Autism & The iPad

Android Addition : First Then

2012-03-02T09:24:00.002-05:00

The visual schedule app "First-Then" is now available in the Android Market.

$9.99

Android Market Link

ACT QUICKLY!!! Temporary Price Reduction

2012-01-29T18:20:00.007-05:00

The software development company EsenaSoft has temporarily reduced it's price on several of their apps until the morning of January 30, 2011. Some of the apps are educational in basis and some appear to be entertainment. Here is a partial list of apps you might want to check out during their sale:

Pamela Possum Goes To Letter Land iTunes Link

Sammy Squirrel Battles the Alphabet Robots iTunes Link

Pamela Possum is Counting in Paris iTunes Link

Sammy Squirrel and the Haunted Numbers iTunes Link

Sammy Squirrel Flies Away In Shape Rocket iTunes Link

US Presidents (Match'Em Up History and Geography) iTunes Link

For more temporarily free listings, search on EnsenaSoft in iTunes for 59 different offerings they have. But act quickly - this event is said to be over the morning of Monday Jan 30!

Apps for Emotions/Feelings

2012-01-05T14:59:00.003-05:00

Additional sale items

2011-12-29T17:24:00.003-05:00

Hiding Hannah This app is available through
iTunes
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hiding-hannah/id476237347?mt=8
and the

AmazonApp store
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006KL9D38/185-9874659-4398857?ie=UTF8&ref=mas_dl
.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ3XdBroKds
From tomorrow through Monday, the developer will be dropping the price of Hiding Hannah to 99 cents, and 25% of all proceeds will go to A4CWSN.

Brain Parade stated they will be reducing the price See.Touch.Learn.™ Pro 2012 to $19.99 and dropping the price of all libraries in See.Touch.Learn.™ to $0.99 US Dec 30th through Jan 1st. 15% of profits during this period will be donated to A4CWSN.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/see.touch.learn-pro-2012/id467924373?mt=8

Temporarily Free and Reduced Price Apps

2011-12-26T23:43:00.003-05:00

Podcasts for Autism Related Topics

2011-12-08T16:31:00.005-05:00

Another use for that iOS device that could be useful to your child with autism are information resources via podcasts (webcasts). Podcasts are online prerecord media either audio or video that are non-streamed -meaning that there is a repository or library of them to choose from. These podcasts can be played through your iOS device as well as other typical hardware such as a laptop.

There are a few podcasts series that may be of particular use to those with or working with those with autism.

One such podcast series is resthinkautism.com, Free, iTunes link.

However - there are more!

One great resource for such podcasts is another blog much like this one called:
autismpodcast.blogspot.com
and their companion website
autismpodcast.org.

Much like this group, the founders of this website are parents to a child with special needs.
From their About Us on their webpage:

"Michael Boll , is the father of an ten -year old boy on the autism spectrum. A fifteen-year, certified classroom teacher, Michael decided to take some time off from his career to create and implement a home program that compliments his son’s school program. After two enjoyable years, Michael is back in the classroom. He teaches at Concordia International School, Shanghai, China. His son is now attending a school for kids with special needs in Shanghai. Michael’s wife, Lori, works at that school."

Their website has podcasts on autism - including information useful for those with adults on the spectrum.

Check it out!

Carrier IQ and iOS Devices

2011-12-02T17:13:00.005-05:00

You may have seen news on something called Carrier IQ in the news.

Carrier IQ makes software found on many smartphones and tablet devices, including iOS devices. The company has been accused of creating software that violates privacy/wiretap laws by allowing personal information of users to be sent to carriers. Of the most serious accusation is that it allows logging key strokes. It is contested that key stroke information is recorded, however, they have acknowledged that the software can report what applications are being used and what URLs are visited. This data does not get reported to Carrier IQ, rather to the carriers who use it - such as AT&T and Sprint. In all likelihood, this information is used as described: to "measure and summarize performance of the device to assist Operators in delivering better service". However, there are still those who may be uncomfortable with this.

Apple has indicated that Carrier IQ software is not used in the latest iOS 5 on most devices. There are significant researchers and security experts who say that the Carrier IQ reports are for those iOS devices that are 3/4G enabled and in general that the reports have been mostly exaggerations.

For those who might have still have concerns about this - there is a way to turn off sending diagnostic information for your iOS device :

Select Settings app.
Select General tab.
Go to the About section.
Tap on Diagnostics & Usage.
Select the “Don’t send” option.

Free and On Sale Apps

2011-11-23T17:06:00.002-05:00

From Morgan Kolis of the facebook group iTeach Special Education- iDevices in Special Education.

Free and Sale Apps-

Thomas and Friends: Day of the Diesels is on sale!!!! $.99!

Thomas and Friends: Hero of the Rails on sale!!! $.99!

Thomas & Friends: Misty Island Rescue on sale too!!! $.99!

Angelina Ballerina's New Ballet Teacher is on sale for $.99!

Point to Pictures (an AAC "training" App) is FREE for two weeks, then $29.95!

Spell-A-Word is FREE for two weeks only, then $29.95!

Apps by Auryn like this one- Bunny Fun: Head, Shoulders, Knees, Toes go on sale TOMORROW (the 24th-27th) for $.99!

Peek-a-Zoo HD by Duck Duck Moose is only $.99.

Snoopy's Street Fair is FREE today.

Feel Electric! (by Sesame Street) is FREE!

Lego Duplo Jams is FREE!

Lego Creationary is FREE!

There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System has a special intro price of $3.99.

Christmas Fun- All In One App is FREE.

Other Noteworthy Apps-

A Charlie Brown Christmas App is $6.99.

Make it Pop is $1.99.

Don't Let the Pigeon Run This App! is $6.99.

Another Monster at the End of This Book...Starring Grover & Elmo!
Special limited-time introductory price of $0.99!

Home Button Help: BubCaps

2011-11-17T11:35:00.004-05:00

If you have a child that you would like to deter from hitting the home button on your iPad or other iOS device - there is a new affordable (under $10 including shipping) product that seems to be getting many favorable reviews called the BubCap.

BubCaos are basically really tough stickers that you place over the home key on your iOS device. They come in 3 different rigidity levels - regular, ultra, and max. There is a combo pack to let you see which is the best fit for your situation. Available from amazon.com or directly from the manufacturer, PaperClip Robot.

Printing and iOS 5

2011-11-14T14:54:00.004-05:00

If you have upgraded to iOS 5 - our printer solution in a past post will no longer work.

First off - a note that a few printing manufacturers are putting out apps intended to allow iPads to print to their printers. So if you are buying new - check it out!

For those in other spots, there is a solution for iOS 5, but it is not free.

A company called Collobos software puts out the “FingerPrint” product. This software will run under Windows XP, Vista, 7, or Mac OS X 10.5 – 10.7.

There is a one week trial version that can be downloaded from the site:

http://www.collobos.com/index.html

It is a very easy installation, the main FingerPrint window shows a list of all shared printers. You can check or uncheck from the list.

Nothing needs to be installed on the iPad.

If you like the software, it’ll cost you $9.99 for the non-time-limited solution.

Caveat: The computer with the attached printer must be on the same subnet as the IOS device. For most home users that will not be a problem – it’s more of an issue in a corporate setting.

There is also an app iTunes Link fairly affordable at just under $9, but reviews are only at 3.5 stars.

iVote: Oregon Pilots iPad Use for Voting

2011-11-12T13:53:00.005-05:00

November is voting season here in the states. 5 counties in Oregon piloted a program to use the iPads for those with special needs. Everyone Counts an organization based on the mission of "efficient, affordable and trusted elections should be available to voters, election officials and poll workers everywhere" helped establish the program. This concept of "universally accessible election systems" was brought to Orgeon and 89 voters gave it a try.

To read more about this, check out the AP's article or KEZI news.

Android Apps

2011-11-10T12:50:00.000-05:00

A repost from the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) webpage.
Written by Dr. Tanya Whitehead.

Android offers a wide range of FREE disability apps for any user with an Android phone.

You can find them through the Android Market button on the phone, or by typing in the web address http://androidzoom.com/android_applications/disability

Below are a few of the offerings:

AgileAssyst: AgileAssyst was designed to be a support system to help users with autism, traumatic brain injury, cognitive disability, or Alzheimer’s become more self-sufficient. The user’s coach enters and updates a daily schedule using the AgileAssyst online web portal. Videos can be used to model specific tasks.

Features of the app include a simplified user interface that replaces the standard phone screen; secure control from a web portal, real time location finder on web portal, simplified picture based phone call screen, audio text to speech, audio-tactile alarms, statistical summaries for the user.

Autism Express: This fun app was designed to help people with autism spectrum identify and express their emotions. A sample screen shot can be viewed at http://www.androidzoom.com/android_games/brain_puzzle/autismxpress_ypdq.html

My Disability Answers: This app was created by the Advocator Group. Disability Answers provides searchable information on topics such as how to apply for SSDI, the benefits of having a representative, and the information about Medicare. There is a Q and A app that walks a person through the eligibility criterion for SSDI.

ViBe Alert: The developer’s description is “Feel who’s calling you. “Vibe” is like Caller ID but with Vibration Patterns. Pick a contact and set a unique vibration pattern – it’s that easy!” The comments of early users show that it really works! You can find out more at: http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/communication/vibe_blvjy.html

Working Concepts: This app feature provides job training services for people with disabilities. The three I saw demonstrated on the website (http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/education/workingconcepts_bfrrh.html) were: Employment Skills Training, Job Readiness Training, and Personal Social Adjustment Training.

Some additional apps are available for a fee. The Code Factory offers a very nice app for $99 (as of this writing) that can be viewed at http://www.codefactory.es/en/products.asp?id=415

The same feature is called “Mobile Accessibility Lite” by AT&T who offers it at no cost to their customers. This feature provdes a suite of 11 applications for the phone, contacts, SMS, Alarm, Calendar, Email, Web, “Where am I?”, Music Player and Settings.

The web may help you find additional resources. Try searching “accessible app”, “android app” or “disability app”.

Dr. Tanya Whitehead’s background includes 9 years in clinical practice of psychology, 15 years in higher education teaching, and 23 years in research. She has served as both a researcher and/or faculty member at the University of Kansas, School of Medicine, the University of Missouri- Kansas City and now as a Senior Research Scientist at the University of Illinois-Chicago in the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability.

"The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly": A Fantastic AAC App Spreadsheet

2011-11-08T15:23:00.006-05:00

Nick Weiland, an Assistive Technology Consultant at Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, in Columbus Ohio has created a fantastic spreadsheet on AAC apps entitled " AAC Apps: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly -‐ Fall 2011" . Check it out!

iPad Donation Sites to Check Out

2011-11-06T16:36:00.003-05:00

For those looking for financial assistance or a possible donation of an iPad - here are a few websites to check out:

**Please note that several of these sites only do periodic giveaways, and you may need to check back in at another time. Some are based on need and income levels. Some require documentation from therapist.

Loud Mommy

A4cwsn

Danny's Wish

The HollyRod Foundation

Let's Chat Autism

Act Today!

Hannahs Friends

Babies With iPads

Free Apps for Early Learners

2011-11-04T15:55:00.002-04:00

Counting Coins
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/counting-coins/id374981504?mt=8

Count Money - Coin Matching Game
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/count-money-coin-matching/id441896344?mt=8

Color SlapPs
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/color-slapps/id416365360?mt=8

Draw Free
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/draw-free-for-ipad/id366755447?mt=8

First Words (Trial Version)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/firstwords-sampler/id312571156?mt=8

iComm
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icomm/id351726761?mt=8

iWriteWords (Trial Version)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iwritewords-lite/id308152258?mt=8

Moms with Apps
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/moms-with-apps/id416039568?mt=8

Learning to Count Money apps

2011-11-02T10:14:00.033-04:00

Coin Math $1.99
iTunes Linkrrrr FREE Trial Version

Counting Bills & Coins FREE
iTunes Linkrrrr Review

Coin Counting Calculator $0.99
iTunes Link

Counting Coins FREE
iTunes Link

Count Money - Coin Matching Game FREE
iTunes Link

Jungle Coins $ 2.99
iTunes Link rrrVideo 1 rrrVideo 2

Kids Coin Fun $0.99
iTunes Linkrrrr Video

Koala Math 1-3, Money $1.99
iTunes Link

Learn To Count Money $.99
iTunes Link

Make Change $1.99
iTunes Link rrrr Video

My Money Counter FREE
iTunes Link

Commentary on the 60 Minutes Report

2011-10-30T14:28:00.006-04:00

There has been some dialogue and commentary about the report that 60 minutes did on the use of the iPad with people with autism. One of the issues include using insensitive or inappropriate language when describing the people affected with autism and their symptoms. The other prevailing theme seems to be the lack of recognition of other devices, particularly touch tablet technology designed for special needs, that preceded and continue to be used. And lastly, one of the most common sticking points seems to be that this is a tool - and should not be seen as something more. Very valid points to be made and I am sharing three blogposts for our readers to check out.

A speech pathologist blogs at Slowdog.com about the iPad report - check to read here.

An Assistive Technology Specialist M. Ed gives her take on the report here.

Some remarks from a mother can be found here.

One thing is certain - it brought some interest to those with special needs and the use of assistive technology.

Apps that Target Articulation

2011-10-27T10:26:00.002-04:00

The following is a list of apps that work on articulation.
Make note that prices are accurate for the date of this post

/r/ Intensive SLP	450 /r/ words including prevocalic /r/, /r/ clusters, /rl/, /lr/, /ar/, /er/, /or/, etc. practice at word or phrase level	iTunes Link	Video	19.99
Articulate It!	Contains over 1 thousand images in all sounds of the English language with audio for every word. Built in voice recording allows the children to compare their productions with the audio recording.	iTunes Link	Video	38.99
Articulation Station	Awaiting a fall release of this app - a full articulation program that has everything you would need to teach every sound and to also create a thorough way to track data and scores that would be easy to navigate and clear to understand.	Website Link		TBD
ArtikPix	21 decks with 40 cards each (113 cards in r deck, 913 total cards) for the following sounds: th, f, v, ch, sh, k, g, s, z, l, r, s-blends, r-blends, l-blends, p, b, m, n, t, d, j. The decks are combined, selected for sound group (e.g., beginning th, er), then practiced in full-featured flashcard, sentences and matching activities.	iTunes Link Free Trial Link	Video	29.99
Match2Say	Matching game which allows students to play a matching game with target speech sounds. 1500 images	iTunes Link	Video	19.99
Pocket SLP (Articulation)	Uses. flashcards targeting both the word and sentence levels . 29 phoneme selections. Real time scoring occurs as the Correct, Incorrect, or Approximate buttons are selected	iTunes Link	Video	29.99
Smart Oral Motor	Provides auditory and visual cues for practicing several oral motor exercises such as:-Puckering lips, -Making an “o” with the mouth, -Sending a kiss, -Moving tongue to sides, -Puffing cheeks, -Touching cheeks using the tongue, -Moving the tongue up and down	iTunes Link	Video	4.99 ON SALE
Smarty Speech	Uses flashcards – over 936 words in phenomes, 2700 images in total. Can sort by phoneme, mode of articulation, or phonological process.	iTunes Link	Video	19.99
Sunny Articulation Phonology Test	Clinical tool for screening, identification, diagnosis and follow-up evaluation of articulation skills in English	iTunes Link	Video	49.99
The R App	Begin using the stimulus cards that allow R practice at the beginning, middle, and end of words. Once your child is making progress with the R words, then parents can choose to include the words within sentences. Over 600 images	iTunes Link		7.99

App Sale: WH Questions at School Fun Deck $2.99

2011-10-25T09:33:00.002-04:00

SAVE 50% on Super Duper’s WH Questions at School Fun Deck App. Sale Ends 10-30-11

Available for Android and iPad/iPod
A social skills app that has 56 illustrated picture cards.
Can track correct and incorrect responses for up to five players

To find out more, go to their website or see the video below.
Let us know what you think!

Video

Check it out at iTunes!

Toronto researcher and her research on the use of tablet devices by non-verbal children w/ASD

2011-10-23T22:29:00.003-04:00

University of Toronto researcher Rhonda McEwen presented a case study on tablet technology and autism at a half-day conference this past December 3, 2010. The conference's themes was to demonstrate that: "Tablets are changing the way we live, work and play."

Dr. McEwen's research actually put iPods and iPads into classrooms in her local Toronto community with students with autism.

To see her presentation, see below:

Rogers TabLife TO video: Tablets and Autism Case Study from Rogers Buzz on Vimeo.

CBS 60 Minutes to Air Special on iPad Use and Autism

2011-10-21T20:00:00.004-04:00

CBS' 60 Minutes will be airing a segment on iPad Use and Autism. Lesley Stahl will report this Sunday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.

An excerpt of video of this coverage can be seen below:
Watch the Video Now

iOS 5 and the updated Accesibility features

2011-10-20T04:01:00.006-04:00

For those who have updated their iOS to version 5 - you may be aware of the updated features of the new iOS. Some of these features could provide a tremendous benefit to those with special needs.

There is a great post by Luis Perez's blog (subtitled insights on Inclusive Learning Technology from a blind techie) that we recommend you check out!

Click the link below to be directed to Mr. Perez's post.

http://luisperezonline.com/2011/10/19/overview-of-new-accessibility-features-in-ios-5/

Free iPad 101 presentation this evening at Marcellus Free Library

2011-10-13T13:22:00.003-04:00

October 13th, 2011 7:00 PM

Marcellus Free Library
32 Maple Street
Marcellus, NY 13108

Contact Carol Johnson
Phone: (315) 673-3221
http://www.library.marcellusny.com

Splashtop app on sale for $0.99

2011-10-09T10:12:00.002-04:00

For those who would like to access their PC/MAC from their iPad this app does the trick. This may even be a way around the Flash issues of the Mac iOS. And right now, it is on sale for $0.99. (usually $9.99)
Checkout Splashtop's Remote Desktop !

Their website
and on iTunes

We'll keep and eye on this company and their other products too.

ACT FAST!!! Temporary $0.99 AAC app

2011-10-07T15:53:00.004-04:00

There is an AAC app that is temporarily priced.. Sono Flex AAC app from Tobii only $.99 today (tomorrow goes up to $100!)

Access their website

Find it here in the appstore.

What others are saying...

2011-10-07T14:24:00.003-04:00

For those who want a perspective on what people are saying about the iPad for our kids with special needs, here are a few blogposts/articles to check out:

From Maternal Instincts... One more thing dated Oct 6, 2011

From Autism Puzzle Mom... iPad dated April 26, 2011

From Blogher ... The iPad: a Near-Miracle for My Son With Autism dated June 15, 2010
From the author of the blog squidalicious which you have to check out!

From Evette Munz via CNN ... Steve Jobs helped my autistic son speak dated October 6, 2011

From Muslimah Next Door ... Thanks Steve Jobs from an Autism Mom dated October 6, 2011

From Spectrummy Mummy ... Legacy dated October 6, 2011

From A Diary of a Mom ... A ding in the universe/An unlikely love letter dated October 6, 2011/January 10, 2010

From Love that Max ... A thank you to Steve Jobs from a special needs mom dated October 6, 2011

From My Autistic Muslim Child ... Amin's iPad dated July 19, 2011

From Kristina C at care2.com ... Thank You, Steve Jobs: iPads and Autism dated October 5, 2011

From Solodialogue ... Thanks, in passing. October 6, 2011

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T22:05:00.002-04:00

He may have inadvertently changed the world in a way he never knew or expected. RIP

The iPad and Visual Impairments

2011-10-05T20:38:00.000-04:00

iPad research promising for children with cortical visual impairment

Moxie is working with Muriel Saunders, an assistant research professor at KU's Life Span Institute.

LAWRENCE — A researcher at the University of Kansas believes the iPad could vastly improve the lives and prospects of children living with cortical visual impairment, a severe neurological disorder resulting from brain damage that prevents children from interpreting visual information.

“We tested 15 children and were absolutely shocked,” said Muriel Saunders, assistant research professor at KU’s Life Span Institute. “Every single child was enthralled with the iPad. Children that typically didn’t look at people, didn’t respond with objects or responded in a very repetitious fashion, were absolutely glued to the iPad. It was an amazing experience.”

Saunders, who works with children with CVI to help them develop language skills, said that traditionally such children work with therapists and parents using a light box, akin to the light box a doctor uses to see an X-ray. This is because children with CVI have an easier time seeing lights and objects in high contrast.

“Someone with a severe CVI will spend a lot of time looking at lights,” Saunders said. “They might just sit and look at a light inside the house, or typically they look out the window into the bright sunlight. They might look briefly at something passing by, but they don’t look at faces, and they don’t look at objects. So they appear to be blind.”

With its bright screen, the iPad replicates a light box — but its interactivity, sound and color are a great deal more engaging to the children with CVI.

After a research assistant working with Saunders asked to use an iPad with the children as a possible light-box substitute, Saunders saw the powerful draw the device had for the children.

“We were using some very simple infant applications,” said Saunders. “One was called ‘Baby Finger,’ where you just touch the screen, and sounds and images and colored shapes appear on the white background. So, in many ways, it was similar to a light box except for instead of black and white, there were bright colors. We also looked at a Dr. Seuss book.”

Parents of children with CVI had been the first to notice the iPad’s potential as a therapy tool for their kids. Word of the device’s promise has begun to spread on Internet chat rooms and social media. But no formal research documenting the iPad’s power to help children with CVI has been conducted yet.

Saunders hopes to change that and now is writing a grant proposal to the National Institutes of Health to conduct a thorough study.

“Using the iPad, not only can they interact with a screen, but we can teach them through a series of steps to control things on that screen,” the KU researcher said. “There are so many apps already available; we don’t have to go out and make our own apps. There are apps available to make a communication board. There are apps available that have different levels of difficulty. Parents of children with CVI are already learning that the iPad works well. There are blogs that say, ‘Look at this one’ or, ‘Look at that one! My child is responding to this app.’”

Early intervention in the lives of children living with CVI is not just crucial to their development; it also could help them to gain better vision as they grow. Saunders said the iPad could be a crucial part of this life-changing therapy.

“With the proper intervention techniques, the amazing thing is that the child’s brain grows the brain cells needed in the cerebral cortex,” she said. “It grows the brain cells necessary to begin understanding what their eye is seeing. So they develop the ability to interpret images, sometimes just partially, sometimes fully.”

Saunders is conducting the initial tests of the iPad in cooperation with the Junior Blind of America in Los Angeles.

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.

kunews@ku.edu | (785) 864-3256 | 1314 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045

Amazon will release tablet Sept 28th

2011-09-27T23:38:00.003-04:00

Amazon is expected to release it's tablet (or should I say tablets) Wednesday, and analysts believe this could be the tablet that is an actual challenge to Apple's hot commodity. Little is known about the tablet, but reputable publications like the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Report are reporting that this could be the one that cuts into the stronghold that Apple has had on this market.

The tablet is expected to be a multi-touch tablet running an Android platform and will have an Amazon app store. One rumor hints that it will not have a camera, but another says there could be free 3G. Price is expected to draw attention - some say (or should I say hope?) that it will be under $300. Other rumors contend that only a 7 inch model will come out tomorrow and a 10 inch next year. So much to anticipate for something not expected to be available until November!

If the 10" pad does indeed get released tomorrow, there will be media attention for sure. As formidable an opponent this tablet may be in the general market, the verdict will likely remain out for our interests. App availability and accessibility options on the OS are likely going to be limited as compared to the iPad for our special kids. We will keep an eye out and report and as always, we would love to hear your opinions.

Attention Organizations: Apple's App Store Volume Purchase Program

2011-09-26T13:31:00.005-04:00

SUMMARY: This program allows for reduced prices on some apps and ease of management for educational institutions.

For those educators and education organizations and agencies you may be interested in Apple's App Store Volume Purchase Program. This program allows educational institutions to purchase iOS apps (NOTE: No books or music - we're talking apps here!) in volume and distribute the apps to their users. This allows educational institutions to purchase multiple copies of the same application at once, and it also gives developers the opportunity to discount software when purchased in bulk. (Up to 50% discounts on 20 or more licenses for the same app- developers set this discount)

Institutions can now buy mobile applications by purchasing a "Volume Voucher" from the Apple Store for Education. The vouchers can be bought in denominations ranging from $100 to $10,000. The program will also allow purchase orders (POs)as well as other payment options thereby removing the "gift card" or credit card hurdle for many school systems. In addition, the program will recognize the tax status of the institution and bill accordingly. Previously these institutions paid the tax and were later reimbursed.

Once the volume vouchers are received, they are given to the Program Facilitator, which is an account that allows individuals, such as a school principal or a teacher, to redeem vouchers through the program.

Purchasing software through the App Store Volume Purchase Program will result in the facilitator being sent an e-mail with app-specific codes, one code per license. End-users, such as students or staff with an iOS device (iPad or iPod), can then redeem the codes in the same manner in which users redeem a gift card on the App Store.

The Volume Purchase Program also includes an optional, separate agreement that allows institutions to use one or more iTunes accounts to sync multiple iOS devices. Using this, an institution can set up devices with generic iTunes accounts and control what apps are available on a device.

Several apps in our preferred apps list for autism are part of this program. To see what apps available - please check here. For more information on this program, check out apple's education website.

Fisher Price Releases Apps

2011-09-17T07:35:00.005-04:00

Fisher Price has released a series of apps, including animal sounds, body parts, and counting animals, that are currently FREE. For those with early learners, these could be a fine addition to your app base. Check them out, and as always - let us know what you think!

Fisher Price app website.