iPad Stands – Purchase or Macgyver it?

Looking for a stand for your iPad? There are many out there however if you are needing a stand that provides good stability and durability when used with students with special needs, the list appears to reduce. Listed are some stands that provide stability and adjustability when choosing a stand for individuals with special needs. Mounts for attachment to wheelchairs or for specific positioning needs are not review in this post.

RJ Cooper has developed two tablet stands that will accommodate an iPad and are recommended for their stability:

RJ Cooper Fixed Angle Stand: Fixed angle stand ($39) comes with Stick and Suck pads to maintain stability.

RJ Cooper Variable-angle Super Stand – The Variable-angle Super Stand (49) adjusts to 30 and 45 degrees and can be collapsed to live flat for transport. Rubber feet assist with stabilizing it.

Otterbox Defender Case – This case has a cover which provides a pull out stand. Although it is not adjustable in angle, it provides a fairly stable base due to the rubber inserts provided on the case. The iPad can be positioned in portrait and landscape with the iPad2 case. My experience finds the iPad2 Otterbox stand improved over the first iPad stand.

Big Grips Frame and Stand – This iPad case also can be purchased with a stand (49.95) and provides a few different positioning options. Reviews report the durability and ease of handling but not the stability of the stand. Looks promising however. Nothing that a bit of Dycem could not cure?

Ablenet Mounting Device – This product provides strong and stable mounting for your iPad 1 or 2 in either portrait or landscape orientation. The cradle securely holds the iPad steady while it’s in use and still provides access to all controls and jacks. 89.00 from Ablenet.

Interested in saving money and making your own stand? Watch this video demonstrating how to make your own iPad Stand from AT in New Hampshire Institute on Disability:

Any other stands worth mentioning when needing to position the iPad for students with special needs? If you have another stand worth mentioning please comment!

Carol

About Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

OTR/L with more than 35 years experience in pediatrics, school based therapy and adult rehabilitation. Masters of Science in Adaptive Education/Assistive Technology with 20 years experience in AT in education of elementary, middle school, secondary, post secondary students and work environments for adult clients. A RESNA Assistive Technology Practitioner with ACVREP CATIS credentials, AOTA Specialty Certification in Low Vision, USC Davis Executive Certificate in Home Modifications, servicing adults and students with disabilities in employment, education, and home environments. A 2020 graduate of the University of Alabama Birmingham Low Vision Certification Program.

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