Online Resources for AAC from Say It With Symbols!

I just came across this site (I know, a bit slow since it has been in business for a few years!) and I love it!  Great low tech, AAC products and a wonderful resource list for parent friendly AAC info all over the web!  They also sell adorable shirts and gift items, including greeting cards, that display messages with picture communication symbols.  Love it :)

If you are a parent or professional looking for AAC tips to support your special kids, definitely check this out (Giving Greetings/Say It With Symbols!).

You might also want to check out SNEAK's previous post on SNEAK's Top 5 Web Resources for Teaching Language to Kids who Use AAC

What AAC resources do you find helpful?

Giving Your Toys a Makeover!

I just read a great blog post form Little Stories and it brought to mind something I stress often when working with families of children with special needs:  Don't underestimate the power of an organized play environment!

Don't get me wrong, unstructured play filled with creativity and freedom is crucial to the development of all children.  However, most of us don't work or play our best when we are surrounded by confusing clutter.  Reducing clutter, rotating toys often, and categorizing toys according to their purpose can help children in so many ways.  I have witnessed first-hand the type of magic a well-maintined play area can create!

• Increased attention
• Reduced hyperactivity
• Improved interaction and social skills
• Expanded language comprehension
• More speech output
• Improvements in pretend play

The list goes on!

Check out some details on the how's and why's of establishing a toy routine for your child with special needs at Little Stories.

How do you set up play time magic for your child with special needs?

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?

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.  

Tips to Assist Motor Access For iPad

As part of my series of posts on Technology for Children with Visual Impairment, I wanted to share some tips on fine motor access for the iPad and other tablets.  I will update this resource as more exciting technology becomes available!


Stylus & Pointers:  
For some kids, especially those that have difficulty isolating a finger, a stylus can be a great support for iPad access.  There are many stylus (styli? styluses? :)-let's say, "stylus options"- available and Stylus-R-Us does a great job of discussing some of these options.  They even have a section of their website dedicated to special needs (it's under "Physically Disabled").  Thanks to OT's with Apps for finding this great resource!  OT's with Apps also has an awesome post on creating your own stylus and some further details on specific stylus options that are functional for different needs.  Check it out here.  If you are looking for something a bit chunkier for younger users, check out the Griffin/Crayola iMarker- it is not only a handy stylus, but also has a great coloring App you can download for free :)

Some kids may already be using a pointing aid, such as a head pointer or mouth pointer, or may benefit form using such an aid.  Work with your therapy team to see if these pointing aids could be helpful to your child and then check out RJ Cooper's tips on how you can make your pointing aids work with the iPad touch screen.

I Didn't Mean to Touch That!:
Part of the reason that the iPad is such a functional, efficient tool for many of us who use it for leisure and business is because it responds to the slightest touch.  This can be a pro and a con for our kids with physical challenges.  Many times, areas of the touchscreen are activated unintentionally or special gestures (Multitasking Gestures) are accidentally used and the screen does funky stuff (e.g., zooms in, moves up and down)!  Unfortunately, Apple has not addressed this issue in the last two version of the iPad and we currently have no way to adjust the sensitivity settings of the touch screen.  Here are a few solutions that might be helpful for your child:

• Multitasking Gestures are toggled on and off in the Settings of the iPad.  These gestures, when enabled, allow you to move between apps, open multi-tasking menus, and more by using three, four, or five finger gestures on the touch screen.  Sometimes, our kids have difficulty using just one finger on the screen and may activate these gestures by accident.  If you find this is a problem, you can turn the gestures off in the Settings menu of your iPad.  You may also notice that sometimes the screen zooms in.  This happens when two fingers tap on the iPad screen when the Zoom feature is turned on.  It also happens magically when little fingers and plans rest too long on the screen. :)  If you find this is a problem, turn the Zoom feature off on your iPad in the Accessibility section of the Settings.  

• The iPad screen responds to the electricity (capacitive touch) of our fingers.  This is fancy science stuff but really what it means is that pressure is not what makes the iPad do its dance-rather, it is the energy that emerges when your finger (or special fabric/material if using a stylus made for a touch screen) comes in contact with the screen.  In the case of our kids with special needs, this could mean their intentional finger or the other ones coming along for the ride as they rest against the screen to offer support!  Dana of Uncommon Sense Blog is a mom who has first-hand experience with this issue and she came up with a clever solution in the form of DIY fingerless gloves :)  Check it out here.

• There are a handful of iPad apps, most of which are related to AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) but some of which that are play-based, that can be used with accessibility switches.  To do this, you must have an iPad compatible switch interface like the Blue2 from Ablenet, or RJ Cooper's Bluetooth Switch Interface.  Be careful because only certain Apps will work with the Blue 2, and others only with RJ's interface.  For a solution that works with all switch accessible apps for  iPad, check out the APPlicator (great review by Jane Farrell at this link).  With one of these tools, an accessibility switch (e.g., Jelly Bean, finger switch, etc...) and a switch-accessible iPad App, your child can access the iPad without using the touch screen.  Here are some of my favorite switch games for iPad :)  For a comprehensive list of switch-accessible Apps for iPad, check out Jane Farrall's list, it is updated frequently.

• Keyguards can also be helpful for kids with motor challenges who are using the iPad, so long as you are using an App that works with the key- guard layout.  Check out LaseredPics-they make keyguards for a variety of iPad Apps and will even make special order guards.  

What do you use to help your child access the iPad?

Tips for Choosing & Using Apps for Kids with Special Needs

Finding the right apps for your child with special needs can be an overwhelming task.  At times, the search can also feel like a shot in the dark since many app developers offer little insight into the look and feel of their apps.  This leaves us, as consumers, with limited information prior to taking the purchase plunge.  As mobile technology consumers with the best interests of our special kids in mind, we want to make educated choices when it comes to these apps.  After all, the "Ah, it's only 99 cents, what have I got to lose?" idea only goes so far, especially when that $.99 turns into $29.99, $249.99 and so on. :)

Figuring out the best way to support children with special needs as they use this wonderful technology can also be daunting, and at tines, the importance of scaffolding from savvy and supportive facilitators (the would be you:) is overlooked.  Many apps can help children develop new skills, but they are all utterly useless without the proper support from a facilitator (e.g., parent, teacher, therapist).

Here are a few general tips to guide you through the process of choosing and using apps for children with special needs:

Find Apps on Blogs and App Review Sites Before You Buy: The App Store offers just a snapshot of information about Apps, and since the descriptions are written by the developers, they are quite bias. Many times, Apps will have no reviews or few reviews in the App Store.  Many blogs and review sites offer a more detailed, hands-on description and critique of apps. Here are a few great sites that offer reviews of educational apps for kids with special needs:

Bridging Apps (formerly SNApps4Kids)

Smart Apps for Kids
Moms With Apps
Apps for Children with Special Needs (a4cwsn)
Therapy Apps 411

Be sure to visit "SNEAK's Fav Blogs" and "SNEAK's Fav Links" on the SNEAK homepage for more great sources for App reviews.

Connect with Developers:  Many of the developers who create the Apps we use have websites of their own that you can connect to through the App Store.  Going to developer websites helps you gain further information on particular Apps.  It also helps you see what Apps are coming up from that developer and what other Apps they make that you might want to check out.  Sometimes, developers will even have more screen shots and/or videos that let you get a better idea of the App you are interested in.  Sign-up for email updates from App developers you like so you know when they release new Apps.  Don't be afraid to email developers if you have specific questions.  I have found that most are very willing to talk about their Apps and how appropriate they might be for your child. Some of my favorite developers include:

Grasshopper Apps
Toca Boca
Duck Duck Moose

Check for a Lite Version:  Many of you may be well aware of the "Lite" or free versions of Apps.  More app developers are starting to provide this version for their Apps so that users can try before they buy.  However, the Lite version of Apps doesn't always come up first, so you may have to include it in your search terms.

Watch Video Demos When Possible:  Search You-Tube or App developer websites for video demos and video tutorials.  Add "You Tube" or "video" to your search terms on Google and other search engines in addition to the App title in order to limit your results to just videos.  Videos are an awesome way to see if an App is appropriate for your child.  Check out "SNEAK's Peeks" for video demos of Apps as well (I promise to add more videos soon!:)

Ask Around:  Don’t be afraid to reach out to other parents and professionals in your community and/or   through online forums (blogs) by asking questions about specific apps.

Play With a Purpose:  Most, if not all apps, can be used to target a variety of skills when supported by the right guidance.  Work with the therapists, teachers, and others who support your child to see how you can modify App play to promote your child's development of language, speech, fine motor skills, social skills and cognitive skills.  Incorporate real-world activities around the themes and language in the Apps you present to your child.  For example, Playing Toca Kitchen together to model pretending with toy kitchen items and food and then playing with a toy kitchen set works on
refining real-world skills by creating opportunities to experience what is seen on the App.  Technology is a great stage for practice, but real-world experience is the ultimate tool to build long lasting skills.

How do you find great Apps for your child with special needs?  

Technology for Kids with Visual Impairment

I was recently invited to be a guest speaker on two teleconferences for parents seeking support for their children with visual impairments. These impairments included cortical visual impairment (CVI) and LCA, a genetic condition which leads to blindness. I really enjoyed participating in these calls and gaining some perspective on the information these families are seeking for their kids. They all had such wonderful questions and I admired their innovation and bravery. Although the focus of this talk was definitely geared more toward mobile technology, we also discussed some great computer and web resources to enhance play and learning for these kids. I thought this information might be helpful for other families supporting children with cortical visual impairment and other forms of low vision and blindness.   I thought it might be helpful to other parents to have some of this info as well.  In a series of posts this week, I will share some further tips and resources on technology for visually impaired kids.  Click on the links below for information related to each technology category .:)  I will try to post these quickly this week so if a link doesn't work today, please try again tomorrow!

App List for Kids with Visual Impairment

Tips for Choosing & Using Apps for Kids with Special Needs

iPad Positioning Tips for Children with Visual Impairment

Tips to Assist Motor Access For iPad

Software & Online Games  for Kids with Visual Impairment

What resources are you looking for to help kids with visual impairment?

App List for Kids with Visual Impairment

Here are some great Apps to use with children who have visual impairments.  I will keep adding to this list as I discover new Apps that work well with these kids. :)  Please feel free to recommend other Apps in the comments below and I will add them to this list.  This list is for iPad but many of these Apps are also in Android Form.  You can find them in the Amazon AppStore for Android.


A Few Great Apps for Cause-Effect/Early Play

The apps below work nicely for children with visual impairments because they are visually simplistic and easy to interact with. Many of these apps not only facilitate early, case-effect play, but could also be paired with language modeling to teach many basic concepts and language skills.

Peekaboo Lady Bird Baby Touch


Baby Tap


Tap Bubbles


Bubbles for Toddlers


Hatch! Plus


Balloonmaker


Tap n See Zoo by Little Bear Sees
Created specifically for Children with CVI


Baby’s Musical Hands


Baby Symbolizer


Baby Screen


Bright Start Baby


Baby Finger


Balloonimals



Apps That Encourage Vocalizing/Speech
The apps below are voice activated so they are a great way to encourage vocalizing and speech from young kids with visual impairments.  When activated, the apps move or repeat what you say in a funny way.

Bla Bla Bla

Talking Carl

Talking Carla

 Talking Tom Cat

Talking Baby Hippo

Building Basic Concepts
The apps below are simple apps that also encourage basic concept knowledge because they present numbers, colors, and other concepts.

123 Telephone


Play Phone HD


Peek-a-Boo Barn


Interactive Alphabet


Toca Robot Lab


Music and Songs
The Wheels on the Bus by Duck Duck Moose


The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Duck Duck Moose


Old McDonald by Duck Duck Moose


Drum Kit


Sound Shaker



Music Draw



Flux Tunes

Flux Tunes gives kids sight-free access to music on the iPhone or iPad by turning the whole touchscreen into a fully customizable control pad.  You can change songs and perform other functions with simple touchscreen gestures that do not require you to use your sight.

Art/Drawing

Glow Coloring

Art of Glow

Glow Draw

Neon Draw

Glow Tunes


Kids Doodle Movie


Pretend Play
Toca Hair Salon


Toontastic 

Toca Home


Toca Tea Party


Toca Kitchen


Toca Doctor


ArtMaker

My Play Home

Visual, Motor, & Cognitive Skills

Sparkabilities by Bottle Rocket Apps

Sparkabilities is an App Suite that includes many different "Segments" designed to develop various skills in babies, including visual recognition, tracking, and color theory.  See the website above for a full description of the science behind this app.  

Sparkabilities Babies 1


Sparkabilities Babies 2

Literacy

Interactive books on the iPad are a great way to get your kids interested in reading.  In addition to Apps with interactive books like I Like Books  you can use the Apps below to create your own interactive photo books.

Scene Speak


 Pictello


Scribble Press


Keynote

Little Story Maker

Switch Accessible Apps  (non-AAC)
The following Apps are games that can be played using a Blue Tooth Switch for the iPad.

Games by Inclusive Technology

Inclusive Smarty Pants


Peeping Musicians


Five Sharks Swimming


Auntie Maggie's Recipe


Rad Sounds

 

A Few Great Apps for Pragmatic Language/Social SKills
With these apps, you can integrate video, pictures, and speech to create your own social stories and video modeling tools to teach children about social situations.

Model Me Going Places by Model Me Kids, LLC

Video social story library

Video Scheduler by MDR


Stories2Learn, by MDR

Video/Photo social stories and you can create your own.

My Pictures Talk by Gremble Apps


Put It Away, by Leesueh

This app helps children learn how to clean up after themselves! I think it is a really great concept and the fact that it is customizable and FREE makes it even better! I wish it had sound or music :(

Conversation Builder by Mobile Education Store

This app uses pictures and conversational scripts to help kids learn turn-taking and topic maintenance for conversations. One limitation is that the "correct answers" are somewhat limited and there isn't a text to speech option for the written prompts. I think it is a great start!

What Apps do you recommend?