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.