Printing to ANY Printer Connected to a 64-bit Windows Machine

WARNING: This post is definitely a little technical!

How to get an iPad to print to any printer connected to a 64-bit Windows machine

NOTE: THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR A WINDOWS MACHINE RUNNING THE 64-BIT VERSION OF XP, VISTA, AND WINDOWS 7

1. Download the Bonjour Print Services for Windows here:http://support.apple.com/kb/DL999
2. Run the downloaded executable (BonjourPSSetup.exe) and follow onscreen instructions (take the default values)
3. Share the printer of interest (under control panel printer/faxes)
4. In explorer, go to "C:\Program Files (x86)" and create a new folder called "AirPrint"
5. Download AirPrint.zip from: [www.mediafire.com/?x1vyiuhw7nj1da8] -- press the "click here to start download from MediaFire" link.
6. Unzip AirPrint.zip to the AirPrint folder you created in step (4)
7. Go to the start menu and select run and type "CMD" to open command prompt
8. Issue the following commands in the "CMD" window:

sc.exe create AirPrint binPath= "C:\Program Files (x86)\AirPrint\airprint.exe -s" depend= "Bonjour Service" start= auto

NOTES: (1) THIS IS A SINGLE LINE OF TEXT; (2) THERE IS A SPACE AFTER EACH '=' SYMBOL

sc.exe start AirPrint

Your almost there!!! Three more steps!

1. If prompted by windows firewall, check "Private networks, such as ...", uncheck "Public networks, such as ...", then press "Allow access"
2. Windows firewall never prompted me, but still blocked the iPad from printing. I added the following port exceptions to the firewall: UDP port 5353 and TCP port 631 (added as AirPrint entries).
3. Run the Bonjour Printer Wizard and select the shared printer

That should be it.

We plan on posting how to do this for Mac OSX.

Printing to ANY Printer Connected to a 32-bit Windows Machine

WARNING: This post is definitely a little technical!

How to get an iPad to print to any printer connected to a 32-bit Windows machine

NOTE: THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR A WINDOWS MACHINE RUNNING THE 32-BIT VERSION OF XP, VISTA, AND WINDOWS 7

1. Download the Bonjour Print Services for Windows here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL999
2. Run the downloaded executable (BonjourPSSetup.exe) and follow onscreen instructions (take the default values)
3. Share the printer of interest (under control panel printer/faxes)
4. In explorer, go to "C:\Program Files" and create a new folder called "AirPrint"
5. Download AirPrint.zip from: [www.mediafire.com/?x1vyiuhw7nj1da8] -- press the "click here to start download from MediaFire" link.
6. Unzip AirPrint.zip to the AirPrint folder you created in step (4)
7. Go to the start menu and select run and type "CMD" to open command prompt
8. Issue the following commands in the "CMD" window:

sc.exe create AirPrint binPath= "C:\Program Files\AirPrint\airprint.exe -s" depend= "Bonjour Service" start= auto

NOTES: (1) THIS IS A SINGLE LINE OF TEXT; (2) THERE IS A SPACE AFTER EACH '=' SYMBOL

sc.exe start AirPrint

Your almost there!!! Three more steps!

1. If prompted by windows firewall, check "Private networks, such as ...", uncheck "Public networks, such as ...", then press "Allow access"
2. Windows firewall never prompted me, but still blocked the iPad from printing. I added the following port exceptions to the firewall: UDP port 5353 and TCP port 631 (added as AirPrint entries).
3. Run the Bonjour Printer Wizard and select the shared printer

That should be it.

We plan on posting how to do this for the 64 bit version of Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and for Mac OSX. Most people who are running XP are likely running the 32 bit version. If you are unsure of what version of Windows XP you are running - please contact us and we can walk you through the process. The above has been tested on the 32-bit version of XP only.

App on Sale: Dexteria

Dexteria is usually $9.99 currently on sale for $2.99. This app works on fine motor skills like pincer grasp and writing.

Check it out on itunes : itunes.apple.com/us/app/dexteria-fine-motor-http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifskill/id420464455?mt=8

Lots of FREE coming Saturday June 11

Worlds Largest App Party for Children with Special Needs June 11th 2011

Apps for children with Special Needs, a4cwsn.com will be hosting the worlds largest http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifParty to benefit Children with Special Needs, this will include giving away over 2500 Apps and also 10 iPads to those families and children so that they may benefit from these amazing Apps and iPads and for all the parents who may otherwise not be able to afford such things for their Children with Special Needs due to the extremely high cost of therapy and treatment.

Read the whole article here!

Temporary Free App: Dr Brown Shapes

Normally $14.99!!! Now FREE!

For those of you interested in ABA type apps, this is a Discrete Trial Training app that works on shapes- check it out!

Link to iTunes

The free price for Shapes ends Monday June 13, 2011

The world of AAC: Dynavoxes and other Communication Devices

One decision families are faced with in their journey is that of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. On the electronic side of things there are a few devices out there for consideration, most notably the Dynavox.

Please know that we are not that well versed in many of these devices to make much comment about it at all. We do not have one in our house. If you are considering a Dynavox and an iPad - I would say there is no clear winner generally, it is dependent on circumstance. Here are some thoughts that can help in guiding you through some important questions to ask if making this choice:

1) Exposure before you purchase: Have the child try the technology first. You may find someone with an iPad - but finding the specific software communication package may also be a challenge. If you live in the Syracuse area, please contact me if you would like to try an iPad. Dynavox has a rental program: For more information, click here.

2) Durability: Consider that Dynavox has been around a lot longer than the iPad - the hardware has a proven track record of durability and responsiveness. However, in the years time that iPad has been out - there have been few complaints, but it still does not have the history to give a definite conclusion. Consider that tgere are few complaints, and there is a manufacturer that makes something called an Otterbox that is a very strong case to support the iPad.

3) Technical Support: Dynavox will be able to provide specific assistance about a lot of the facets of their device. This device was designed very specifically to be used as a communications device. The iPad is a generically designed device - so they cannot guide you on the software apps you may purchase. We have no working knowledge of how a company such as Proloquo2Go can provide the same service. However, in our basic interactions with the software companies that write apps for the iPad, they appear to be open to feedback and suggestions, so likely will be there for tech support.

4) Cost: The Dynavox is significantly more expensive than the iPad. However, it may be easier to get assistance in funding one. (Medicaid or insurance funding)

5) Experience: Consider the team that will be supporting your child. Are they well versed in the use of a particular device? Expertise could make a world of difference. Continued use of either device is strongly dependent on the support their team and family offer on using it.

6) Purpose: Is the purpose of the device to be AAC only? Are you interested in other applications that go beyond AAC?

7) Child's Strengths and Needs: Consider how your child would like to work with the device. Some ASD kids often find the concept of communication device an aversive in general since it is a skill that is so difficult for them. Would having a device that has games and other applications cause the child a distraction in using it as an AAC? Or would it help to motivate him in using the device for many needs and interests?


Some other links to check out when looking at other families make this decision:

http://forum.assistiveware.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=346&start=10

http://hopingnotcoping.wordpress.com/2010/03/21/why-were-getting-an-ipad/

We look forward to our members commenting on their experiences. Good luck!

Presentations

If you, as an individual or an organization, are interested in a presentation, please contact us. E-mail Us! We have been contacted by a few organizations to do presentations this fall.

I had told a few people that there would be a presentation at EFR this summer -- we were just informed that they have decided not to do any workshops for the summer. Sorry for the inconvenience! If we find there is a demand for a presentation prior to the fall, we will try to find a suitable organization that would be willing to host us for the presentation