News Report #4

“Using the iPad to Connect”

Jennifer Valentino-Devries, The Wall Street Journal

10/13/2010

<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440004575547971877769154.html?ru=yahoo&mod=yahoo_hs>

As iPads have been released to the market, interest for them has continuously increased. It has been discovered that iPads can have many benefits for helping children with special needs, specifically those with speech and communication deficits. One of these software applications developed for the iPad involves speaking words connected to certain pictures that individuals can touch. This specific application is called Proloquo2Go and was created by the company AssistiveWare BV. There are many other applications being generated, such as: ones that sound out words of pictures and ones that teach speech patterns by stories. Typically, specialized communication devices used in therapy range from $2,500 to $15,000. However, these devices are often covered under insurance and iPads are not. Those who are in favor of using iPads to help people with special needs argue that it helps relieve social humiliation associated with the bulky, specialized devices. In addition, it is manageable and easy to use. Some feel that this technology is headed in the right direction but there are still improvements to be worked out, including: locking applications, specialized for various locations, and incorporating other advanced technologies.

      I think that this article is amazing. In an earlier article that I read, iPads were being used for wine lists at restaurants and here they are being used to help those with special needs. The range of usage for iPads is astounding. I believe that this technology is definitely on the right track. I feel that it will definitely help those with speech and communication deficits to feel better fit socially by incorporating iPads into daily use. Also, I agree that iPads are easy to manage and work, especially for younger children to use. It will definitely be interesting to see how this develops over time and if there is a major shift towards using iPads in therapy for special needs.