Whether celebrating the 4th of July in the US or planning for an outdoor fireworks show elsewhere, here are a few app that might entertain or forecast a firework event for individuals with special needs. Thanks to Digital Storytime for their review of the first two apps!
4th of July Auracle – Free for iPad, this app displays fireworks with a touch or a shake of the device. Good for cause and effect interaction with the iPad.
i See quence … Going to Fireworks – (Free today) For iPhone and iPad is described as an application providing a photo social story for individuals that need support in understanding the process of watching fireworks. Twelve icons with real picture images are used to illustrate the sequence of events. Text statements can be individualized for each picture allowing the app to be used for a variety of purposes, including receptive identification and expressive labeling. Personal photos can be added by the user with a camera ready Apple device or imported from the user’s photo album.
Typically developing young children participating in watching fireworks for the first time and individuals with developmental delays, such as PDD-NOS and autism will benefit from this interactive application. Parents, teachers, SLP’s and other support professionals will appreciate the user-friendly design.
Here are a few more fireworks apps that are cause effect in nature and may be helpful today, for special events or all year round:
I Love Fireworks Lite – (Free, .99 full version) For iPhone/iPad allows you to touch on the screen and you immediately see breath-taking fireworks in 3D graphics and real sounds.
Fireworks Arcade app – Available for Android and iDevices (iPhone/iPad) are free on both platforms. Created by Big Duck Game LLC, this is a game app however provides a cause and effect activity by pressing Start Show displaying fireworks with sound. I have this on my Thrive showing a good variety of fireworks with colors and realistic sounds. Control the sound and this may allow you to start sensitizing an individuals to a fireworks display.
There are many more firework apps available for you to choose from. Thanks to Digital Storytime for their curated collection of apps and to Big Duck Game for supplying free choices of the cause effect fireworks app on both platforms!
Enjoy your 4th with real life fireworks if you can – don’t forget the noise cancelling headsets for those with auditory sensitivities! Here are some foldable noise cancelling ear muffs you might consider (good for all kinds of occasions, we have learned not to leave on school trips without them!) having available to help special needs individuals. It is amazing what a comfort just having them around makes!
Howard Leight R-01523 Leightning L0F Ultra Lightweight NRR 23 Compact Folding Earmuff
Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff
Another choice is Walmart’s $8.95 noise reducing headsets available in the hunting department. We use these at our school, available in pink and black and they also fold for easier transport.
More for your OT Tool Kit! Have a great holiday America!
Carol
OT's with Apps & Technology 
I love this post. It was so creative of you to find all of these fireworks apps. Great idea to add on the links to the headphones too! This post shows that you are a compassionate, experienced professional that truely understands special needs. Happy 4th
Thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to comment!
I hope to trial your PEAT app soon!
Carol
Another source for noise dampening headphones is “Harbor Freight” (a hardware, tool, etc. store in North Carolina). I have used these for 3 years.
I just looked at their website and did not see them listed; so I’m not sure they are available anymore. The ones I purchased were red in color and did not “press” on my student’s head/ears too tightly; so they were willing to wear them. I was able to get my school system’s
“AV department” to purchase them for the OT Department…which was great for us. They used to cost less than $5 per headset. I will be crushed if they are no longer available. Kalmatt
Kathy,
Great information, would you by any change know the manufacturer? Our school also had a few pairs of red, in expensive noise dampening headsets, but purchasing is always a little difficulty so we went with the Walmart ones where we had accounts. They have been working out well – the girls like the pink colored ones!
If you think of the manufacturer, please share!
Thank you for visiting and commenting!!
Carol