How are You Using Mobile Devices to Support Individuals with Special Needs?

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

11/11/12 The survey is now closed. If interested, here is the link to the results of the Mobile Device Use Survey : http://wp.me/p1w0d0-1ez – Thank you!

Carol

(10/4/12) In interest of gathering basic information on the use and prevalence of mobile devices with special needs individuals or by those that support them, I have created a quick survey for visitors to complete. I am hoping to get information, not readily available, on the topic from those who support them. As always I appreciate your comments and the time you take to visit OT’s with Apps and would be grateful if you help gather such information.

If you have any questions or comments please share them. Many thanks!

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 →

2 Responses to How are You Using Mobile Devices to Support Individuals with Special Needs?

Rhona Finkel (@Abitofthisand) says:

October 5, 2012 at 9:22 am

What a well-constructed quiz, on an extremely important topic. I can’t wait to see the results.
Interestingly enough, I’ve been playing with accessibility settings on my new Mac that support those with special needs, and while they sound great, I’m finding some really are lacking. The text-to-speech application is quite helpful, although the voice certainly sounds like a computer, but the ability to give the computer verbal commands and have it operate is sorely lacking, as someone at the Apple Store confirmed yesterday. We’ve come a long way on supporting alternative learners–but we have a ways to go. Keep up your great work!

Reply
- Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP says:
  
  October 5, 2012 at 7:03 pm
  
  Rhona,
  You are always so kind! Your experience resonates, as far as we have come with assistive technology, I am always amazed at those things that are sorely lacking, remaining as barriers to independence or access for individuals with disabilities! Now in the advent of mobile devices, as wonderful as they are there are still more barriers with them for some individuals with unique needs (mobility impaired!). Yes, we still have a long way to go.
  
  A recent webinar I was able to participate in recently advised to continue to push manufacturer for access tools. Our advocacy is still needed.
  
  As always Rhona, thank you for your thoughtful visit! – And thank you for completing the survey!
  
  Carol
  
  Reply