We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Tulsa Foundation for their recent grant to purchase eight iPads for the classrooms. Why did we need iPads? Many of our children do not speak with words, but adaptive technology in the form of computer-like devices can allow them to communicate. These devices often cost around $8,000, and many insurance companies do not cover the costs. Some parents have bought them out-of-pocket.
The IPad has a $189 application program (called an “app”) which performs the same function as these more expensive devices. For approximately one-tenth the price, our children receive a much more cost-effective way to communicate.
Here are other advantages provided by the iPad:
Learning apps: Endless educational apps are available, designed to stimulate, educate, and motivate in ways that conventional methods may not. Because of its simple touch screen, our children with physical, mental, and processing challenges have an intuitive way of interacting with technology they may otherwise have had.
The Book App: This app is a personal favorite with Megan Faylor, Literacy and Assistive Technology Coordinator at The Little Light House. Megan says, “I have struggled, nay obsessed, with how to get books into the hands of our children who are physically unable to turn the pages. I have looked into programs online, making PowerPoint books, using a small machine that turns the page for them, and none compare to downloading a full-color book that will read the text, and with a simple swipe on the screen will turn the page! Finally! Our kids have books that they can interact with! PRAISE GOD!”
iPad camera: With the camera-enhanced version of the iPad coming out soon, we can take pictures and make personalized books for our kids to read. Nothing is more motivating than seeing yourself in a book! For our children on the Autism spectrum we can make picture schedules for them to change as the activities of the day progress, simply swiping the screen to change the activity. Seeing the actual picture of what will happen next greatly helps our children who have trouble moving from one activity to the next.
Helpful size and shape: Because of its dimensions, the iPad can be velcroed or attached to a slant board to ensure that children who have trouble accessing computers can reach and access games and books. We can put it anywhere a child needs to reach it, unlike a computer. Additionally, it’s mobile, able to follow the student from the classroom to other areas of the building.
By exposing our students to this technology early on, they are better prepared as they enter public school, many of which utilize technology like this. Our children will already be comfortable using them, and their learning curve will be much smaller. Plus, they’re cool!
iTUNES CARDS
Donate an iTunes card, which we use to buy these great apps for the iPad! iTunes cards are available at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Target, Best Buy, and at www.itunes.com.
