Whether you are a special needs parent (like myself), caregiver, educator, medical professional, or therapist, the iPad is revolutionizing the special needs community. However, trying to stay on top of all the latest apps and accessories can be overwhelming. Here is my personal list of some great online resources that will help you stay on top of special needs issues relating to the use of the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
App video demos
Apps for Children with Special Needs
a4cwsn.com ; Search Facebook for: A4cwsn
There are thousands of apps that can help those with special needs. This site has an extensive library of video demos of iPad apps that can help those with special needs. The site was created by Gary James, the parent of a special needs child. Gary also encourages app demo requests.
For educators
Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs
Blog: teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com; Search Facebook for: Teaching Learners with Multiple Needs
This blog and associated Facebook page focuses on resources and ideas for teachers of learners with special needs.
iTeach Special Education – iDevices in Special Education
Search Facebook for: facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_122716487786903
This is an up-to-date iPad community for special needs educators hosted by special education teacher, Jeremy Brown.
iPad & app fundraising:
The Puzzling Piece
Blog: thepuzzlingpiece.com Search Facebook for: The Puzzling Piece The Puzzling Piece helps those who can't afford iPads or expensive apps by helping them fundraise their way to a free iPad and iTunes gift cards. They have helped dozens of individuals obtain iPads.
Speech therapy:
GeekSLP: Your source of Speech Therapy Apps for the iPhone, iPad and iTouch
Blog: geekslp.com; Search Facebook for: GeekSLP
GeekSLP is a blog and video podcast featuring news and information about speech therapy technology.
iPhone, iTouch & iPad Resources for Speech Therapy
Search Facebook for: iPhoneiTouch iPad for Speech Therapy
This community focuses on speech therapy as it relates to the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. It's a great resource.
Speech Techie
Blog: speechtechie.com/2011/02/when-free-app-is-not-worth-it.html
Search Facebook for: SpeechTechie
This great blog and community were created by Speech-Language Pathologist, Sean Sweeney; it focuses on interactive educational technologies.
Parents:
Babies With iPads
Blog: babieswithipads.blogspot.com; Search Facebook for: Babies with iPads
This amazing blog, resource, and community were created by Bridget Bailey, a developmental/vision therapist who uses the iPad with babies and toddlers with special needs. Bridget also raises money to purchase iPads for children with special needs.
Moms With Apps
Blog: momswithapps.com; Search Facebook for: moms with apps
This blog was created by a group of parents who develop and promote apps for kids and families. They also give away a free app every Friday.
Lillie's Pad
Blog: lilliespad.com
Search Facebook for: Lillies Pad
This is my personal contribution for everything related to the special needs community and iOS devices. It includes articles, reviews of apps and accessories, news, videos, and has app giveaways.
Special Needs Apps for Kids
snapps4kids.com; Search Facebook for: "Special Needs Apps for Kids"
The community website support parents, educators, therapists, and doctors who use the iPad and iPhone to enrich the lives of those with special needs.
Inov8 Educational Consulting
Blog: inov8-ed.com;Search Facebook for: inov8ed
This consulting firm works with educators and families that include children with special needs to integrate assistive technology into their lives at home and school.
Accessories:
RJ Cooper & Associates
rjcooper.com
RJ Cooper offers a vast array of iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch accessories for the special needs community. They have a Bluetooth interface device that allows switch access to iPads and switch-enabled iPad apps. It's very cool.
OtterBox
otterbox.com
Otterbox is the creator of some of the best drop-proof iPad cases that are ideal for the special needs community. Their iPad Defender Series case is shown here.
ZooGue Innovative
zoogue.com
ZooGue is the developer of the Case Genius, my personal favorite iPad case for the special needs community. Stay in touch I'd love to hear about your favorite online resource or community that helps enrich the life of your loved one or others with special needs. Please e-mail me with any questions or suggestions at contact@lilliespad.com. Don't forget to visit my blog (lilliespad.com) for everything special needs related for the iPad and iPhone.
Stay in touch
I'd love to hear about your favorite online resource or community that helps enrich the life of your loved one or others with special needs. Please e-mail me with any questions or suggestions at contact@lilliespad.com. Don't forget to visit my blog (lilliespad.com) for everything special needs related for the iPad and iPhone.
