Apple is highlighting a growing number of apps catering to individuals with special needs with a featured special education section in its App Store.
The section titled “Special Education” launched late last week and includes 72 applications for the iPhone and 13 applications for the iPad in 10 categories ranging from communication to emotional development and life skills, according to Trudy Muller, an Apple spokeswoman.
The special education category is currently showcased as one of four editorial features in the App Store.
Apps, which can be used on Apple’s iPhone, iPad or iPod devices, have become increasingly popular in the special needs community in recent years, serving as everything from assistive technology devices to organizational tools and teaching aids.
Sounds great…. but I tried to find that section and couldn’t. It would be nice, though, if they named it something other than “special education.” My son is an adult and in theory could benefit from some of the apps describe in this article. I say in theory because I can’t find them on the site so I have little information to go on.
My son is using an iPod for communication with the Proloquo2go application.He will also be getting an app called iPrompts. to help with sequence of skills. The first is not an apple product but is compatable and relatively cheap($190.00 aprox.) It is customizable for your son’s needs. Check it out on the web. The second is an apple product look in search field for it.
Hope this helps.
This I am very interested in, I believe the ways ways we can encourage communication the better. I shall be researching this more
I looked for this by following the link, but were do you get info? I am an adult with A.D.D> and don’t really know what I need nor what exactly I’m looking for. Help!
Please help me fine computer games or programs for the computer. It would be best if they not look childish. I have found one game which works (Wheel of Fortune). It would make Mary so happy to use a computer more. She does Puzzle Zone on line and she enjoys it but I am searching for more she can do. I am looking for a basic cookbook and anything else I can find. The things that I am looking for are CD not acutual online access. Thanks in advance for any ideas which could enrich Mary’s life.
Shelley
I am a professional working with individuals with disabilities. I would truly be grateful if we could, somehow, generate a list of resources that could be useful.. Any resources for use on the iPad2 would be very valuable, especially as technology seems to catch the eye of such individuals. Thank you in advance!
Wonderful idea, but the name “Special Education” really is horrible.
Other companies should find a place in their work force for disable adults who can be gainfully employeed. This population has been led to possible Unemployment and disability benefits before they have ever been employeed. It should be a mandate to find such jobs and match these persons to jobs as an active commitment to them.
Hurrah APPLE
I wish there were an app that taught communication skills while the kids were playing a game like their peers play, like “Ganster Rio”. I can dream.
Very good article, now how about Apple “hiring” some of those persons buying those apps, who are looking for work?? No one seems to want to touch anything to do with “employment and the differently-abled” too much any more, one main reason why unemployment is so high amongst this group???
I was not able to find the Special Education section on my iphone. Can anyone help?
Nice article
For those of you who are unable to find the Apps – Click on the “special education” link listed in the article.
The disability offerings Apple has and continues to make are the very reason I have just purchased a Mac Mini. At some point, I might be able to afford the iMac I want. Well done, Apple!
Go apple. very cool.
It is important to make sure that these devices do not become toys for computer games instead of communication devices. Was advised by several disabl and asst tech experts that you should only have communication tools loaded on the ipad so that the person remains focused on what the real purpose is for the ipad.
Even though that term is still used, People First Language wishes there to be other terms used. Since they are apps used as assistive technology it should be called that or assistive apps etc…something along those lines.
Here is a PDF file that I found that has most off the applications mentioned in it. There are also other resources on this web page.
http://www.apple.com/education/special-education/
web page
http://images.apple.com/education/docs/L360989C-US_L360989C_DiverseLearners_ff_acc.pdf
Booklet
My son who is diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome loves his iPod Touch and all the apps and videos that are on it. He is very compulsive and we are thankful for the ability to put a restriction on it so that he can not delete the apps. We can’t find a way to restrict him from deleting videos. Unfortunately it is so easy to delete videos. Please make a restriction for this or at least make it more difficult to delete. Thank you.
:-))! GOOD!! It is about time the technology became more then just a toy for adults. I am look for more assistive technology for the android phones etc..Sometimes I can’t find any great tools period… I agree that the name special education is not a good name for it, but we got them to put something there.
About time, and another genre for ‘OutsiderArtists’ artists living with disability.. I’ve written applied and spoken to Apple on several occasions. Refused to support our recommendations. Looks like something good is finally happening!
We’re Rudely Interrupted, a rock act from Melbourne Australia. Our vocalist lives with aspergers and was born without eyes, we have a Down syndrome punk rocker and midi operator our drummer lives with chromosomal disorders, but we rock as hard as any of your fav bands..
Come on Apple don’t stop at the App genre listings and support artists living with disability too..
After reading the article, I went to my IPad and I found the resources. In reviewing some of the apps, I am impressed and I will have my Special Education Teachers and Related Service Providers review theses apps to see which one can provide supplemental assistances to our special needs students. For those of you who could not find the resources, go to the apple apps store, search special education apps for ipads or iphones and the information is there.
i wish the change the lighting in there stores it so not autism friendly at all
Way to go Apple, I’m a fan!!
I have heard much about how wonderful the ipad is with regard to children/adults with ASD. Unfortunately, many of us consider an ipad a luxury. Great for folks who can afford them but it is not affordable to those on a fixed income.
I have a niece with CP. She is non-verbal and has limited use of her hands and feet. How can companies that provide technology that have the potential of assisting persons with disabilities…become more accessible?