Customizing apps seem to be essential when using mobile devices to support  special needs individuals whether in the community or in the classroom. Prior app reviews have listed many app that provide options for individual needs, situations or curriculum tasks. I would guess that most of us have our own set of apps that are customizable to meet the unique needs of individuals serviced for special education, community or occupational therapy settings.  These apps are often the staples of our mobile tool kits used to service individuals with disabilities in a variety of environments.

Judi Sweeney, educator and AT specialist has for years provided low to high tech AT solutions for individuals with special needs. Her website Onion Mountain Tech is a frequent resource for a wide variety of educational AT supports, AT materials and equipment and instructions of educational modifications. Judi provides a wealth of information on her website as well as in her workshops in modifying materials for special needs.

Currently, Onion Mountain Tech has a link Apps You Can Customize , featuring over 50 apps providing customization of curriculum concepts, visual communication, communication, productivity, accessibility, time management, written expression, functional life skills, social and behavioral management and many more topics that would support individuals with special needs. Name of app, developer and cost is provided. Here are just a few familiar apps  included in Judi Sweeney’s  customizable app list:

	Abilipad – Customizable keyboard and writing environment with word prediction, text to speech	19.99
	Answers: Yes No HD – Create yes no boards	3.99
	Autismate – Context based AAC app.	49.99
	Book Creator – Create books with images, text, audio and video	4.99
	First Then Visual Schedule – Visual Schedule app with First then presentation	9.99
	Functional Planning System – To do lists, plan events in calendar and planning system.	4.99
	iPrompts XL – Visual schedule system	39.99
	Little Speller – Three Letters – Make words presented with 3 letters. Make your own.	.99
	Making Sequences – Create activities requiring sequencing activities or stories	2.99
	PhotoTell – Make photo albums with recordings	9.99
	Pictello – Storytelling, social story app adaptable for many purposes	18.99
	Story Kit – Basic storytelling app	Free
	Touch and Learn Emotions – Features many real pictures of emotions of wide range of ages of people.	Free
	Visual Impact Pro – Create visual sequences with pictures, audio and text for task guides.	49.99
	Write My Name – Letter writing practice. Features ability to create customized name writing practice	3.99

Note: Prices listed may change.

Check out her app list and also take some time to peruse all of the resources available on her website! More lists of customizable apps to come!

What are your favorite customizable apps?

More for your OT mTool Kit!

Carol