Team of Advocates for Special Kids
Technology E-Newsletter

May 2012

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Upcoming Assistive Technology Workshops:

 

  

AT and Transition

Wed., May 16

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Down Syndrome Association of Orange County

Irvine

Call (714) 540-5794 to RSVP.

 

 

APPsolutely Amazing: iDevices and Apps for Kids with Special Needs

Sat., May 19

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles

Van Nuys

Call (818) 786-0001 to RSVP.

 

 

APPsolutely Amazing: iDevices and Apps for Kids with Special Needs 

Tues, May 22

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Parents' Place

West Covina

Call (626) 791-1255 to RSVP.

 

 

APPsolutely Amazing: iDevices and Apps for Kids with Special Needs

Thurs., May 31

9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

TASK Anaheim

Call (866) 828-8275 to RSVP. 

Greetings!

 

FUN New Accessories and Apps for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch

I am continually amazed at how many new accessories and apps seem to be released on a daily basis. Below, please take a look at some of our favorites so far...

iCreate Digital Crayon Stylus

These crazy awesome crayons are actually crazy awesome stylus pens! The iCrayon is made of a soft, squishy material. Available in seven colors, it's great for touch-typing and drawing programs.

 

HHI Chunky Pencil-Like Capacitive Stylus Pen  

HandHeldItems' pencil-like oversized aluminum stylus pen provides comfortable handling. It has a pencil-like construction and a wider width. This stylus has a high sensitivity, large, soft and omni-directional point tip. It glides smoothly across large or small touchscreens and enhances your ability to draw, sketch and write on any touchscreen apps. 

 

Here are some great FREE apps that have recently come to our attention:

 

Matrix Basic (by MyFirstApp)

Matrix Basic helps develop visual perception skills such as visual discrimination. It also helps develop attention and concentration, spatial orientation, principles of classification and categorization, and executive functions such as planning and perseverance. It is designed for children ages four and up. There is a free version with two game choices and a paid version (99 cents) with nine choices.

 

Let's Name...Things (by Super Duper Publications) 

This colorful vocabulary app for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android has all 52 illustrated picture cards (plus audio of each card text) from the Let's Name...Things Fun Deck. Select the cards you want want your child or student to see, and have him or her name items to practice vocabulary, categorizing and thinking skills. The prompts include statements like, "Let's name...things that live in the ocean" and "Let's name...things you take on a trip."

 

This app is simple to use; each student looks at an illustration and either reads the prompt or touches the screen to listen to the prompt. The student then gives a verbal response. After each answer, tap the green (correct) or red (incorrect) button to score the student's verbal response. 

 

Super Duper has many other apps available for purchase. Some of the titles include What Doesn't Belong?, Let's Predict, Plurals, Opposites, What Would You Do If..., and lots more! Visit the apps section of their website for more information.  

 

Lastly, here is a FUN app that can either be used as a reward or to create language opportunities. We haven't met a kid yet that doesn't LOVE it! Ready?

 

Disneyland Resort Explorer (by Disney)

Take a spin around the Happiest App on Earth! Explore the sights and sounds of Disneyland Resort with this official Disney Parks app, available only for iPad. Discover the magic as you swipe your way through an incredible photo-fantastic re-creation of Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, the Downtown Disney District and all three hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Along the way, enjoy exciting interactive activities based on classic attractions. Some of the features include highlights from over 130 attractions, characters and entertainment across the resort, gorgeous high-res imagery from photographs and 360 degree panoramas to live action videos and animation and much more! And don't miss these exciting activities based on classic attractions:

  • Fire a cannon on the high seas in Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Tour the galaxy with Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
  • Learn to draw your favorite Disney character at the Animation academy
  • Create your own musical water show in World of Color
All of these apps and accessories and many more are available to preview at our TECH Centers in Anaheim and Compton. Please call us toll-free in California at (866) 828-8275 any time for more information on these or other applications or to make an appointment to visit one of our TECH Centers.

 

Happy APPing! 

 

Sincerely,

 

Laura Simmons-Martinez

Technology Project Director

Team of Advocates for Special Kids

TASK is a nonprofit Parent Training and Information Center that serves all ages and all disabilities. The above information is provided for informational purposes only. If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please e-mail [email protected] and let us know.