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iPad as communication device

Is anyone using the iPad as a communication device? If yes, how is it going. I'm looking at it as a possible good tool for my daughter and wanted to get feedback. Also, I'ld love to hear a comparison of pros and cons on the iPad vs. another device that has been used.

Tags: Technology, assistive, autism, communication, device, ipad

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Permalink Reply by Mary schmitt on March 14, 2011 at 9:17am

Just last night I purchased iMean. My son is past the pics stage and this is a keyboard that will save words.
I emailed the designer of the app this morning to ask how to use voice recording with this app. He responded right away, ( he has an autistic son...). A new upgrade will be available in a few days that adds voice to this app. It's certainly worth a try at the price of $4. 99!!!
We have not been successful with any apps to date. I'm planning to purchase the one dedicated to social stories, I'll keep you updated with any successes...

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Permalink Reply by Bridget Layland on March 15, 2011 at 12:28pm

We got Zoe an I pad for Christmas and she loves it! She is not yet using the apps for communication since I'm still researching apps. I am going to be attending the I pad workshop at ATECH in Concord on April 8th. I have a list of useful apps already and I can email it to you if you'd like. I can also come down to see you and show you the apps I have already gotten. We did get a Pecs program for her to do her schedules. It didn't come with many pictures, but you can upload pics form your photos and from the internet which is actually better for Zo. We also got Model Me social stories, Read to me apps, and some fun drawing apps. I'll keep you posted about the Language Building and others after I do more research. I think Ipads are wonderful for these kids and HIGHLY reccomend them. (the only con so far is she can't take it to school with her)

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Permalink Reply by Maria Yakkey on March 16, 2011 at 1:31pm

Hi Michelle, my daughter Emily is using the iPad with proloquo2go. She is totally non-verbal and so far it's working OK for her. It does take some getting used to.

We have also used tap2talk on the nintendo DS and that was a GREAT stepping stong from PECS to a device. We would have stuck with that but it doesn't allow for "sentence" building.

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Permalink Reply by Laura Pace on March 16, 2011 at 3:58pm

Hi. We have been using Touch Chat with word power 24. It is very similar to word power for the vantage Lite. It is a 24 location app. that is very user friendly. Go online to check it out at www.apple.com Look at apps.

Pros are it is light weight and also can be used for videos, games, etc...

Cons: limited as a total communication device.

We like using the Ipad along with our son's device. It is portable and great for travel, restaurants, outings. It does not have the amount of vocab. that his device has. But, it enables him to get his point across quickly.

We love our IPAD!

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Permalink Reply by Tom Rogers on March 16, 2011 at 4:13pm

I recently bought an iPad for my son, along with the TouchChat software to use for communication.

So far he has taken to it very well (upgrading from a now-dead Dynavox MT4)

TouchChat software on itunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/touchchat-aac/id377558828?mt=8

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Permalink Reply by sandi glover on March 16, 2011 at 5:30pm

i am looking into getting one for my son and would LOVE advice!!!! My son needs organizational programming and scheduling programming.

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Permalink Reply by smj on March 16, 2011 at 7:00pm

Stay tuned for an upcoming free training about this through Moore Center Services (Manchester), the NH Council on ASDs, and ATECH (sponsored by an ARRA grant called the TEMP project---technology enhanced materials project). The hope is to acquire some iPads that families can try before investing in one.

Susan Marcotte-Jenkins

Director of Children's Services

Moore Center Services

206-2802

susan.marcottejenkins@moorecenter.org

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Abbott on March 18, 2011 at 11:52am

Gateways has a new lending program. We have both iPads and iPod touches available for families and professionals to try. We have a lot if apps including Prolo2quo. If you would like to try one please contact me.

Michelle Abbott
Mabbott@gatewayscs.org
459-1798

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Abbott on March 18, 2011 at 12:16pm

Thanks for all the great feedback. Please share all the apps that have been successful in all areas. I have lots of families asking for language base, education, fun games to help with skills. I'm very excited about all these apps! Thank you for sharing. Your replies help so many others.

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Permalink Reply by Tee Seng Reed on March 18, 2011 at 12:33pm

michelle,

this is my first time on this network; i just read about this and think it is a wonderful opportunity for my son Sam to try the ipad or ipod and also advice on the apps that would be appropriate for his developmental level. please let me know when it is available for us to borrow it for a trial.

sorry if my message looks odd, because Sam picks on my keyboard and some of the keys are missing and the shift key does not shift some letters and the tab does not work. if anyone has an extra keyboard they don't need please email me and i will be glad to take it.

thanks,

Tee Seng Reed

teesengreed@aol.com

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Abbott on March 20, 2011 at 9:01pm

Tee Seng,
I'll take care of your request.

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Permalink Reply by Geraldine Robarge on March 18, 2011 at 9:15pm

My husband just purchesed a refurbished ipad. It comes with the same warrenty as a new one but cost $350.00. I wold love to know what apps work for others.