1. Sue Loeffler, M.A., CCC-SLP Assistive Technology Specialist Denver Public Schools

2.  The Good:  Motivating  Engaging  Multiple uses  An app for everyone and everything  Lightweight and portable  Touch access  Sharing  Connectivity  Viewing options

3.  The Bad:  Easily damaged and broken (No repairing it, must be replaced)  Limited battery life (battery not made to be replaced)  Heat sensitive (will not respond if screen or user’s hands are cold)  Theft  Challenges for writing purposes  Seen as a toy and fun (struggle to use functionally and with guided/specific purpose)

4.  The Ugly ◦ Overwhelming # of apps and growing by the day ◦ Difficult and time consuming to research and choose the most appropriate apps for the classroom or individual student’s needs ◦ Cost versus free. Costs are on the rise! What are you really getting in the lite versions? Buying in bulk. ◦ To-Date, none of the apps are research/academically based. Technology changes too rapidly! ◦ Media circus! How to sort through the hype of the latest and greatest features. What do we really need? ◦ The nightmare of managing multiple iPads and/or accounts (school-wide, classroom, loan banks, etc.)

5.  Protection  Covers and frames

6.  Otterbox – Variety of Choices  Attainment – Go Now Case  Fisher Price – Apptivity Case  InclusiveTLC – Big Grips  w/ or w/o stand  Studio Proper – Clumsy Case  w/ built-in stand  Speck – iGuy freestanding Case

7.  i-Blaison ArmorBox Kido Series  Gumdrop Cases  KHOMO SAFEKIDS  durable case for kids  M-Edge Cases Supershell  KaysCase KidBox

8. No longer about physical limitations. Designs are driven by the common consumer!

9. No posted images because the companies have copyrighted them. To view, visit their websites.  RAM Mounts www.rammount.comwww.rammount.com  InclusiveTLC http://inclusivetlc.comhttp://inclusivetlc.com  RJ Cooper http://rjcooper.comhttp://rjcooper.com  Ablenet (body mounts) www.ablenetinc.comwww.ablenetinc.com  Premier Mounts www.premiermountsstore.comwww.premiermountsstore.com  Belkin (see list below) Amazon, eBay, Apple, BestBuy, Overstock, Bing, Bizrate, Nextag, TheGadgetSite, etc.

10. Control your iPad/Tablet from the technology that is already present  Wheelchair controls  Computers  Interface w/ TV’s, computers, Whiteboards, Promethean Boards, etc.  Tecla  Toshiba Satellite  eInstruction  MasterTech Solutions  Mobi  TouchBoards  Splashtop  Komodo  OnLive Desktop for windows (free app)

11.  iCam – Webcam Video Streaming from computer webcam or document camera to multiple iPads  Airvideo – app that plays videos on iPad that are stored on PC  Air Playit – (free app for iPad & tablets) select and play videos stored on PC onto iPad  Air Display – broadcast Mac computer screen to multiple iPads (need free iPad app and App on Mac computer (19.99) running at same time  GoToMeeting – broadcasts computer screen, audio and video to iPads (www.gotomeeting.com)www.gotomeeting.com

12.  Mounting considerations  Keep in mind protective covers in use!  Switches  Size, location, interactive capabilities, separate mounting system  Switch Interfaces  Allows the switch to communicate with the iPad/Tablet, some offer multiple plug-ins (Komodo Open Lab)  Connection cable, wireless, bluetooth  Touch options  Pointers  Stylus’  Gloves

13.  InclusiveTLC http://inclusivetlc.comhttp://inclusivetlc.com  RJ Cooper http://rjcooper.comhttp://rjcooper.com  Belkin (see previous page list of vendors)  Ablenet www.ablenetinc.comwww.ablenetinc.com  Therapybox http://therapy-box.com.ukhttp://therapy-box.com.uk  Chain stores (Target, Radio Shack, Walmart, etc.)  Online commercial sites: Amazon, eBay, Apple, BestBuy, Overstock, Bing, Bizrate, Nextag, TheGadgetSite, etc.

14.  Growing Fast! For a comprehensive list compiled by Jane Farrall and Alex Dunn: http://www.janefarrall.com/html/resources/Switc h%20Accessible%20Apps%20for%20iPad.pdf or visit their websites: www.janefarrall.comwww.janefarrall.com click on iPad & Apps http://smartinclusion.wikispaces.comhttp://smartinclusion.wikispaces.com and click on accessibility and/or iPads

15.  Interchangeable with magnetic closures Verbatim FileMate Gear Head iKeyboard lays on top of screen  Cases Logitech Targus Alurateck Belkin Hipstreet

16.  Bluetooth/wireless ZAGGkeys PROplus offers backlit keys Snugg offers ultra slim keyboard and case  Most come as All-in-One (keyboard, case, stands) ClamCase Pro Logitech Kensington Hipstreet Mutant Scosche

17.  Consider how it will be used  Consider where it will be used  Consider who it will be used with To be an effective communication device, it must be seen that way. Dedicated-versus- multiple use causes friction, resistance and refusal to use as a functional communication option.

18. My money’s on, and in, the app! Most apps that come with the option for custom programming and offer enough vocabulary to make it functional in a variety of settings – cost $. The cost increases the more they offer in programming features and vocabulary. Decent apps run between $50 to $300 Keep in mind that not all communication apps are developed by linguists, speech pathologist, etc. *This is one area where you get what you pay for

19.  Will it work on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and/or Android?  Cost  Customizable  Symbols or pictures it incorporates  Message window option  Voice  Navigation

20.  Text-to-Speech Typing capabilities  Tech Support  Available demo’s for function, features, programming  Read comments from other consumers! Contact SWAAAC (StateWide Assistive Technology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication) at http://swaaac.comhttp://swaaac.com

21.  Will be specific to the communication app  Are not typically interchangeable  Some companies will create custom ones

22. Access? iPad, iPhone or both Note: ebook technology is also compatible with software or tablets For classroom use/textbook access, both options below offer free apps and computer software for accessing textbooks  Bookshare (Android app free, Apple cost)  Digitized voice  Learning Ally (Apple app free, Android cost)  Voice recorded voice

23.  Book Creator – ebook PDF creator  epubBud.com – free children’s ebooks  Zinepal.com ebook creator from webpages @ http://dotepub.com http://dotepub.com  Dropbox – store ebooks & converts  Use QR Code Readers to convert classroom books. One of the best is the QR Code Reader and Scanner found in the iTunes Store or at www.qrstuff.com Note that Microsoft also uses similar technology but it is called TAG Readerwww.qrstuff.com

24. Free App? Be aware that some require book purchases! The top 10 most recommended:  Amazon Kindle  iBooks  Stanza  Free Books  Wattpad  Toy Story Read-Along  Barnes & Noble Nook  eBook Reader  Bookman

25.  Weakest link in the iTouch Evolution  Promotes hunt & peck  Keyboard option promotes bilateral dexterity and tactile feedback  Debatable method for composing lengthy documents  Word prediction and abbreviation methods “Pedictable” app ($160)  Challenges to saving documents and forwarding *Google Docs is storage but it isn’t private

26.  Useful for:  Isolating finger movements  Tracing  Tracking  Eye-hand coordination  Pressure measurement  Motor planning for letters and numbers  Split keyboard screen for typing while holding/stabilizing hands

27.  VoiceOver feature  Tap the “settings” icon  Tap the “general” option  Tap “Accessibility” option  Tap “VoiceOver” option  Slide the toggle switch to “on”  Requires different gestures and commands  Comes in many languages  Reading speed is adjustable

28.  From the Accessibility section  Turn on White-on-Black to invert the iPad’s colors and increase contrast

29.  Connect a Braille keyboard (but no support if student reads Braille)  Set up a video call  Download dictation app (like Dragon Dictate or Google Voice Search)  Set up repeating alarms in iCal to be reminded of tasks, time, etc.  Use a noise cancelling/sound isolating headphone or earphone for best quality and sound adjustment options

30. Linx Audio by ableplanet

31.  Word-of-mouth is often best  Research who developed the accessory or app. Consider the company’s history with special needs or the individual’s background  Find reliable sources that think like you and perhaps have similar experience with your student(s) or child  Peer groups  Bloggers  Specialists  Educators

32. Need some guidance for special education related apps?  Free webinar at www.ablenet.comwww.ablenet.com “iPad in Special Education: Why you want one & what to do with it” with Diane Gerads-Schmidt, SLP and Jason Backes, OT  “iPad in Special Education Rubric” by Harry Walker  Common Sense Media’s site: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/specia l-needs

33.  Apps to help you find apps  www.momwithapps.com www.momwithapps.com  www.speakingofspeech.com www.speakingofspeech.com  www.youtube.com www.youtube.com  www.bestappsforkids.com www.bestappsforkids.com  www.mobilelearning4kids.com www.mobilelearning4kids.com  App shopper – notifies you of sales  Free app finder  Autism Apps – categories, all are free  Discover Apps – search by related apps  ABA website – alerts you when autism-related apps are free during the month of April

34. Sue Loeffler, M.A., CCC-SLP Assistive Technology Services Denver Public Schools Smedley, room 164 4250 Shoshone Denver, CO 80211 720-424-4076 susan_loeffler@dpsk12.org http://denver.co.schoolwebpages.com/atrt