Eye Control to go mainstream

Could eye gaze systems become mainstream?  It certainly is an exciting possibility for many people with disabilities who need alternative means to access communication, computers and other systems.  Listen to this NPR clip to learn more about how companies are working to bring this technology to the mainstream.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/12/03/166244876/in-eye-control-a-promise-to-let-your-tablet-go-hands-free

The Most Beautiful Things

I was so grateful Jocalyn shared this trailer and film on her blog. It truly inspired me for many reasons, so I thought I'd share it! Here is the trailer and the actual, full film. Truly amazing.

AAC in Use

We are working on implementing a communication system with my daughter and I came across this video of children using all different methods of communication.  I love how it shows the children participating in everyday activities with their talkers commonplace.  It makes it feel less intimidating to me as we venture down the path of looking at AAC talking devices.

Giving Voice

I loved this video is featured on the Giving Voice website. AAC user, Lewis from Newcastle speaks up for young people with speech, language and communication needs.

Teens With Special Needs & Facebook

I really enjoyed this article by Terri Mauro of About.com. Here's a little bit about it....

Most parents have a wary relationship with social networking when it comes to their kids. We've all heard about cyberbullying and young people doing dangerous things without realizing. But for your teen with special needs, social networks like Facebook can be an easily supervisable way to tiptoe into the world of typical peers without having to actually deal with them in person. With proper supervision, Facebook can be far less treacherous than your average high-school hallway or lunchroom. Here are five reasons why you may want to consider setting up a Facebook account for your child.

1. It establishes an online identity.
2. Having friends feels good, even when they're virtual.
3. You can help your child socialize.
4. It reinforces useful skills.
5. It's an age-appropriate activity.

Read the full article here.
Other food for thought: Help Your Teen With Special Needs Stay Safe on Facebook.

Some Great Resources & Ideas

I am so excited that Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs put together a list/review of Android Apps for children with special needs. I use that operating system and I'm sure many of you do! I'm excited to try a few

I absolutely love this conversation starter idea from Adapting Creatively for non-verbal children. So easy and simple, yet so effective and important!

Technical Assistance Center on Social and Emotional Intervention (TACSEI) is a great resource. I especially like their "Making Life Easier" series, which includes printable sheets to help with day-to-day activities such as bedtime, running errands, etc.

Eyegaze Apps

I originally saw this post on Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs and, after I picked my jaw up off the ground due to my utter amazement, I just had to share it!

The products seen in this video are the first steps towards a comprehensive curriculum to teach purposeful eye gaze interaction leading to each purposeful eye gaze interaction leading to eye gaze controlled communication and computing. We have road maps and progressions to teach keyboards and switch skills but this will be important for us to teach learners what they need to access an eye gaze controlled device. Amazing.

The computers seen here are the Tobii PC Eye, the software is by Sensory Guru and the interactive floor mat is a Magic Carpet.

The magic carpet app is nothing shy of astonishing.

Resources for Assistive Technology

A.T. Tipscast
Accessible Technology Tips
Adaptations 4 Kidz
Apple Assistive Technology
Apps for Children With Special Needs
Assistive Tech Forum
Curriki

Junior's Voice
Moms With Apps
SpeEdChange
Teaching All Students
Tequipment
Using Technology to Support Diverse Learners
Wrightslaw Way

Which technological device(s) do you use for your special needs child? Which apps are your favorites? Which online resources do you find most helpful? Please share!