The iPad constantly proves itself to be more than a flashy, useless tech toy, but rather a blank canvas for useful educational tools. Sure, there are apps that distract us away from the task at hand (like Angry Boss, erm, Birds), but then there are apps that carve out new learning landscapes (like Math Board). Now, the iPad is being heralded as beneficial in educating children with special needs.
App developers are reaching out to families with special needs children; creating learning and communication apps uniquely designed for each situation. The iPad can be used to intermediate between parents and special needs children. A child might have problems expressing what the want in words, but the iPad can grant them the time and tools to clearly depict what they desire. Anything that facilitates communication between children and parent is certainly a relief, especially in special cases.
A new foundation, Apps for Children with Special Needs, has made it their goal to give families with a special needs children an iPad – for free.
The application form for an iPad can be found here.
The site also reviews all educational apps with special needs children in mind. There’s a monthly feature article about a developer that is leading the charge in special education. Last month, the Conover Company was featured for their functional skills app series. These programs are designed for anyone who wants to become more functionally independent.
Another reason developers, families and special needs communities are embracing the iPad is, surprisingly, cost. The interface and computing power of the tablet goes unrivaled when compared to already existing tech devices that are specially designed with one task in mind. A family can accumulate a closet full of tech devices when an iPad can do more than all of them combined.
