5 Great Summer AT/AAC Online Trainings!

Looking for some continuing education opportunities to learn more about assistive technology and AAC while you are wrapping up your "lazy" summer? :)  Check out some of these great online webinars to stay in the AT loop!

1.  ATIA Online Webinars

ATIA is offering some great topics over the next month, including "Challenges to Using Apps as Assistive Technology"

2.  PRC Online Professional Development Trainings

PRC always hosts some great AAC trainings to support not only their products, but the AAC evaluation and treatment process as a whole.  They have a few nice online trainings coming up, including one on successful AAC report writing.

3.  The AAC Institute

Offers a nice, comprehensive listing of CE opportunities in the areas of AT and AAC, including online/webinar trainings.  

4.  The Assistive Technology Training Online Program (ATTO)

Although not a live webinar or a course offering CE credits, this site has some amazing online resources to help new professionals in the field of AT get their bearings.  

5.  Closing the Gap

Although they have not posted any new, live webinars since May, you can access all of their archived webinars for some really great information.

I will update this as I come across new opportunities.

Have a training, online course, or webinar you'd like to share?

Connect: New Switch Interface for iPad

Updated information on Connect (previously called Keynote), set to be released this Fall!
Adapted form a post seen on Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs
 
Ablenet is set to release Keynote in September of this year.  From what I can tell (and I could be wrong), it seems like Keynote is a switch interface, sound amplification system and protective case in one, very similar to the iAdapter with the added feature of a switch interface.  The switch interface in Keynote will enable users to control functions of the iPad that allow Voice Over controls, such as switching between screens on the iPad, and navigating to and opening apps.  Keynote's switch interface will also enable users to operate apps that support Voice Over controls by using a single switch.  This is a step above where our current switch interface options are (e.g., Blue2, Therapy Box).  Pretty cool, can't wait to try it out for myself!

Switch Adapted Wii Controller

Gimp Gear is bringing video games to kids (and adults) with special needs through their switch adapted, NintendoWii controller.  Check out more here, including demonstration videos!  This controller is mounted to a hat and controls the Wii through head movements.  For users who have some use of their arms, you can also holster this controller to the arm to activate games through large arms movements.  The Gimp Gear Switch adapted Wii controller is available for purchase through EnableMart.

Must Have Books for Parenting Special Needs

Don't get me wrong, I love the Internet. But sometimes, you just need a little more depth when you're trying to find important answers.  Even with this vast web of knowledge, I still look to books to help me in my practice and to give me resources for the families I serve.  I LOVE that many of the resource books that tackle common difficulties in parenting children with special needs come in electronic book format too!  Check out these great books and eBooks on a variety of topics, from dealing with the stress of parenting a special needs child to feeding a picky eater.  

Find Great Books for Special Needs Here

What books are you reading?

Check out SNEAK's Pinboards on Pinterest!

www.myblindside.com

Want to find crafty ideas to make your own assistive technology solutions?  How about ways to adapt play for your child with special needs?  You can find these tips and more, shared by SNEAK, via the colorful, fun, and visually easy interface of Pinterest!  Here's how!

Check out SNEAK's Pinboards


Follow SNEAK on Pinterest

 and Repin your favorites!

Happy Pinning!

7 Great Resources for (Gently) Used Assistive Technology!

There is no question that the iPad has brought much more affordable learning and communication technology to children in need.  With this awesome gadget, we can now offer voice output communication for a mere fraction of the cost of dedicated AAC devices.  However, for some kids with special needs, dedicated AAC devices may be more appropriate for long term language growth and communication development.  This necessity comes with a hefty price tag as many dedicated AAC devices cost thousands of dollars and are not fully covered by private medical insurance.  For those children with medical coverage that reimburses for these systems, the assessment and application process can be effortful and time consuming for the parents and team supporting the child, at times resulting in denials from funding sources.  And lets not forget that just because the iPad and other tablets are much less expensive then these dedicated systems or a personal computer, doesn't mean that all families are able to meet the financial requirements that arise in setting up an iPad communication system.   A family can expect to spend $1000.00 or more when you consider the base price of the tablet, protective gear, audio gear, apps, access supports like switches and switch interfaces-the list could go on and on!  So what options are available for families who just can't meet the iPad price tag or for kids that truly need a dedicated system at a significantly lowered price?

Here are a few great resources to help you find used and donated (i.e., lowered cost and free) assertive technology (AT), including communication devices, mobility equipment, and mobile technology.  

1. Pacer Center: Champions for Children with Disabilities
2. Get AT Stuff 
3. AbleData Classifieds
4. Tech ACT Projects   (resources by State)
5. Pass It On Center  (resources by State)
6. Apple Store (Refurbished and Clearance Center)  Apple has a section of their online store that is dedicated to selling used/refurbished and clearance technology, including iPads
7. Used iPads on Amazon

Do you have a source for affordable AT that you'd like to share?  Do you have equipment that you'd like to donate to a child in need?  Contact SNEAK or post in the comments below.

If you want to continue the discussion on the technology divide, please comment below or join our chat at SNEAK Freestyle Forum.

Disclaimer:  I checked out the above resources to the best of my ability and each seems legitimate and responsible when it comes to assuring the quality of goods being sold as well as the honesty of those selling them.  Please be aware when purchasing equipment and other products for third party sellers that you are not familiar with as their is always risk involved.  I have never purchased from any of the above links and therefore cannot fully endorse the safety of shopping through these sources.  

Switch Access in a Glove by Ablenet!

 

A friend shared this link with me on Facebook (Thanks Sam!) and I though it was pretty cool! The Freehand Glove acts as a switch when special points on the fingers are touched together. Although I can't see this immediate product being all that helpful for little ones who use switches, I think the base technology is pretty amazing and could lend itself to some pretty creative applications in the field of accessibility switches. The Freehand won't be available until April but you can read more about it on Ablenet's site.

 

What do you guys think?

 

Assistive Tech Education from Ablenet!

Ablenet is hosting some cool Professional development courses on power chairs, AT and literacy, using AAC throughout the day, and more!
Click here to get more info on these sessions.

And don't forget to check out Ablenet's Sounding Board AAC App
and Blue 2 Switch for iPad!

The SoundBender Amplifies iPad for AAC

The Soundbender

I just came across this great review on AppAdvice about The Soundbender (by Simply Amazinc), a simple iPad accessory that amplifies the sound from your iPad by redirecting the sound waves toward you (rather than to the back, which is how the iPad speaker is currently set-up).  I really think this has amazing applications for kids (and adults) who use the iPad as an AAC device.  Compared to using external speakers to address limitations in amplification, the Soundbender is smaller, lighter-weight, does not require a power source, and fits on the iPad with a protective case in place secondary to its magnetic properties.  Check out a review of Soundbender on AppAdvice, and visit Kickstarter to learn more about the product and its designer, a teacher and Rabbi working in Minnesota. Kickstarter also has a video of the Soundbender in action.  Currently, the only way to obtain a Soundbender is to become a “backer” of this new, grass-roots product by visiting their project site on Kickstarter.   Once the project receives enough funding (i.e., enough “backers” pledging money), Simply Amazinc can begin larger scale production of the Soundbender and it will become available commercially.  Mine is on the way for a simple pledge of $20! Can’t wait to receive it and start using it-I’ll keep you posted! J

The Soundbender on the iPad 2

What solutions are you using to solve this iPad sound dilemma? 

Sensory Pods for Kids with Visual Impairment

 A great pin on Pinterest shared by my amazing friend and colleague, Gabi!  Thanks, Gabi!  

These cool little pods might be low tech, but they have awesome potential to enhance sensory processing in children with visual impairment!

http://m.pinterest.com/pin/259590365991289593/

 

Hands-Free Solutions for iPad? Yes, Please!

The iPad is a WONDERFUL tool! For play, for learning, for therapy, for communication, you name it!  But is anyone else thinking what I'm thinking sometimes? "Oh great! Another THING to  literally JUGGLE with all of the other THINGS in my therapy session/classroom activity/daily routine! Sure, it's light, it's small, but I need to be an octopus to balance the kid, the visual supports for behavior, the toy, the tactile prompting, and the iPad all at once!  And how about the issue of joint attention and focus?  I want my kids looking at me, in my direction, and interacting with me- not turning this way and that doing a juggling act of their own.  so I was thinking the other day, why can't I just stick the iPad to my chest, that wY, I can have both of my hands free and increase focus to my direction rather than the table top.  I was pretty sure this could be accomplished DIY style with a simple cooking apron and some Velcro.  But I thought I would check out some ready-made solutions just to see what was out there.  What I found made me chuckle, but it also revealed some potentially feasible products to address this "hands-free" concept.

Defender by Assero Industries is a carrying case and hands-free, no-table-needed chest harness that is designed to hang (as shown in picture) so that you can use the iPad facing towards you, in horizontal mode, and laying flat.  This might be appropriate for children (and adults) who are ambulatory and use the iPad on the go as a communication device.  It isn't clear from the website if this would adjust to fit small kids, but it certainly has potential.  I also wonder if you could use it in conjunction with a stand that sets the iPad upright.  If so, a therapist, educator, or parent could wear the harness with the iPad on the stand and facing outward so that the child could access it on the facilitator and the iPad could also be accessed from behind by the facilitator.  Far fetched idea, right? But it might work :) Check out a review of Defender on GeekwithLaptop

iPad Jacket by Alphynin is a polar tech jacket with a secret iPad pocket in the front that zips up to store the iPad and then unzips and lowers as a platform to use the iPad hands free (as pictured above). It works similar to the Defender (above) and might have similar potential uses for AAC users on the go who are ambulatory, and for facilitators (given the right stand to position the iPad upright).  I liked this option (hypothetically, of course :) because you can stow the iPad when you aren't using it.  It might be a bit too toasty for using indoors though, and I can't see fleece being functional (or bearable!) in warm climates.   Check out a review of iPad Jacket on Geekosystem.

GoPad from GoPad is a more simplistic version of the two above. I don't think this one would work for a facilitator.  Check out a review of GoPad on Gizmag

iPad Style Shirt by Style Shirt is my favorite potential solution fir the problem outlined at the beginning of this post.  It is a simple t-shirt with a clear pocket in the front that still allows you to interact with the touch screen.  I imagine you could buy one big enough to simply slip over what you're wearing, but not too big that it affects the placement of the iPad on your body.  I may have to get one of these to try for myself. :) Check out a review of iPad Style Shirt on enGadget

And don't forget the DIY Way! :)
Get a cooking apron or communication apron, attach some heavy duty Velcro to the apron and the opposite side to the back of the iPad, and just stick it on!

SNEAK's Peeks #4: Hands-on Interactive Play with Sifteo Cubes

 Sifteo Interactive Game Cubes were one of the coolest tools I saw at ATIA 2012 this past weekend! Check out this quick demo  the rep from EnableMart gave me of this awesome new learning modality!
  


These high-tech "manipulatives" interact with desktop software on your computer to display and play fun and educational games! You can create your own games using the Sifteo Creativity Kit, or play a variety of games from the Sifteo Game Studios, suited for a variety of ages and interests!
I had a blast playing with the cubes and saw so much potential for use with kids with special needs. The cubes have a high color display, are extremely lightweight and easy to push along th table or grasp, and easily connect and interact with each other to give feedback to the player.  What a fun way to incorporate manipulatives into simple counting, math, colors, or matching game!  The rep assured me that they re pretty durable too. Can't wait to see where this technology goes!  Check out Sifteo Interactive Game Cubes on Amazon!

ATIA Update! Adapted Learning for Kids with CVI

 I have been dieing to attend a workshop with Linda Burkhart since graduate school, but I just haven't had a chance to make it happen. Today, I FINALLY got a taste of her wisdom and on, of all things, one of my favorite topics-CVI (cortical visual impairment).  A bit of what I took from today's mini-session with Linda Burkhart:

• All kids with CVI are different and even skills within each child with CVI may vary
• Don't judge a book by its cover: not all children with CVI have the same level of,m If any, significant cognitive impairment.  
• Successful intervention for children with CVI isn't just facilitating opportunities for sight, but also providing meaningful contexts for associative learning.  
• Adapting materials and the environment is not a one size fits all solution for kids with CVI: try these strategies and measure how they improve or hinder visual and leaning progress

                   -Add light via use of flashlight and other focused light sources to draw visual attention to symbols and objects for children with CVI who "light gaze" 

                   -Reduc glare which interferes with "flashlight  highlighting".  One way to do so, avoid high gloss laminating film and go for low-gloss or no- gloss options.  An alternative way to protect visual supports without lamination is a waterproof paper called iGage, sold at www.trailexplorers.com

                  -Establish visual attention by incorporating movement with objects or symbols, which taps into the "fight or flight" area of the visual brain.  Move objects and symbols by shaking them in the  periphery for establishment of visual attention, and then stilling them centrally for children o establish visual focus.  Use animation in computer programs and realize tthat some kids see better when they move-bounce on therapy balls, swing, or learn while moving in other ways. 

                  -Visual complexity is a significant problem for many kids with CVI so simplify visual materials by presenting pictures and text separately, reducing detail in symbols, reducing color array, and reducing symbol array (in situations of AAC).  

                 -Mask visual complexity by using simple techniques like covering extra visual info (e.g.,  extraneous objects, busy prints on clothing or confusing work surfaces, like clear lap trays) with dark fabrics in navy or black.  

                  -Use software programs that reduce visual complexity by keeping graphics and colors simple, such as those by Inclusive Technology.  Also, incorporate additional visual and auditory info via screen highlights, sounds assigned to different functions within games and AAC layouts, and verbal auditory cues. To AAC devices  

                  -Test software for kids with CVI to meeT these guidelines and do so with your eyes literally closed so you can experience what the feedback is like.  

                    - Keep in mind that kids with CVI may have difficulty processing sensory info together.  So they may not be able to look and listen or look and physically activate at the same time.  

I love the twist that Linda Burkhart gives to the field of working with kids with severe challenges and it was so awesome to hear her share her experience in person.  She also mentioned that Mayer -Johnson is due to release a high contrast version of PCS symbols as an addendum library to BoardmKer, very exciting for the application of visuals in the learning environments of children with CVI. Goodnightbfir now, more info from ATIA tomorrow, including extra focus on apps and other great gadgets in the exhibit hall!  

Gain more insight from Linda Burkhart at her site!

 

 

 

 

 

Stay Tuned to SNEAK for ATIA 2012 Coverage!

 How amazing is technology?  As I write this, I am 35,000 feet in the air, wedged in the middle seat of a very full airplane, on my way to Orlando! And what waits for me there?  More amazing technology!  While I may not be a reporter, I'm going to take a stab at it this weekend to bring all of you on-the-spot coverage of the great resources at ATIA.  Most of you know about ATIA, some of you may not, but in short, it is an amazing conference that brings together great minds in education, innovation, therapy, advocacy, and so much more!  AT for mobility, low vision, special education, hearing impairment- you name it and it is at ATIA!  And to back up these amazing products, fresh and innovative perspectives from experts in the supporting fields that bring ability to children and adults with special needs.   Stay tuned through SNEAK email updates, my Twitter feed (@sneakotb), RSS feed, and Facebook so you won't miss a thing tomorrow through Sunday!! :) 

 

The Trabasack Helps Your iPad Stay Put!

Buy the Trabasack Curve Connect on Amazon!

This is a clever product and when I saw it, I immediately thought of the many wheelchair lap trays I have outfitted with tons of Velcro strips to get toys and tech to stay put!  I think this smart little lap desk/carrying case is a great alternative for some kids who need their materials anchored for access!  The Trabasack (sometimes referred to as a "buggy tray") comes in four versions: Trabasack Curve,  Trabasack Curve Connect, Trabasack Mini , and Trabasack Mini Connect .  "Connect" versions are covered with a material that feels and acts like the soft side of Velcro. To anchor toys, games, tech, or anything else, you would simply put the hook side of a Velcro tab on the item.  You may need more Velcro on the item depending on its size and weight.  The Trabasack also acts as a carrying case so yo can ensure it is always with the child, toting anything he needs to work and play!  The Trabasack has great potential as a communication board as well, with handy storage for all your PCS right inside your Trabasack,  Thanks to Viviane on Thinking Outside the Light-box for mentioning this cool new tool!  if you buy your Trabasack through this link, you can support our blog at the same time, with no extra cost to you!  Thanks for your support and I welcome your input on this product!

Some Other Great Links About the Trabasack:
Switch Mounting with The Trabasack
YouTube Videos about The Trabasack

Funding Resources to Get iPads to Kids with Special Needs

Money doesn't grow on trees, but it certainly grows from the hearts of people who care about kids with special needs!  Know a child with special needs who would benefit from an iPad or iPhone but the family just can't work it into the budget?  Here is a list of some great places to look for financial assistance for these kids and their families. 

I will update this list as I come across new links.  Do you know of a resource I missed? Feel free to add it in the comments section below this post! :)

Different Iz Good  is a great site and a great blog for many reasons!  They not on,y offer their own grants for iPads and iPhones, but also provide links to other sources who do.!

Loud Mommy Is another great blog that offers grants for iPads to children on the Autism Spectrum.  They are currently fundraising and will offer a new round of grantsstarting April, 2012. 

iTaalk.org spotlights funding sources on their Tuesday's Treasures Blog weekly, including sources of iPad grants. Although they recently closed their own iPad grant campaign, they offer a wide array of funding resource links on their site under Resources.  

Babbies with iPads also offers grants to qualified applicants and their site shares great tips and other resources!

The Kaufman Center in Michigan also posted a great PDF with some awesome sources of funding for kids with special needs.  This list is quite comprehensive and includes resources for many other equipment and service needs, including medicine, therapy, and technology.  

Check back often for updates!

 

iOS vs. Android: Switch Accessibility Decisions, Decisions...

The iPad has certainly taken the market by storm, and many of us are left thinking "what other mobile tablets?".  Some of you might be rather surprised to learn that there are actually many other options for mobile tablets!  It can be overwhelming, however, trying to understand the differences between these technologies and how they might impact your purpose: helping your little one with special needs achieve success.  I wanted to start a dialogue on this topic because I think, as parents and professionals, it's important that you not let your overwhelm scare you into buying an iPad just because you can't make up your mind, or don't know where to start.  In a series of posts this week, I hope to help you all learn the pros and cons of each of these systems so that you can make purchasing choices with the future in mind.  For my first post, I thought I'd just clear up a bit of the lingo confusion!  How about some OS 101? :)

What is this OS business?

An operating system (abbreviated “OS”) is the software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, running applications, and controlling other tools like the keyboard, speakers, and mouse (called ”peripherals”).  For those of you who use personal computers(PC’s), Windows is your operating system.  If you are using Mac computers, your operating system is Mac OS X.  The operating systems for mobile devices, like the iPad and other tablets, is different from that running on a computer.  This is important to understand (at least at a basic level) when it comes to switch accessibility on mobile devices.  In order for switches to work on a mobile device, the OS has to “let them in” and help them communicate with the other software programs (the Apps) that the user wants to run. 

What is “iOS”?

iOS is Apple's mobile operating system.  This OS runs on all of Apple’s mobile devices: the iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone.  You may see these devices referred to as “iOS devices” because they are using iOS to get things done.  The Apps that you use on your iOS devices were developed specifically for iOS.  When an App is developed for iOS, it is able to take advantage of different “services” offered by the operating system, like using the camera and recording voice.  iOS does not allow access to the “input” features of the operating system, therefore, programs cannot alter the directions to the device when it comes to accessing everything with a switch.  In order for you to access an iOS device with a switch, you need two things:  1) a switch interface that allows a switch to send signals to the device and 2)  an App written to receive those signals because iOS is not listening. J

What is Android?

Android (recently modified to Honeycomb) is a mobile operating system by Google that runs on all other mobile devices, excluding iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch).  These devices include tablets like the Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tab, HP Touch Pad and more.  The Android operating system is known as “open source”, meaning that developers can change the way the operating system functions.  This gives developers the opportunity to access “services” like the input method, not readily accessible in iOS.  Being able to access the input method of a device through the operating system, versus an App-by-App basis, means that you can control the entire device with a switch. 

But how? That leads me to the main feature of my next post! Stay tuned...:)

ATIA Conference, 2012: A Great Experience for Parents and Professionals!

The Assistive Technology Industry Association ("ATIA") is a not-for-profit membership organization of manufacturers, sellers and providers of technology-based assistive devices and/or services.  The Annual ATIA Conference is a HUGE source of information on assistive technology and disabilities for professionals and families!  This conference, held in Orlando this year (January26-28, 2012), offers a wide variety of lectures, hands-on demos, trainings and more on technology and resources related to all disabilities (e.g., communication, hearing, vision, mobility, etc...).  There are specific tracks for families and professionals and the exhibit hall is free of charge with an "exhibit hall only" registration.  Parents, this is a great place to connect with professionals (e.g., therapists, teachers, advocates), products, and services that can greatly improve the lives of your special kids!  Professionals, this is a great place to network with experts, learn about new research, therapeutic principles, products, and services, and get continuing education credits! Check out the ATIA conference site for more details.  Register soon so you don’t miss out on the early bird discounts!  ATIA also provides great resources year-round on their website, including free webinar trainings, a newsletter, and links to vendors/products!

Free PDF Booklet on Building Switch Skills

Do you have a child or work with a child who uses a switch (or would benefit from using a switch) to access toys, computers, and more?  Are you stuck on how to help this child move forward with switch use?  Check out this free booklet on Switch Skills Progression at The Spectronics Blog!
"This booklet collates over ten years of best practice research and classroom observations from around the globe. Detailing every stage of switch skills acquisition from cause-and-effect through to competent scanning, this document will help you plan meaningful and motivating routes to success for your switch users accessing communication, learning and leisure."-The Spectronics Blog.

I downloaded this doc totally free in PDF form and I could even read it in iBooks on my iPad!  Spectronics is following up with another free resource on Touch Skills Progression (i.e., training children to access the various touchscreen commands used on touch devices like iPad) in early January, 2012! 

Tips for Successful Switch Skill-Building

You put your incredibly bright little guy with CP in front of Help Kidz Learn  with a fabulous Jelly Bean switch and you have nothing but hope that he will know just what to do.  To your dismay, your well-thought plan turns into a scene out of the Flintstones rather quickly-Bam! Bam! Bam!  Many of us have seen this happen-the repeated bashing of a switch despite much support to help our kids get the full picture of the what and why of switches.  Could the problem lie in the teaching methods?

Here is an insightful article with some dialogue examples of how to use switch accessible computer activities (at the cause-effect level) to build switch skill progression in kids with special needs.  We all want our kids to achieve initial success with switches at an early stage and we certainly don’t want them to linger at the cause-effect stage for eternity!  This article is very helpful in painting a picture of how we, as guiding hands and minds, can frame these experiences a bit differently to reach new levels of success with our kids. 

Original Post at The Spectronics Blog: 

One, two, three… NO! | The Spectronics Blog