 including listening

Increase in Cognitive Skills in 4 including attention span and more cause/effect play

Increase in Social Skills in 4 including more engaging (I was most surprised in this area)

2 children were unchanged and showed limited to no interest

I also observed a decrease in social skills with 2 children wanting to perseverate while playing and limited their engagement significantly.

iHelp for Autism - Page 1 - News - San Francisco - SF Weekly

iHelp for Autism - Page 1 - News - San Francisco - SF Weekly I realize most of the articles are titled about Autism and the iPad but the ongoing themes of most of the articles are the same. The iPad is helping children with special needs.

Apps for Special Needs

Apps for Special Needs This is a link to a website and Facebook page called Moms with Apps. They provide almost daily app reviews of the latest apps. They have a special needs section. Another motivator for joining is Free App Friday where they give away the App that is being reviewed.

A father's necessity - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

A father's necessity - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review More parents are creating apps out of necessity. A father developed our TapSpeak app that is used in the video of C. The app looks like a big Big Mac switch and works so quickly to give a child a voice.

Peekaboo Barn iPhone App Review - AppVee.com

Lions step up to help teen - The Sun Chronicle Online - News

Lions step up to help teen - The Sun Chronicle Online - News

My favorite apps so far

During the last few weeks I have been playing with this thing I do have favorite apps so far. I know this list will change as new apps come about. In no particular order:

 

Look Baby (free)

Virtuoso (free)

Sparkabilities Babies 1 HD ($4.99)

Hatch! (free)

Flashlight (free)

Tap Speak ($9.99)

iComm ($7.99)

Glow Draw (free)

Baby Shapes ($2.99)

Peek A Boo Barn ($2.99) Lite version (free)

Ilovefireworks lite (free)

Wheels on the Bus ($1.99)

Itsy Bitsy Spider ($1.99)

Fish School ($1.99)

Story Kit (free)

Lady Bug Song (free)

Little Bella I close my eyes lite (free)

 

 

Autism: there's an app for help

Autism: there's an app for help

E uses beginning AAC/icomm on the iPad

This is E using the AAC app iComm.  I have it programed with a single picture of her favorite toy a lady bug and beside her to the right I have her actual lady bug toy.  E has CVI and this is the first time I have seen her look at a picture and then look at the object.  Sorry my video did not capture the objects but you can see her look at each item and the reflection of the screen in her glasses.  Her sister is helping her touch the screen but my goal was for her to fixate on a picture.  iComm is probably the easiest of all the AAC apps I have tried.  They have a lite version to try without audio and with audio is $7.99. 

The Conversation: iPad Gives Voice to the Autistic

I will be watching this app and how it works in the future. I think the babies and toddlers I work with are not quite ready for this extensive symbol system yet and I don't have the extra $190.00 but it is something I am exploring more.

iComm app

This is my favorite AAC app so far. Great for young children that are not ready for symbols yet. I typically use one of the photo editing apps to make the pictures simple and cut out distracting background clutter.

iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs | Capable Kids Clubhouse

iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs Capable Kids Clubhouse


A recommended app article.

I imitates animal sounds using the iPad

I is making animal sounds when he sees the animals or imitates their sounds after he hears them. 

A figures out how to crack an egg on the iPad

iPhone app lets disabled child talk to her parents

iDevices are Life Changers

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/personal-tech/apple/for-autistic-kids-idevices-are-life-changers/article1530164/   

Story of Leo and his Near Miracle

The iPad: a Near-Miracle for My Son With Autism


http://top-books4selfhelp.com/printer/?p=25  Click on this link to read the article with videos.  Very inspiring.

My son Leo’s life was transformed when a five-dollar raffle ticket turned into a brand-new iPad. I’m not exaggerating. Before the iPad, Leo’s autism made him dependent on others for entertainment, play, learning, and communication. With the iPad, Leo electrifies the air around him with independence and daily new skills. People who know Leo are amazed when they see this new boy rocking that iPad. I’m impressed, too, especially when our aggressively food-obsessed boy chooses to play with his iPad rather than eat. I don’t usually dabble in miracle-speak, but I may erect a tiny altar to Steve Jobs in the corner of our living room.





Irony: We hadn’t even considered getting Leo an iPad. They seemed awkward and fragile to me, with oversized touch screens that looked as vulnerable as a hermit crab’s exposed backside. I felt more comfortable with the sturdy iPod Touch we’d purchased just two weeks before winning the iPad, and which Leo seemed to enjoy well enough. But our boy has difficulty with fine motor tasks — with making his fingers do small-scale manipulations like pointing and writing — and also, as it turns out, with the tiny iPod touch screen navigation. He can use the iPod Touch, but it doesn’t compel him the way the iPad does.



After Leo spent five minutes with his iPad, I realized that any assumptions I had about it being merely a bigger or a more breakable iPod touch were idiotic. It’s a tough little device. And for Leo, the larger scale of the iPad makes everything he wants to interact with just the right size, and therefore totally accessible. He may have a hard time writing on paper or typing on a computer keyboard, but he is a world-class iPad swiper and tapper, and his excellent visual memory means he can use that swiping and tapping to navigate between apps and videos with precision.



Leo mastered the iPad interface within a day. He explores it, he rules it, he loves it. Example: He used to beg me to play the same video sequences over and over again on TVs or computers, because that was the only way he could feel in control of his videos. Now that the iPad lets him choose exactly what he wants to watch, he’s not only comfortable watching shows in their entirety, but he keeps checking the video home screen to see if I’ve downloaded new ones.



He’s attempting drawings like we’ve never seen before on his iPad, via MagnaDoodle-y apps like DrawFree. It’s so much easier for him to run his finger over the touchscreen than use a pencil, pen, or even crayon. The following drawing may seem simple, but until last week he had never drawn people as anything more than a smiley face with legs. Now we have ears, hats, arms, fingers, and toes! Serious mama bear pride.







But it’s the early learning apps that really let Leo shine, like the spelling program FirstWords. Leo loves this app because it’s fun and easy. I love it because he’s learning to spell words, and the interface makes that learning error-free. Witness how nimble he is, how engaged:







IWriteWords is another intuitively designed favorite, and includes writing as well as spelling — both challenging areas for Leo. He adores it:







Those two spelling apps may be autism-friendly, but they’re not autism-focused. The next app, Stories2Learn, is a social story maker for kids with communication difficulties who need support with excursions, routings, or transitions. Our entire family (and a friend) had a great time putting together the photos, captions, and voiceover for this social story about Leo visiting a local cafe — the process was so easy, and fast, and Leo loves the story so much I had to have his sister demo it, as Leo likes the voiceovers to repeat several times:







Leo may have communications difficulties, but he is a visual boy and a visual schedule pro. We have started using a visual schedule app called First-Then. It comes with a library of stock images, though you can add your own. It took me about 20 minutes to set up Leo’s exact morning schedule, from getting out of bed and taking off his jammies, to putting on his backpack and getting on the bus. Leo almost couldn’t believe that his beloved iPad could contain his beloved visual schedule too.



Kids with communication difficulties have a lot of choices when it comes to AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) apps, which let users tap symbols or icons to produce speech. Choices include MyTalk, TapToTalk, iComm, iConverse, and the robust ProloquoToGo. The most straightforward AAC app I’ve found is iCommunicate, which has a simple “list of icons” option that suits Leo well. The other AAC apps have nested/categorical interfaces that facilitate verbal requesting, but Leo is quite good at that already — what he needs is practice holding a conversation.



We maintain a list of social questions for Leo to work on; with iCommunicate, we were able to create a list of answers to those questions for him to access and tap on any time — and (bonus) he even did some of the icons’ voiceovers. [Note: I was provided with a bonus copy of iCommunicate, but that has no bearing on my opinion. The other AAC apps were more than Leo needs.]



Since Leo was not able to demonstrate the full power of his iPad with respect to AAC, I asked about a power AAC user: Robert Rummel-Hudson’s daughter Schuyler. Here’s what Robert had to say:



I would say that for the most part, the iPad has exceeded our expectations. Schuyler’s level of enthusiasm has been the most positive thing; anyone who has dealt with a child using AAC knows that the biggest impediment to implementation can often be the kid’s hesitance. It’s an unnatural way to communicate, and they sense that. The iPad feels so intuitive and, yeah, so cool that it keeps her fired up about using it.



I know that Schuyler is occasionally disappointed by some of the limitations of the iPad, particularly the lower volume level than she’s accustomed to being able to use on her Vantage in crowded places. She’s also accustomed to the MinSpeak language system on her Vantage, which is a bit more complex and robust than Proloquo2Go, and so we’re constantly trying to customize the app to give her some of the same functionality. Customizing Proloquo2Go is much easier than the Vantage, though. She’s also frustrated from time to time by Proloquo2Go’s tendency to randomly clear the speech area display while she’s putting together a statement, but she’s gotten skilled at using the “Recents” tab to quickly reconstruct whatever she was working on.



It’s also become clear that Schuyler loves how she can quickly move from the “typical” world (games, music, video, etc.) to AAC, and on a device that doesn’t identify her as having a disability.



At this point, the iPad is supplementing her Vantage. This is mostly because she’s still getting accustomed to the iPad, but also because her AAC class is built around MinSpeak. These days, she takes the Vantage to school and uses the iPad at home or when we go out. I don’t see this changing anytime soon, unless Prentke Romich licenses MinSpeak for the iPad. Then all bets are off.



Schuyler loves some of the interactive eBooks like Alice in Wonderland (the one with the crazy, motion-sensitive animations) and read-along books like How to Train Your Dragon and Toy Story. She also likes some of the word games like Chicktionary and WordSearch. Although I must confess that our family’s unhealthy addiction to the game Angry Birds began when Schuyler played it on an SLP’s iPhone at a conference a few months ago. She loves playing games on it, too. Which is fine with me, since it keeps her interested and emotionally invested in the iPad as a part of her day-to-day life.

Leo likes to play games on his iPad, too. He currently prefers ShapeBuilder and TappyTunes (he’s a musical boy, after all), is intrigued by Faces iMake (ukelele!), and the Sesame Street games like Count TV (videos!) and Rosita’s Jump Count (shaking!). He is taken by Fish Frenzy (more ukelele!) and Scoops (snore), though he’s still working on technique. So while his gaming might not be that of a stereotypical nine-year-old, he’s got the attitude down — given a choice, he’d rather be geeking out in front of an interactive screen.



—–



More about kids like Leo, and iPads and AAC iDevices:



Inspirational high school student with autism delivers commencement speech using AAC device.

iPad options and guidelines for users with visual, auditory, or other physical disabilities

Closing The Gap “highlights hardware and software products appropriate for people with special needs, and explains how this technology is being implemented in education, rehabilitation, and vocational settings around the world.”

Moms with Apps is a developer and enthusiast group. They offer a free app every Friday.

Speech Language Pathology Sharing: App Resources: Dedicated to Special Ed iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices and applications

Maria Boggan, NerdNews: Apps for Autism: Communicating a Need to Fit In

Dashkara Bascaramurty, Globe and Mail: For autistic kids, iDevices are life changers

—-



Shannon Des Roches Rosa intends to fully document her kids’ iPad addiction on her personal blog, Squidalicious.com — when she’s not playing uConnect on the family iPad, co-editing the CanISitWithYou.org project, and launching a new book/blog project: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism.



Parenting Children with Special Needs

View the Original article



Tags: Autism, iPad:, Near-Miracle

App Resources « Speech-Language Pathology Sharing

App Resources « Speech-Language Pathology Sharing More Apps for Special Needs

App Friday: iComm

App Friday: iComm From Moms with Apps

C first time playing with an iPad

C typically does not use his hands much to play but he did today. He has global developmental delays without a diagnosis. He is visually impaired but I think he sees the camera just fine.

Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs: iPossibilities for Those with Significant Special Needs and their Teams

Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs: iPossibilities for Those with Significant Special Needs and their Teams An app review page by the blog author mostly for older special users.

C uses the iPad as a tool not a toy

Last week we saw C not really interested in the iPad as a toy but he loved the tea set, so this week I wanted to make the activity more challenging. Using the TapSpeak app like a Big Mac switch C had to ask for his toys. He was much happier to use it as a tool instead of a toy.

Playing with ipad

More and more people are using the iPad with kids with special needs

http://theipadkids.com/letting-the-nonverbal-talk-with-the-ipad

Number Crunching

Number Crunching


In the past 2 week fifteen children ages 14 months to 36 months had time during a visit to interact with the iPad. Each regular visit has an outcome chosen by the family to work on. I used the iPad with each child as another tool to help achieve the outcomes. I gave each child the same opportunity to play with a variety of toddler type apps. If the goal was reaching I used the iPad to encourage reaching, if the goal was sitting I placed the iPad in a way to encourage sitting, etc. The 15 children had a variety of diagnosis: (some children have more than one diagnosis)

     Global Delay of Unknown Etiology 4

     Cortical Vision Impairment 6

     Cerebral Palsy 5

     Hearing Loss 2

     Seizure Disorder 7

     Hydrocephalus 2

     Prader Willi Syndrome 1

     Shaken Baby Syndrome 1

     Holoprosencephaly 1

     Genetic Syndrome unspecified 1

     Schizencephaly 1

     Spina Bifida 1

     Environmental Issues causing delays 1


During each visit typical tools (toys) were used to engage the child in their outcomes prior to using the iPad. The children were then able to use the iPad with appropriate apps selected for them. They were allowed to play as long as they showed interest up to 40 minutes. I rounded the time to the nearest 5 minutes.

# of Children    Amount of Time

      5                  40 min

      1                  30 min

      6                  20 min

      1                  15 min

      2                    5 min



I had worked so hard on pretty little tables with the information and it didn't show up on my cut and paste.  Dang.

Stand from Staples

This stand is intended to hold up papers while you type. It holds the iPad up perfect and only costs $7. A piece of shelf liner under it would keep it from moving around.
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J gets mad when you take his iPad away

J gets mad when we take the iPad the first time he plays. I got this reaction a few times. This child always lays down to play as you can see he tried a few times to take it to the floor but using the iPad he sat up nearly 40 minutes to play without fussing. Until of course I took it away then he went after it.  The small portion of the video is only a fraction of the fit he continued to throw as I was writing my note and leaving.  Sorry mom!!!

R J Cooper already offers iPad accessibility items

http://www.rjcooper.com/ipad-mount/index.html

Makenzies Miracle: iPad Review

Another mom and child love the iPad. Check out her picture, videos and favorite apps on her blog.

Makenzies Miracle: iPad Review

Nathan using the iPad

Found another baby using an iPad doing a random search.

C not as interested in the $499 iPad but LOVES the $3 tea set

C just turned two and has ALWAYS loved toys even as an infant.  C has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder.  I was a little surprised at his reaction to the iPad since he loves the cause/effect type play with other toys.  I did not direct C or the other kids in how to play with the iPad for their first introduction but as you can see I am so glad I got the waterproof cover since C loves to kiss the puppy.  I think the iPad was too easy and got boring too quick for C.  If you watch the next video which was taken just prior to his first intro to the iPad, C is ready for more pretend play than the iPad offered his first go around.  We will try again soon making it a bit more challenging next time.

$499 iPad from Apple

$3 Tea set from Target

A picture is worth a 1000 words

C is 2.5 yrs old. He has no diagnosis. C's family and team have been working for almost 2 years to get him to use his hands more to play. He used them today.
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I. signs using the iPad

My video skills are for the birds so sorry.  I is finding animal pictures on the iPad and signing the animals as they made the sounds.  He just turned 2 and has Prader Willi Syndrome.  His language is delayed and he only says a few words and uses a few signs. 

Love That Max: iPad and Proloquo2Go review: Max tried 'em!

Love That Max: iPad and Proloquo2Go review: Max tried 'em!

Bubby plays the iPad

L is 2 years old and a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome.  He has difficulty using his left side and has CVI.  Our goal introducing L to the iPad was to get him to use his left side more.  I guess he showed us.

Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords: Making weird cool

Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords: Making weird cool: "How Schuyler passes the time at conferences Originally uploaded by Citizen RobDespite my past work as an IT guy, it is an undeniable fact t..."

S using the iPad for the first time

S using the iPad for the first time. He is the youngest child I have tried it with. It is very difficult to find toys for S due to the tightness in his arms limiting his arm and hand movement. He figures it out though and I think he is proud of himself.  (S is 14 months old with holoprosencephaly)  Free app Peek a Boo Barn

A loves Wheels on the Bus

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Funding

I have listed several grant agencies on the Facebook page that may??? pay all or part of an iPad. I sold items on ebay that I no longer needed to fund mine. The cheapest version is $499 with free shipping. I have spent about $30 on apps and I have about 150 now. I only see a few more I want that I am saving for. Some possible fund raising ideas to get your child an IPad other than grants...add a donation box to your blog with your paypal account, ask for itunes cards for birthdays and holidays, if you know some local businesses set out donation boxes/jars, etc. Anyone else have any ideas for funding or fund raisers?
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Waterproof Case for iPad

There are air bubbles that do not completely go away but for using at a table with food present, using outside, or with our babies that drool it is a great way to protect your investment. Also comes with an attached cord that could be tied to a tray or desk so if the iPad is accidentally knocked off it would not hit the floor. Screen is completely accessible through the cover. Amazon.com for $19.99.
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E plays piano on the iPad

Zach's a Mac | Exceptional Family TV

Zach's a Mac Exceptional Family TV

HUGE list of apps for education

A very extensive list of apps for education.  Not all are appropriate for infants and toddlers with disabilities but a very nice list.  More inclusive than any other I have seen.


http://www.connsensebulletin.com/2010/05/apps-for-education/ 

Love Love Love this App although it does cost $4.99

http://appshopper.com/education/sparkabilities-babies-2-for-ipad

R meets Talking Tom on the iPad

Carrying a lot less 'stuff'

Another positive so far using the iPad for home visiting has been I don't have to carry around so much stuff. In the picture I am using the iPad as a light box for a child with CVI. I have also used it as a flashlight, portable DVD player, switch toy, tape recorder, Big Mac, puzzle, story book and matching game. This is only the first week. I can already feel my toy bag getting lighter.
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A's First Impression of the iPad

Drawing

A is 2 years old.  He has an unknown genetic condition resulting in hypotonia, seizure disorder and CVI.  He has never been able to hold a crayon or marker to draw but today he used his hand to make a picture.  With the Glow Doodle app (free) you can immediately save and email your picture.  Since his mother is away from home for military training, A emailed his picture to her all from the iPad. (using initials instead of the name of the children)

I wish I had a before and after video...WOW

I tried the iPad today with my first toddler. He was a 34 month old with a significant speech and cognitive delay. Due to custody issues I was unable to video tape. He has an expressive vocabulary of about 20 words of only labels like cup, bed, sock, etc. He has a limited attention span. He has played with an iPhone before so he was familiar with how to navigate the touch screen. At first he just wanted to push everything and not attend to any app. I had planned on working with the free ABA Action words and Emotions apps but we know what happens to the best of plans. He had other ideas. We both settled on a story app called Little Bella's I Close My Eyes. This tells an interactive story of a little girl dreaming. This child was amazed. He has never attended to a story with me before. He listened and repeated many of the action words. I tried to encourage him to act out the bouncing, sleeping, eating, etc. to which he responded to the first two word sentence I have ever heard him speak 'NO Bounce'. During the story he became so animated and vocal saying at least 5 new words including the pronoun 'her'. He attended and played the story three times.

The child pictured is about 19 months old and has spina bifida. He has no cognitive or fine motor delays so I had not planned on using the iPad with him. He has recently started crawling so during my visit he kept trying to crawl away from the material I had been working with. His mom said "You might have to bring out the big guns to keep his attention". So out came the iPad hoping maybe he would hold still long enough to play. He was happy to push a button or two. Tapping a musical instrument on the app Babysitter he moved his body to the music a few times then he was done and unimpressed. That was the exact reaction I wanted from a child that can explore the world on their own and does not need a toy like the iPad to play or communicate. I am very pleased with my first day. (All apps mentioned are free)
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It has arrived

My iPad came by FedEx today. My sister signed for it and now I am syncing it. I plan on developing a consent for so parents will let me take pictures and video tape their children. Hopefully I can start as soon as tomorrow. Wish me luck.
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In Transit

My iPad is in Memphis, TN this morning and on its way.  Hopefully I will have it Tuesday.  YEAH.  In the mean time I am reviewing some apps and have downloaded a few to have ready.  I already have an iTouch so I have been using a few on there.  These are all free

Look Baby!
Super Match Madness
Puzzle Time Lite
My First Puzzles
Tap to Talk
Peek a Boo Lite
Talking Baby Flash Cards
Baby Smart
Baby Sitter 2 Go
Vocal Zoo

These are some of my favorites so far.

Windshield Car Mount for Apple iPad (Black)

Windshield Car Mount for Apple iPad (Black)

I think this would work on a wheelchair tray or desk top. Does anyone have any experience with this type of mount?

IEP CHECKLIST

Just received notice

My iPad is being shipped.  It is leaving Taiwan right now.  I have already been downloading apps this evening.  There are not as many free apps designed for the iPad as I have on the iTouch but some of those apps will work on the iPad too.  A few more days......

iPhone, iPad and iPod touch Apps for (Special) Education

iPhone, iPad and iPod touch Apps for (Special) Education

Free Voice Recognition Apps

/http://www.theipadfan.com/voice-recognition-technology-shines-ipad/

Six iPad/iPhone Apps for Kids - Newborns/Toddlers (Review)

Still waiting

I am still waiting for my iPad to come in.  I ordered it last Monday after selling several things on ebay to finance my iPad.  When ordering from Apple.com I was give a 7 to 10 day free shipping option and several friends told me it took about 5 days to get theirs.  WELL on my order status it now says it won't be delivered until July 24 and someone has to be home to sign for it.  So that means I may never get it.  I would have traveled to 2.5 hours to Columbus to the nearest Apple store if I had known it would have taken this long but I keep reading that the stores are sold out.  So I will keep posting links, pictures and videos of children using iPads and reviews of some of the apps.