'Appy Hour Review: OverDrive Library App, A Free Way to Access Books in Alternative Formats

With summer fast approaching, reading lists are being compiled for work and leisure. But did you know that there is a free app for a variety of devices, including iOS, Android, and Chromebook, that provides you access to digital formats of tons of books? The OverDrive app does just that for those on the run, or those who need alternative formats.

Since I am an Apple user, I'd like to share how I use it on my iPhone/iPad.

After you download the OverDrive on your iOS device, it will prompt you to chose/add your library.  Search and select the library to which you have your library card.  For example, I live in Rhode Island so my digital library is through Ocean State Libraries E-Zone.

Once selected it will bring you to the home page on which you need to sign in using your library card number.

Now you can search digital and audio books to borrow and download for 14- 21 days at a time!
Digital texts are noted with an open book icon in the top right corner of the selection; headphones signify audiobooks.  Note, if the icon is gray, it is not available for instant gratification download.  If it is black, it is.

Tap on the book you want to download and select borrow.  This will prompt you to either read from your browser or into a format available for a Kindle Book or ePUB.  If you download to your browser, be aware if you have wifi or you may eat up your data.

If you read in the browser, you can scroll down to change READABILITY including text size, contrast, font, line spacing and justification.   Now you can swipe and read.

Audiobooks are selected the same way and are downloaded as an MP3.  To locate the file after you downloaded it, swipe the left hand side of the screen and select Bookshelf.  Select your downloaded title and start listening.  I like to use this feature when communting.  My husband enjoys it during his runs.  But people who struggle with reading may enjoy this feature as well to have access to more titles in a format that works for them.

There are a ton more features to this app that you can explore.  There is a great review of how people with visual impairments find its accessibility and compatibility from AppleVis, a forum for people with vision impairment who use Apple products.  And F.Y.I., the app requires iOS 6.0 or later to run.

If you don't have a library card from your local library, go get one.  You are missing out on a rite of passage as well as a free means to access books in tangible, digital and audio formats.  If you are looking for a local library, check out http://www.publiclibraries.com.  This site provides a listing of public libraries all over the United States.  

'Appy Hour Review: Mod Math

Gotta love social media for the free, fun, and functional finds.  I came across ModMath via Twitter and immediately downloaded it for my iPad to try it out.  This app may be a game changer for children who have difficulty writing and organizing basic math problems.

Available only on iPad, ModMath was created by a family whose son has dysgraphia and dyslexia.  He was struggling to his represent his math work on paper.  Now they are sharing their app for free on iTunes.

ModMath is fairly customizable.  You have the option to change the contrast, color of number font, and provide alternative row/column contrast.

When you open a new page, you are presented with a graph paper style grid.  Once you tap on a space, a number and symbol keyboard will appear.  But don't be fooled.  This is NOT a calculator.  It only provides the user with a means to clearly type numerals and symbols.

It took only a few tries to get how to use it.  For example, if you have to do long division, you first have to touch the paper, select the long division symbol, then touch the grid again where you want your numbers to create your equation, continuing this process as you solve the problem.

 As for carrying and cross outs, they have that covered too; they also included fractions.

The lines that differentiate between steps appear automatically if you place them in the box just prior to the number that you want to add, subtract, multiply or divide.

What I really like about this app is that you can see the work, the process, as well as the result, without it automatically giving the student the answer.  The ability to visually organize the numbers in clear columns and rows is a skill with which so many children struggle.  Bonus feature, the student can email the teacher, parent, tutor his/her work, or himself in case he wanted to print out a copy.  Just select how you would like to send it and it will create a PDF of each work session.  When the recipient receives the PDF file, it comes without grid lines.

A few things options I hope they consider in the next update: 1. to a direct print option and 2. the ability to type name and date at the top of the paper. (You can name the session/file).

ModMath creators are currently working on a KickStarter Campaign for an algebra version of this product too.  If you want to discover more about ModMath or its campaign, check out www.Modmath.com.

Working around Worksheets- Two Free Apps to Help Gain Access

If you have ever worked with, had, or was a student with terrible handwriting or who couldn't physically access the worksheets to which they/you were handed, then you may want to try a combination of two free apps: Paper Port Notes and CamScanner.  Separately, the apps are pretty awesome.  But with their powers combined, a worksheet can be made a little more accessible.  What the apps do is create an editable PDF (or Portable Document Format).  In a nutshell, you take a picture of the worksheet, then the user can input the answers via the onscreen keyboards, with a stylus or even his or her finger.


The following is a step by step account for using the apps.  Don't get overwhelmed by the number of steps, because it is actually easier than it seems. But I know when I am learning how to use a new program, I like to know exactly which buttons and at what points to use them.

Once you download the apps:

1. First open Cam Scanner 

2. On the right hand side of the screen there is a camera icon, press it.  this will open up the camera feature

3. Make sure you have good lighting and take a picture of the document you want to work on

4. Press done

5. When you press done, it will show 8 dots. By moving the dots you will be able to adjust and make sure you have just the document you want to work on

6. Once cropped, press next step and it will show the cropped section

7. Press Next Step again which will open up a new doc, press on that.

8. Now press on the three dot icon  (...) and select OPEN IN (select PDF FILE) then select Open in Notes that looks like the Paperport app

9.  Now the document is in the Paperport notes app 

10. If the sidebar is showing, just tap on sidebar and it will go away.

11. At this point, there are a variety of editing buttons in the top right hand corner. T for creating text, the Pencil for circling/drawing, the Highlighter to highlight facts, and Eraser to erase stuff

      (11 a.) To type on the document, press the T. Then use your finger to touch and drag along the area on which you want to type to create a text box.  If you want the font to be bigger, create a taller box by dragging your finger up or down while you are dragging across.  When you are done typing, just touch the T again and it will close out the option.

      (11 b.) To circle answers or draw on the document, tap on the Pencil icon then go to work on your touchscreen.  When you are done drawing, tap on the Pencil icon again to close the option.

      (11 c.) To highlight information, tap on the Highlight icon then go to work on your touchscreen.  When you are done drawing, tap on the Highlighter icon again to close the option.

      (11 d.) To Erase things you have marked accidentally, tap on the Eraser icon then go to work on your touchscreen.  When you are done erasing, tap on the Eraser icon again to close the option.

12. When you are done working on the document, there are a few options.  Touch Menu at the top left corner.  Select the document you wish to share.  If you have access to a wireless printer, select the document, Share Selected and choose print. If not, sending the document as a PDF may be an alternative option.  

13. Select Share

14. Select the document you want to share

15. Protect (enter a password... I would make it something simple and that you can always use like the child's name or a number, making sure you tell the person receiving it the appropriate password)

16. Share Selected

17. Select EMAIL and send to your desired recipient.

I know this looks horrendous. But I swear, it isn't.  I have been training an amazing first grader how to use it.  So if that student can do it, you should give it a try.  

There are a couple of barriers you may come across.  First, if you do not have a wi-fi connection, you will not be able to send the document at that time.  And you will have to figure out how to orient the camera so you don't get stuck with an upside down document.  You also need to make sure you iDevice has an email account set up on it.  But there are also a ton of great features including uploading to Google Drive and DropBox.

Paper Port Notes by Nuance and Cam Scanner are available through the Apple App Store for FREE.  I am an Apple girl, and though Cam Scanner is available on the Android platform, I don't believe Paper Ports is.  And I am not sure if or how they would work together in non-iOS devices.    So if you have experience or feedback, please share!

Sharing the Love of Sign Language: Love Letters by Emily

It was at the 2014 Assistive Technology Conference of New England that I met Emily and her mom Carolyn. I had seen the name of the vendor, Love Letters by Emily, come across the planning committee correspondences. I was intrigued to find out what they were. The products were photos and collections of photos of hands ASL signing letters; I had done something similar a few years ago with my son who is of typical hearing abilities, so I already loved the idea. But when I read the story and met the family, it just made my heart sing. Love Letters by Emily is a labor of love, family and dedication.

I had the chance to connect with Carolyn Maxwell and talk a little bit about the business, being a parent of child with special needs, and the role of assistive technology in Emily's life. 

Emily was born with developmental delays and hearing impairment. She attended the Rhode Island School for the Deaf during which she received extensive educational and therapy services to support her growth and communication. But when she had completed her role as student and was transitioning to a new role productive working citizen, mom Carolyn wanted Emily to be engaged in something she loved to do, shop and sign.

Photographing Emily's hands is a beautiful way to share her knowledge and experiences. But the ETSY shop isn't just a portfolio of her hands. There are many tasking in running the business that Emily partakes. She shops for the frames and materials, goes to the post office, addresses notes and envelopes, and visits local shops to restock inventory. It isn't just a picture, it is a purpose.

I asked mom about technology's role in Emily's life. She candidly shared a story about her experience.

"I have always been conflicted about using AAC apps - not embraced by the Deaf culture ~ one of my more memorable personal Facebook postings happened after a loooong conversation in sign with Emily at the grocery check-out observed by a Job Coach working with the bagger who asked, "Have you thought about getting her a Voice Box, I think she'd do well!" My thoughts were, she is communicating well, the rest of the world just needs to learn sign language!"

Emily has had experience with ProLoQuo2GO (available on iTunes for $219.00) in the school setting; but when she graduated, she had to return the iPad that was loaded with all the personal information. And community outings with the app are frustrating because the recipients of the speech output either can't hear it or just are surprised by its use. So for Emily (for now) low tech picture cards are a more efficient way for getting others who don't know sign to know what she is thinking.

However, the iPad and computer is a great leisure tool for Emily. She enjoys watching YouTube, looking through her photo library and cruising Facebook. It inspires socialization. The have used Stories2Learn (available on iTunes for $13.99) to join text with photos to write social stories.

I know that this is one of many stories across the world that touch upon so many barriers to living life to its fullest. From navigating doctor's visits to school system conflicts to developing meaningful vocation. But take it from Emily and Carolyn: don't be discouraged, be inspired.

Visit their shop, Love Letters by Emily on ETSY or follow them on social media via twitter @LoveLettersByEM or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LoveLettersbyEmily.

"♥ Love Letters by Emily ♥ was inspired by a Valentine’s Day gift from our daughter’s Teacher of the Deaf who photographed her hand fingerspelling L-O-V-E with American Sign Language letter handshapes. It’s one of the sweetest and most thoughtful gifts from the heart we’ve ever received, and it’s a gift of love that we wanted to share. One idea led to another ~ and another . . . and our Etsy shop was born!"

Back to School Tried and True

By this time of year, I am prepping to return to work and have found something that I cannot wait to use.  But honestly, this year, I can't wait to go back to my tried and true, my go-tos, my faves.

1. Music
People think I am nuts, but I sing everything. EVERYTHING becomes a song. Working with 3-5 years olds all day long will do that to you.  Almost each session incorporates something from Handwriting Without Tears Get Set for School album.  Kids love it.  I love it.  The songs address so many things from socialization, left/right discrimination, body awareness, language, pre-math concepts, I could go on and on.  In fact, the students even when they leave preschool, still expect to sing the Hello Song and do Tap, Tap, Tap.

My other top music pick incorporates technology.  Inclusive Technology's apps have such catchy tunes that I'll incorporate an app for my kiddos that need to work on cause and effect, assistive technology access learning, turn taking or counting.  The activities are great one on one or in groups.  I often will connect my iDevice to the Smartboard in the classrooms after our music and movement activity and before we move to the fine motor fun.  They just released two multi-songs apps that I might just splurge on, because I know I'll use them.

2. Scissors
I love cutting.  Put a tool in a child's hands and you can see their eyes and bodies hone in on the activity.  Snipping the paper strips or theraputty is, well, therapeutic.  Snipping through the resistance of the putty builds strength of the intrinsic hand muscles, while forcing bilateral hand skill development.  Adaptive scissors help to make it accessible to most, if not, all students, with the just-right assistance level.  And I started downloading or making play mats from Teachers Pay Teachers to support early math skills like one to one correspondence, number recognition and counting.

Scissor Assessment Kit from Achievement has a great variety of left and right adaptive scissors for just about any need or ability.

3. The Peanut Ball
I think I need to order about 5 more this year.  The peanut ball is such a great tool for core strengthening, balance, attention, and upper body strengthening, that its versatility equals its weight in gold.  Sit on it. Straddle it. Lay on your belly. Lay on your back. Throw it. Kick it. Carry it. Roll it. Do any of those while participating in an activity and the session gets even more bang for the buck.

4.  Theraputty
I  have been having so much fun adapting and creating activities using Fun and Function's variety of putties.  I heart the Animal Rescue Discovery Putty.  But over the year, the kiddos have lost most of my animals.  So I purchased the Emotions Putty which are totally cool.  It comes in Calm which is labeled as Soft. When cool, it is blue. When warmed up, it turns purple, like the old school mood rings.  It also comes in Energize which is labeled Firm.  It's this metallic glob of fun that reminds me of Terminator 2 when Robert Patrick oozes and molds into forms.  It is so mesmerizing that kids and adults alike will choose it.  The Putty Elements packs are a great addition. Because they are named Earth (green/ medium), Desert (red/ extra soft). Sun (yellow/soft ) and Sky (blue/extra firm) that along with science, it can support persistence and strength.  Note, it felt like their resistance did not match their labels; but that was ok.  For the ages with whom I work, I am less concerned with the resistance level than I am with engagement with a substance that will either challenge their sensory or fine motor needs.

Calm Emotions Putty

5. Dice
I am not just talking about the standard dot dice from the board games; I am talking about turning a couple of those random blocks you have laying around and creating new activities.  Roll picture/word dice to create silly sentence that not only address writing skills such as spacing, formation, and capitalization, but also supports language development and awareness.  Roll a move, dance a groove.  Easy way to add a movement break into an activity or the order to which a student completes an obstacle course.  Changing the way a learning center or activity is built, such as adding the playful component of dice, can change the attitude and engagement of a student learning a novel skill.

Foam Dice with Who? Where? Verbs? When? Boardmaker Pictures to prompt sentence expansion

Now that I have shared some of mine, what's in your back to school tool box?

'Appy Hour Review: Five Speckled Frogs

In the consistent nature of Inclusive Technology apps, Five Speckled Frogs is a great springtime addition to the repertoire.

Like other similar apps including Five Little Aliens, Five Rock Stars, and Five Swimming Sharks, Five Speckled Frogs offers a catchy and familiar song with two additional counting activities.  It also costs $2.99 in the iTunes app store.  Switch accessibility is still an option. And of course the visuals and sounds are pleasantly aligned with the other apps/products.   But, here is the best part….. app designers listened to feedback! There are back buttons and a two finger tap in the upper left hand corner to quickly go back within the app without having to close out of the app completely.

Not only is it refreshingly wonderful and gratifying that as a consumer, my voice (and presumably others) was heard, but it shows how dedicated this company is to serving the educational community of special needs.  I hope to see this feature in updates of the other apps!

Five Speckled Frogs is such a frequently used concept in the pre-K setting, that there are many ways to create lessons and activities.  Now in the special education assisive tech community, we can say, "Yes there is an app for that."

'Appy Hour: ATEval2Go

After hearing about ATEval2Go app on a podcast to which I listen (ATTipsCast, go check it out~) I had to try it.

ATEval2Go is a very comprehensive evaluation app by SmartyEars that allows the user to enter and export data on child/client specific and classroom specific assistive technology needs.  There are some great features:

1. Ability to take and import photos/audio files/video

This is a nice feature for a couple of reasons. If there is a complex set up, sometimes it is nice to take a picture than attempt to describe it.  It also helps to put faces to names, if you happen to work with a lot of clients.

2. Direct access to a data bank with common recommendations, accommodations, modifications, technology, etc

Being new to the ATP evaluation process, I am still learning different kinds of options out in the world. The data banks provided a visual list of things to look for.  So now, I am using it to evaluate classrooms, to see what is available already in it.  It includes accommodations, modifications and available tools that are commonly found in math, reading, composition, organization, sensory based, etc.  This saves time and helps to individualize modifications and accommodations for the IEP. 

3. Ability to save new and commonly used items to the data bank

My school is full of technology. I have customized my data banks with my recommendations and items in use so that future evaluations will be even more quickly completed.

4. Easy to use

It really couldn't be more simple.  Drop down menus, typing capacity, easy delete and add. 

5. Access to a how to video!

If you wondering if this app will be useful for you, or you downloaded it and want to get started, check out SmartyEars YouTube video.

6. Exportability

You have a couple of different options to get the information from the iPad to a printer. You can email it, directly print to an AirPrint enabled printer, and upload to iBooks or iTunes.  So what I have done, is emailed it to myself and then cut and pasted into a Microsoft Word document, usually one of my progress notes or evaluations.  Then I am able to add any other information I wish or need.

Aspects to consider:

1. Cost

This app is expensive.  At $39.99 I was reluctant to purchase it, which is one of the reasons I reached out to the company.  I like to trial lite versions or have access to a free sample before investing in an app of over 5.99; this app is it. There is no lite or option for free trial.

2. iTunes uploading

This app features the ability to upload an evaluation to iTunes file share.  I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I am hesitant to upload client specific information to the cloud, though I am sure it is secure. I just won't do it.

Hopes:

1. I really would love to see an OTEval2Go! I love the comprehensive nature of the evaluation. It is easy to use and could easily see a version that was friendly to the OT evaluator.

2. I also hope for SmartyEars to consider a free trial period or develop a lite version as I am sure I am not the only one hesitant to purchase prior to hands on use.

3. I would love to see additional software items in the pre-determined data bank.  Though I know technology is changing every time I blink, it would be nice to have commonly used software included.  Many of them have built in accessibility options, which again will help guide educators to use recommendations that are already a classroom resource.

Overall, I see ATEval2Go as a very useful tool for the school assistive tech designee, the SLP or the OT.  It helps guide the evaluator, not do it for him/her which is very important for the efficacy of practice.  If this app is something that you would like to have access to, you may want to present the request to your administrator to cover the cost.  Never hurts to ask!

Disclaimer: I received a promo code to provide feedback and my thoughts about it.
This did/does not influence my discussion of the app.

'Appy Hour Review: Write Room

I found Write Room, by Hog Bay Software, for free on Apps gone Free. Normally $4.99, I couldn't not try it.

Write Room is a super cool app that is easily modifiable to those with visual impairments, visual attention, or to those who just prefer working in a different font and background.

When comparing Write Room to Notes, issued standard on iPhone and iPad, there are notable differences. The background in Write Words is very customizable, as is the font. You are able to adjust size, color, and style all within the app.

It is set up with limited distractions visually. Similarly to Notes on the iPhones, there are no lines.  However, it takes just a quick tap on the title line to pull up options to print, email or rename.  Also, it has a word count and sync option within that feature.

Like Notes, you are able to create new documents and folders. You can send your documents via email or to your wireless printer.  Unlike Notes, you are unable to send it as a text message, which I hope is an option in their upgrade attempts.

This entire blog was type written using Write Room with yellow font on black background. I loved the high contrast. Maybe because my eyes are getting older or I just have this personal preference, the option to easily access a high contrast typing app is wonderful.

I think I am a convert from using Notes to using Write Room as my go to quick note taker. Take a chance and try it as well, while it is free.  Who knows, you just might like it as well.  And if you like working on it, there are versions for other Mac products, too.

As of this post, Write Room is still free while they work on updates, so download it now.

'Appy Hour Review: Inclusive Tech Apps Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of Inclusive Tech 'Appy Hour Review.  This group of apps addresses slightly different tasks and skill development compared to the previous song based counting apps.  These apps are best for children with exceptional needs who are using cause and effect efficiently and you want to help them make more choices within their play or work on timing for switch activation.  Overall, if you find one app you like, chances are you will find others that help excite and engage the learners into persevering with the task.


Little Lost Penguin*
Cost: $2.99
Ease of Use: Available in a single switch or touch based mode, you must help the Little Lost Penguin cross six obstacles and feed him along the way. Honestly, I purchased and tried the app without knowing much about it.  I learned by trial and error what was expected (like the kids would have to do).  This app addresses problem solving skills because the player needs to figure out and wait to jump at just the right time.
Visuals: Of course the penguin is cute.  The visual are more complex than the previous cause and effect apps, but it is made to engage different skills for different learners.
Auditory: Gentle waves in the background, and swoopy jumping sounds accompany the penguin and help bring attention back to the task.
Engagement Factor: I swear it was inspired by Happy Feet.   Most of my students are not ready for this app quite yet but I am hoping as they grow, this app will support their needs.
Overall: This is a cute beginner app to bring the students to a new level of skill development, when they are ready. I give it 4 out of 5 Coffee Cups.

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Treasure Island*:
Cost: $2.99
Ease of Use: This app can be used as touch based, single switch, and two switch modes. Goal of the game is to find the treasure by scanning and selecting a square on the map.
Visuals: The map is presented as a grid of 9 squares. Once you touched a spot, a dark blue foot stamps on that section of the map.  I don't feel it is contrasting enough and wish I could modify the stamp in a different color at times. However, the benefit of the blue stamp is that is not overly distracting that the students do not perseverate on it.  You have to weigh your needs.
Auditory:Hopefully you children don't scare easily, sometimes the creepy skeletons will say boo and laugh at them. But generally the sound effects that accompany the squares are not too scary.
Engagement Factor: I have boys, work with a lot of boys, it was nice to have a pirate game! Once you find the treasure you get a song and dance from the pirate himself.  The map and location of the treasure changes slightly in each game so students can't memorize location.
Overall: This app can be used to develop step scanning skills. Scan, scan, scan, select. And its fun to go on a treasure hunt.  I give it 4 out of 5 Coffee Cups for the Arrgggghhhhh factor.
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Shhh!:
Cost:$2.99
Ease of Use: This is a simple cause and effect app that can be play with touch base, single or two switch mode.  The tired old man is trying to sleep, and silly musicians keep interrupting him. Depending on the switch you activate, you will either open the door to disrupt the old man's sleep, or the old man will pop up and say "Shhhh!". 

Visuals: Simple black background helps to decrease visual stimuli.  Bright, clear, and animated images are  to watch.

Auditory: If left alone, the musicians will play their instruments for about 15 seconds. But you can interrupt them by selecting the tired old man and he will tell them to SHHH!  There is no other extraneous noises, which is good to limit distractions.
Engagement Factor: The children really get a kick out of waking up the old man.  I swear that is an innate desire of most children.
Overall: Shhh! is fun and great way to explore the use of two switch mode.  5 out of 5 cups.

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Big Trucks:
Cost: $2.99

Ease of Use: This is a simple cause and effect app that can be play with touch base, single or two switch mode.  Interaction strictly makes the trucks make sounds and move on and off the screen. 

Visuals: Simple black background helps to decrease visual stimuli.  Bright clear truck images that have animation are pleasurable to watch.

Auditory: Each truck has a unique sound to go along its activation.

Engagement Factor:  Using the two switch activation, a child can build choice making.

Overall: This is a decent app for those with significant and complex needs.  It happened to flow with the preschool curriculum discussing stories like Goodnight, Construction Site. The students did appear to get less engaged after about 3-5 minutes, since they prefer the song based apps as previously reviewed.    I give it 3 out of 5 Coffee Cups.

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Aunty Maggie's Recipe
Cost: $2.99
Ease of Use:This is a simple cause and effect app that can be play with touch base, single or two switch mode.
Visuals: You get to chose 1 kid from a field of 4 that you want to make into a monster. Touch the brightly colored potions to add as many as you want to the cauldron.  Then touch the goblet to have the child drink it.  The child turns into a colorful monster and does a dance.  After the dance the child returns to normal to start the process again.  There is a quick X to return to the field of 4 child select screen in case the player wants to change it up.
Auditory: The setting is a spooky house, so the crickets are chirping in the background, which after a while, I wanted the option to shut it off.  But when you select the potions or the cup, it has a pleasant and reinforcing sound that indicates the player made a choice.
Engagement Factor: I really like this game. My five year old (and even the 8 y.o.) really likes this game. This game is fun to develop choice making, reasoning skills, hypotheses in an engaging monstrous way. You can build on language skills by asking what color? What do you think is going to happen? How many potions do you want to use? Do you like or dislike your monster?
Overall:  You really can have a lot of fun differentiating to the goals specific to your child.  5 of 5 Coffee Cups.

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The one thing I wish I could have access to is a quick exit to the app's home screen.  In most of the apps, you have to exit the app completely then reenter into the app.  I have talked with the developers but they have tried diligently to limit the visual distractions which is why they don't provide the quick out.  But they understood my concerns.  So whether or not you like or dislike an app, I urge you to share your feedback with the developers via app store reviews, emails, or blogs.  It takes feedback to make things the best for the intended users.

*apps with this star means I purchased it independently.  The others I received a code to download it for free.  My thoughts, as odd as they are at times, are my own and are not influenced by the company.

'Appy Hour Review: Inclusive Tech Switch Accessible Apps Part 1

Once I find an app I like, I tend to try the company's other apps to see how they may be beneficial to the children with whom I work.   Inclusive Technologies, based in the UK, has been a great find for my clientele.

The maker of Splat the Clowns has a plethora of switch accessible apps, so I figured I will do a compilation review of the ones that I have purchased, as well as the ones that I had received a code from the company to test drive.  Disclaimer, my thoughts, as odd as they are, are my own regardless of how I attained them :)

But because Inclusive Tech makes quite a few apps, most of which I love and use on a daily basis, I decided to do a 2 (or more) part 'Appy Hour to provide quick and concise reviews of their ease of use, visual, auditory, engagement factor, and overall thought.  And because I work some of the most amazing children with a variety of abilities and disabilities including Autism, Down's Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Visual Impairment, and Spina Bifida, I have had a chance to differentiate the use of these apps with really great results.  So here we go...

Five Swimming Sharks*

 Cost:$2.99
Ease of Use: Either in touch base mode or with switch interface, this app is very easy to use.  After setting up the Bluetooth switch interface, just enter the app, Switch Settings, click enable switch then x out. Easy peasey lemon squeezey.  This is single and 2 switch capable.  It has the song and 3 additional counting activities to the number 5.  I only wish that the third counting activity, counting in sets, had an easy exit besides exiting the app completely with the iPad's home button.
Visuals: Clear, bold colors accompany the words and numbers associated with the song and 3 counting games making it really good for early readers.  Not overly complicated for children with visual impairments.
Auditory:  I know the song is set to a tune from my childhood, but I cannot figure it out! Either way, it is consistent verse allows for easy learning.  Students and staff were shocked initially at the duck-eating shark but soon realized the humor in it.  And the british singer is pleasant to listen to.
Engagement Factor: The students are enamored with the cause and effect.  I have watched as my students learn wait, my turn, targeting, and counting.  I have printed and laminated the pictures of all of the apps so they can make choices, and they often will deliberately choose this one.
Overall: 5 out of 5 Coffee Cups.  This app can support early math and literacy concepts easily in the classroom and at home.   Click here for a youtube video posted by TecAssistive so you can have the song stuck in your head too.


Five Little Aliens:*
Cost: $2.99
Ease of Use:  This was the second app I had purchased and got my hooked onto Inclusive Tech, honestly.  This is a single switch capable app with a song and two additional counting activities.  Same set up as above.
Visuals: How can you not love the cute little green men?  Clear simple animation accompanied with the words and numbers and a not-complicated background makes it easy to watch.
Auditory: I can never get these songs out of the my head. Neither can the teachers or the students. It is an easy tune to recall with consistent verse and the same lovely british singer.
Engagement Factor: When I see children with the most severe and impaired motor coordination hit that switch over and over to continue the song or count along, I know they are learning, playing and showing others they are as well.
Overall: Overflowing 5 out of 5 Coffee Cups.  Everything about this app I adore, and so do the kids.

Five Little Rock Stars*:
Cost: $2.99
Ease of Use: Can be used with and without a switch.  See above, as I have noticed Inclusive Tech is consistent with their switch enabling process. This is a single switch capable app.  It has the song and 2 additional counting activities to the number 5.
Visuals: The background is duller than the animated rock stars so it helps to keep the attention without being overly distracting.  The songs and activities are accompanied by the words on bottom of the screen, and the number is on top.  Between each activation, this makes it easy to reinforce number recognition, early reading skills, and counting.
Auditory:  The tune is catchy. The song has a longer verse as compared to the other interactive song apps and I do wish it was shorter, but my students love it still.
Engagement Factor: I crack up that this is becoming some of my students' favorite song.  Some of my students with significant oral apraxia can clearly say "rock star" when requesting this app.
Overall: Simialr to Five Little Aliens and Five Swimming Sharks, Rock Stars provides a song and additional counting games for numbers 1 -5.  If the kids love it and they are learning, its a 4 5/6th out of 5 Coffee Cups.

I find it incredibly important to be in touch with the app developers because as a therapist and parent, I am one of the many on the front lines.  If there are things I like, love, or dislike greatly, I tell them, either in an email or a review.  I had reached out to Inclusive Tech to share some of my thoughts and the person to whom I was connected was thoughtful and thorough with his response.  I hope to see some of my suggestions in future apps or versions.  But whether or not that happens, IT appears to be a company with the children in mind and I look forward to seeing more of their developments.

Oh, and if anyone can tell me the names of the songs that these are based to I will thank you forever, it has been driving me nuts!

*indicates that I purchased this app

'Appy hour review : Wet Dry Try

I love the multi modal design of Handwriting Without Tears techniques. It's language is simple and consistent. Big line, little lines, big curve little curve, magic c letters. Etc. And wet dry try is one of my staples in my therapeutic pocket.

So when HWT announced they had developed an app, I was excited... until I saw it.  For $4.99 originally and for capital letters only, Wet Dry Try was way too expensive and limited.  I immediately reached out to the developers and said, this app is way too expensive for the few things it offers. And I refused to purchase it. Especially since there wasn't even a lite version!  They said thanks for the input.  Then a few months later, version two came out with a few more features including lower case and numbers.  I said to myself, since I am such a loyal HWT user, I will invest the now increased price of $6.99 to purchase the app. I was so disappointed.

The Wet Dry Try app is just a glorified chalkboard. I suppose it is fine for when a you are on the go, and don't have that chalkboard handy.  But there is no feedback, tactile, visual, or auditory that keeps anyone interested.  You get a rotating star. A rotating star?  I mean, where is the playful engagement? Desire to continue?

You go through the motions of Wet Dry Try with an imaginary sponge, an imaginary paper towel and an imaginary piece of chalk.  Maybe if I could come up with a stylus sponge to give the same tripod position of the fingers, and another to simulate the chalk feeling with the resistance I'd be a little more into it.  I suppose I am just purist, that if you are gonna do wet dry try, do wet dry try. It's multisensory for a reason.

Yes you can  customize to students, practice capitals, lower case and numbers, and get progress reports. But there are soooooo many other apps free or at least cheaper than the wet dry try app. I wanted to like it. But I have used it only a handful of times because frankly it did not hold my students' attention. Or mine. So if u have 7.00 on your App Store card, save it.  Or better yet, buy a real chalkboard, a sponge and some chalk. You will get way more use out it.

'Appy Hour: Splat the Clowns by Inclusive Technology

Given the nature and severity of the disabilities of many of the children with whom I work, I am continuously on the look out for engaging and accessible games.  So when I came across Inclusive Technology and the variety of cost friendly apps, I couldn't help but add them to my repertoire.

I need to state, not all apps are switch accessible.  But those that are switch accessible, can also be used with the standard touch interface.  Not to be too technical, but in order to use switch access, one must have access to a Blue tooth switch interface, like the Pretorian APPlicator.  It is the one that I currently use with my students.

Splat the Clowns was the first Inclusive Tech app I had purchased, for $2.99.  The idea is to press a switch or touch the screen to splat the clown face when it gets to the circle in the center of the screen.  Splat five clowns and the reward song comes on.  This app is great for building cause and effect play, targeting, timing, and visual tracking.  You can easily incorporate language concepts like wait, in, go, or turn taking social pragmatics if doing this as part of a group.  It's black background, simplistic and uncomplicated, make it a wonderful app for those with visual impairments, like cortical visual impairment, low vision, etc.  I have used this app with a students from preschoolers through 5th graders with a variety of abilities, from able bodied peers to those with the most challenging impairments; the result is still the same: Engaged and Happy Players.  Splat the clowns is a wonderful addition to the cause and effect play folder on any iPad.

Check out Splat the Clowns at the App Store.

'Appy Hour: Writing Wizard

'Appy Hour is going to include reviews of educational, special needs, and just for fun apps.  Many of these apps I find by subscribing to a variety of app developers such as Grasshopper Apps that does a Free The App option, by checking Bridging Apps a great website that has a search engine based on skills, and Apps Gone Free, an app that provides daily "free" apps for short periods of time.

Today's review was discovered on Apps Gone Free a few weeks ago: Writing Wizard by L'Escapadou.  Normally $2.99, I found it for free via AGF.  And it is now on my go-to list of apps for handwriting support.

This app is worth every penny with a cherry on top.  Having tried apps including Handwriting Without Tears (for $6.99 mind you and that will come in a later review), I have been very leery with writing apps for their customizability, visuals, and overall usability.  But Writing Wizard has met these criteria, hands down.

First,  this app is quite customizable.   Not only do you have the option in handwriting formats including D'Nealian, Zaner-Bloser and Handwriting without Tears, but you have access to capitals, letters, numbers and words.  You also have the option to create reports of tracing history to examine accuracy of motor planning over time.

Under section "For Parents", after you answer a quick math question to unlock parental control~ a cute feature~ it describes how to add words to the "My Words" list.  This can be incredibly helpful for spelling practice, reading practice, or name writing.  It also provides instructions how to use their "5 Star" Mode during which the practice becomes more challenging; and when the child meet the criteria they get a start.

Visuals and Audio.  This app is really appealing. First the child is given a demonstration as well as the name of the letter and its letter sound.  As the child traces within the given parameter, cool pictures like tiger heads, flowers, and cupcakes act as the line.  After the letter is completed, a cool and kinda trippy thing will happen, reinforcing the letter building.  This app does not have over powering backgrounds or background sounds, which I find incredibly useful in the therapeutic and educational setting.

Lastly, overall usability.  I have used this app with children pre-K to 5th grade with a variety of special needs including Downs Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, and ADHD.  This is a kid and adult friendly app.  My students with and without disabilities, and my own children, enjoy exploring the letters.  They find it highly motivating and engaging.  And when paired with paper/pencil tasks, I have noticed improvement with behavior, completion, attention and visual motor skills.

I have to say, it was also very refreshing for the app developers to state to use a stylus.  This is a pet peeve of mine.  Using a stylus is incredibly important to build the dexterity for writing and coloring with tools.  We don't write with our finger tips on paper, so please get a stylus to promote good habits.

When compared to other writing apps out there, this is by far one of my favorites.  I would recommend it to teachers, therapists and parents as another way in addition to paper/pencil task, to engage their early learners in another writing skill development.  Kudos, L'Escapadou!

Click here for the YouTube video by L'Escapadou.