Kid Tech – According to Apple [Infographic]

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

MDG Advertising created this informative infographic on the use of Apple tablets with kids today. It demonstrates the presence of (Apple) tablets available within families, as well as statistics on the impact of iPads in general education and for specific special needs use (autism-related, alternative and augmentative communication).

Reviewing this infographic brings some questions to mind about the prevalence of mobile technology, use and accessibility of them to all special needs students (or clients) to make information or the device accessible to them. Are we ready to embrace the technology changes projected? What are best practices with their use?

Infographic by MDG Advertising

What do we need to do or know as parents, professionals or stake holders of individuals with special needs to support their appropriate use and access to such ubiquitous devices?

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.

View all posts by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS →

This entry was posted in iPad, iPod, Occupational Therapy, Special education, Special Needs and tagged iPad, iPod, occupational therapy, special education, special needs students. Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to Kid Tech – According to Apple [Infographic]

Patty says:

September 26, 2012 at 7:51 am

as mother of a daughter on the autism spectrum, i think what apple and others have done with technology is wonderful (as well as the developers of the smart boards, etc). but . . . we have specifically stated in our IEP that, while technology has it’s place, we expect that our daughter will learn to use paper and pencil and read bound books (and do math without a calculator when the time comes). i think we’re doing a disservice by letting technology ‘take over’ when a child may be or is capable. and i’m as guilty as the next . . . sometimes it’s just too easy to put the ipad in front of her and let her go 🙂

Reply
- Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP says:
  
  September 26, 2012 at 6:32 pm
  
  Patty,
  Thank you for your response. There is a balance – that is for sure! Earlier posts discuss the AAP guidelines on “screen time” (TV, computer or mobile devices) for children – http://kidstvmovies.about.com/od/healthytvhabits/a/TV_Limits_Kids.htm , (also see earlier posts that discuss these guidelines). Certainly the development of needed foundational skills of fine motor, gross motor, attention, socialization and haptic activities are important part of learning. I would agree with you – unless students have limited ability to access the curriculum in a traditional way!
  
  Carol
  
  Reply