Here is PAAL part 3 on apps presented by Avi Glick, Director of Preparing Adolescents and Adults for Life (PAAL) while attending the 2012 Closing the Gap Conference in Minnesota last week. This third post shares community life skill apps used with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder students enrolled in the PAAL program. These app could also support many other individuals including individuals with cognitive impairment, traumatic brain disorder or possibly those with early stages of dementia and the ability to learn mobile device use.

Purchasing and Budgeting:

Cash Strapped – app for iPhone/iPad (.99) – Set a daily, weekly or monthly budget for all your disposable income and keep track of it quickly and simply.  Every time you spend money at the restaurant, store or vending machine just enter the amount and your remaining budget will be recalculated immediately.

PicList To Do Manager – iPhone/iPad (1.99) PicList is a to do management app with features such as reminders, sorting, password protection and color coding tasks. PicList also has the tools to turn anything into a list without having to type it into your phone or iPad. Import photos, take pictures of text messages, shopping lists, sticky notes and add them to your list. Tools also allow you to cross off items on your list with a draw tool.

Watch a video with more information on the PicList app: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0sVZPicUm0

Shopping List Generator – iPhone/iPad (4.99) by Connor Company is a functional, picture shopping list app that allows you to create different lists for different users, use your own pictures, add items and categories, enter item prices and locations. Shopping List Generator provides accessibility features for individuals with special needs as described in iTunes :

* text-to-speech engine reads items and locations
* uses large, easy-to-see images
* item locations are a great reminder when at the store
* item prices are automatically totaled for you!

The Shopping List Generator can be used by an individual or in a classroom setting with multiple users. Screen shots of the app:

Navigation

Community Side Kick for iPhone/iPad/iPod (19.99), developed by AbleLink Technologies is a travel support tool, providing a “virtual” travel companion for the user.  Automated location updates can be sent via email while traveling in the community. Community Sidekick sends email messages generated automatically by intervals determined by a caregiver which containing map links showing the user’s location.  With use of an iPhone, services can be sent using phone service. iPad/iPod devices must have connection to the Internet be turned on and run in the foreground to track user location.

Images retrieved from AbleLink Technologies website.

GPS Alarm – (.99) for iPhone/iPad (optimized for iPhone 5, requires iPad iOS 5.1) provides GPS and time alarm/alert in one app. Set destination and time and it will alert you when you are near the destination. Clever!

GPS Alarm – Android (free) Described as reminders of approaching locations.

BreadCrumbz – Android (free) Allows navigation using pictures and a map. Here is a description by a review from CNET  as using “GPS, Google maps, and the G1’s camera phone to help you track a route, like directions from the train station to your house.”  (retrieved on 10/26/2012 http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-3504_7-10073098-14.htmlBreadCrumbz ) . Take photos along the way to mark the path and label with helpful hints. Here’s a view of the app:

Other apps not reviewed but mentioned for navigation by Avi Glick include iNap for iOS or iNap for Android  both time alerting apps and WayFinder app a navigational support for smartphones (android)  developed by AbleLink Technologies.

Phone

One Tap Dial (also called FaceDialer) – for iPhone/iPad (.99) provides creation of picture icons for speed dialing contacts on iPhone 4, iPod Touch 4 and iPad 2 for calling or mailing.

Pocket Ace – A picture based smartphone application created by AbleLink Technologies as part of their Pocket Endeaver Suite of mobile apps.  Contact AbleLink Technologies for more information.

Here is a link to videos about the PAAL program. Links to prior posts on apps used in the PAAL program:

Preparing Adolescents and Adults for Life # 1

Preparing Adolescents and Adults for Life #2

Great app list for individuals who are community based and need additional support to develop or be independent. Many more apps for your OT, Teacher or Parent iTool Kit (I actually think this actually should be mTool Kit)!

Carol