We’ve all been under rising pressure to embrace mobile technologies, such as the iPad or Android tablets, as part of our toolkit to support students, clients and family members. There’s no doubt that these technologies are very exciting but the rapid rate at which this landscape changes can also be a little daunting!
For the iPad, there are well over 775,000 apps to choose from and this number is constantly increasing! More and more apps and accessories are being developed every day to support children and adults with autism, intellectual and physical disabilities. There are apps for communication, social skill development, displaying visual schedules and provide positive behavior support. Is your head already spinning?!?! You are not alone!
The BIG question is: How do you connect the individual’s needs with the right tool?
Let’s explore some of key apps that you might consider as part of your toolkit and, perhaps more importantly, equip you with the resources to evaluate them and stay up to date with the ever-expanding world of apps.
Starting out
When you’re starting out with the iPad there are many in built features you can use to support individuals and implement apps into classrooms, therapy, the home and the wider community. Here are some links to get you started:
- iPad Basics 101 – Out of the Box Tips for Successful Implementation
- Speak selection- you just have to know about this
- Simple English Wikipedia – what a simple way to create PDF books!
- Apps for AAC and guided access
- Assistive Touch – HANDY tips for just about anyone
Assessment tools
Technology is just one of the tools available to teachers and therapists to ensure a learning rich and engaging environment for all. These links provide you with assessment considerations and tips to help you in selecting the right tool(s) for an individual.
- SETT – A Framework for Making Informed Decisions About Inclusive Technologies
- App feature matching: an essential step
- What makes an awesome app?
- Apps rubric 2011
- 4 great rubrics to help you choose educational apps
Appetising Apps
It’s always a struggle to select just a few top apps for your toolkit but we have a few that are so versatile and flexible we had to share them
Take your learning further
Keeping up with the range of apps available can be difficult. Which ones do you choose? These links will help you find apps and find out more about them.
App Lists
- Apps for Special Education list
- Apps for Literacy Support list
- Apps for AAC list
- Switch Accessible Apps list
- Weally Wonderful Apps List
Blogs
Video demonstrations
Discover new apps via an app:
Websites to find apps:
- Quixey
- Apps for Learning
- Educational app reviews
- APPitic
- Appy Mall
- iPodsibilities
- iTunes – Special Education Apps
Social Media
- Building your Special Education and Learning Support Professional Learning Networks
- Facebook groups: Augmentative Communication Resources & Help, iTeach Special Education, AGOSCI
Feast on this smorgasbord of apps to whet your app-etite
In no particular order, our team put together some of the apps they love to use:
You can view the slides from the presentation here.
If you have questions about any information presented here, we’d love to hear from you!
