Apps Gone Free!

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

free

Here are a few great apps gone free – for a limited time – appropriate for OT intervention and administration:

Notability iconNotability, an app for iPad/ iPhone is currently free (typically 2.99) for a limited time. This app provides organization of information by topic and notes with searchable  information. Options in notes include drawing, importing pictures, PDF files, audio and annotation capabilities. It is a great app to organize files for students and professionals. A great app for organizing workshop information, department notes and research articles and more. topics. Provides workflow to DropBox, Box, Google Drive and iCloud for easy transfer of docs and password protection to secure private information.

Notability pic2

Cursive writing Wizard icon
 Cursive Writing Wizard – a companion app for the popular Writing Wizard for learning manuscript writing  is currently free (typically 2.99). Created for iPhone/iPad, this app provides multiple tools to write, multiple cursive fonts and pre-writing activities. Kids enjoy this app.

Cursive writing Wizard pic 1

Overcolor icon OverColor app for iPad is currently free today. An interesting visual perceptual/ figure ground app requiring users to stack shapes and colors in order to recreate a design. Appropriate for elementary through adults, this app can support practice with shape discrimination, figure ground and pattern recognition progressing from easier to hard. Although I have not used this app, I could see this used with students and adults with perceptual challenges .

Overcolor pic1More for your teacher, or OT mTool Kit!

Carol

 

Posted in Apps for OT's, AT for Handwriting, Elementary School, iPad, iPhone, Letter Formation, Occupational Therapy, Pre-writing, Primary Grades, Productivity apps, Visual Figure Ground, Visual Perception | Leave a comment

Abilipad App on Sale

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS
Abilipad

Abilipad App

Abilipad app provides a customizable keyboard with a writing environment featuring word prediction, text to speech and images for the iPad.  Recently updated to provide an easier interface for users, Abilipad is reduced to 15.99 (regularly 19.99) for a limited time.

Not familiar with Abilipad? Check out more information about Abilipad at AppyTherapy and ideas on how it is used on Abilipad Pinterest page.

This is a great app to have in your teacher or OT mTool Kit!

Carol

 

 

Posted in Apps for OT's, Customizable app, iPad, Occupational Therapy, Special education, Text to Speech, Word Prediction, Writing | Leave a comment

Dexteria App for Android on Sale

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS
Dexteria icon 2

Dexteria for Android

Dexteria app is a familiar app used by OT’s and teachers for visual motor and fine motor skill development is now available for Android. The developer, Binary Labs has reduced it to 2.99 for a limited time in the Google Play Store which includes multi-user tracking. Dexteria is promoted for children and adults.

Unfamiliar with Dexteria? Features of the app include:

  • Tap it – Activities that encourage finger isolation with timed element
  • Pinch it – maintain pinch between two fingers
  • Write it – Pre-writing stroke development and letter and number formation
  • Multi-user enrollment

Not only appropriate for children, Dexteria could also be used for adult rehabilitation if appropriate for their level of finger isolation. This app works well using a stylus for the pre-writing and writing activities.

Dexteria app 4.99) remains available for the iPad with the same features as the Android version.

DExteria jr iconDexteria Jr. (2.99) is a fun app suited for young children ages 2-6 working on pre-writing and visual motor skills.

 

It is great to see those familiar apps emerge for Android! If you have parents looking for mobile device home programming suggestions, Dexteria for Android might be a great choice.

More for your OT mTool Kit!

Carol

Posted in App Reviews, Fine Motor Development, Finger Isolation, iPad, Letter Formation, Occupational Therapy, Pediatrics, Pre-writing, Rehabilitation, School Based Interventions, Summer Programming Suggestions, Visual Motor | Leave a comment

Accessible Instructional Materials Tools to Support Reading

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

AIM

The Assistive Technology Daily’s recent post of an article, “Can Audio and or/or Digital Books Improve Your Child’s Learning Outcomes?”,   from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, not only stirred my interest, but also strong feelings about access to print. From working with school aged students and post secondary student, many are not familiar with audio or digital resources that are readily available for use as free or paid for services and that can help them access print information and support their learning with greater independence, an important ability for especially post-secondary students.

The above mentioned article mentioned  Learning Ally and Bookshare, two electronic text resources for students that struggle with reading. Both services are now easier than ever to sign up and access. Memberships (Learning Ally is paid subscription and Bookshare free for individuals with a Print Disability) to the services allow use of numerous tools from free online browser tools, free and paid computer software as well as mobile apps. Although not the only resources for alternative instructional materials, they are easy to use and manage. Here is a listing of tools available for accessing the electronic files offered for each of the services:

Learning Ally Read Hear iconReadHear software on PC and Mac computers for Learning Ally members.

Daisypedia iconDAISY Devices – Digital Accessible Information System devices – a player designed specifically for Audiobooks. Typically used by individuals with low vision or blindness. The DAISYpedia is an excellent resource providing a listing of devices and services supporting the DAISY format.

Learning Ally app iconLearning Ally Apps for Android and iOS devices (both free apps). A Learning Ally membership is required to use the apps.

 

Bookshare.org

Bookshare iconBookshare.org provides electronic files for individuals with a print disability. It is a free service funded by OSEP to individual members and institutions for those that qualify. Apps and software to manage Bookshare files are available.  Bookshare outlines all of the Reading Tools available for Bookshare members.

Web based or Apps available to support the use of Bookshare files:

Google Chrome Web Browser and Bookshelf – (free) provides a method of downloading and accessing Bookshare files using Google Chrome.

Read2GoRead2Go App for iOS (19.99) – App for iPhone and iPad providing direct and easy access to Bookshare books.

 

GoRead iconGo Read App for Android (free) – Android app for Bookshare members.

 

Voice Dream Reader iconVoice Dream Reader App  for iOS (9.99) – Lite and full version provides an easy method of downloading Bookshare book files.

Computer based software supporting Bookshare files includes:

  • Kurzweil 1000 – Reading and writing software for individuals with low vision or blindness.
  • Openbook – Software for individuals with low vision.
  • Kurzweil  3000 – Reading and writing software for individuals with learning disabilities.
  • Read Outloud 6 – Reading software for individuals with disabilities.
  • Read & Write Gold – Reading and writing software for individuals with learning disabilities.
  • WYNN  – Reading and writing software for individuals with learning disabilities.
  • JAWS for Windows  – Computer based software for individuals with blindness.
  • Window Eyes – Computer based software for individuals with blindness.

What is the research regarding the use of alternative text? Here are a few resources, citing research on the subject from National Center for AIM Research.

  • The Promise of Accessible Textbooks: Increased Achievement for All Students (Stahl, 2004).
  • AIM Research: Text to Speech (National Center for AIM)

What do you use to supply accessible instructional materials to your students or clients?

Carol

References:

Stahl, S. (2004). The promise of accessible textbooks: increased achievement for all students. Wakefield, MA: National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum. Retrieved [insert date] from http://aim.cast.org/learn/historyarchive/backgroundpapers/promise_of_accessible_textbooks#.U1zpS89eHIU

“Text-to-Speech” | National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials.” Text-to-Speech | National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials. AIM, n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. <http://aim.cast.org/learn/research/aimresearch/sr_text-to-speech#.U1zmTs9eHIU&gt;.

 

Posted in Accessibility, Adults with LD, Android, Apps for Special Needs, Book, Differentiation, Google Docs, iOS, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Learning Disability, Mobile Device Use, Print Disabled, Reading, Text to Speech | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Free Apps Friday – Android and iOS Apps

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Smart app free app friday icons

Smart Apps websites has their free app Friday listings available for both iOS and Android mobile devices in the third week of celebrating Autism Awareness Month. Peruse their posts of free apps for Android and iOS for today (4-18-2014) here:

Free App Friday for iOS – Lists more than 30 apps for kids for free.

Smart Apps for Android – Listing of free apps for Android for kids.

Find holiday, learning and fun apps for your teaching, parent or OT mTool Kit!

Happy Apping!

CArol

 

Posted in Android, Free apps, iOS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Dexteria Dots – Get in Touch with Math – Reduced

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS
Dexteria Dots App

Dexteria Dots App

Dexteria Dots iconDexteria Dots, for iPhone / iPad is reduced to .99 from regular price of 2.99. Created by the folks at BinaryLabs, (Dexteria, Dexteria Jr, Letter Reflex) is reduced to .99 (regularly 2.99). Created for ages 6-8 this app combines learning math concepts and visual motor activities on a mobile device.

Dexteria Dots features math concepts of number sense, addition, subtraction, larger than and smaller than required of Common Core State Standards in Math with a visual motor twist. Here is a quick video of the app in action:

The app uses dots to add or subtract numbers by slicing, dragging dots together. Visuals of dots are provided on the beginning levels to provide the concepts of numbers. An initial visual and audio of the number target is provided, but, which disappeared after hitting Go. Visual and audio instructions are given at the beginning of a session with audio instruction or number repeated using the ? at the top right of the screen.

Dexteria Dots pic1 Dexteria Dots pic2 Dexteria Dots pic3

Dots are then dragged or connected together to create the targeted number given in the instruction. Combination of addition of numbers are provided to get to the targeted number.  The dots on the numbered dots indicate the value. By touching anywhere on the dot it splits into a smaller value dot. The activity is timed with rewards for speed with the calculations. The activities increase in complexity in levels and math concepts requiring strong memory skills to recall the number equivalency to a colored dot.

This is a visual motor activity using finger isolation to drag the dots together with increasing difficulty with the math concepts. A fun, hands on way of learning for those who are secure in their rational math concepts and have good memory skills.

A few changes that might be considered for those who need concrete reinforcement might be the ability to touch the dots around the whole dot without it separating into single dots. Considering providing a method of checking your answer prior to the animated feedback may also help those that need to review their answer. I liked the animation, however a reinforcement visually or via audio of the correct number achieved whole help reinforce achievement of their number skills .

Dexteria Dots provides some fun visual motor activities embedded in a math activity for individuals beyond the concrete stage of math. Advertised for 6-8 year olds it might be best described as suited for those with at the 1st or 2nd grade level.

Check it out!

Carol

 

 

 

 

Posted in iPad, iPhone, Math, Visual Motor | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Technology for Self – Regulation

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Self Regulation apps

In an article, Just RELAX!? Using Technology for Self Regulation for Students with Autism (Lewis Stokes, 2014), autism consultant, Susan Lewis Stokes shares technology for self-regulation for students with autism. Self-regulation of emotions is defined as the ability to calm yourself down when you’re upset and cheer yourself up when you’re down (Stosny, 2011). Here are a few apps and resources shared by  Susan Lewis Stokes in her article and as curated by OT’s with Apps in the past. Apps reviewed are suited to primary aged children and are only a few of the many apps available:

My First Yoga iconMy First Yoga -Animal Poses for Kids (free) for iPhone / iPad provides a series of animal yoga poses for children to improve focus, balance and concentration.

MyFirstYogaKidsAre animals pics

(retrieved on 4/14/2014 from http://kidsrelaxation.com/uncategorized/deep-sensory-yoga-calm-student/ )

The Adventures of Super Stretch iconThe Adventures of Super Stretch (free) for iPhone/iPad. Super Stretch is an educational yoga tool to use and teach the fun of physical activity and breathing to children. This app uses the skills of self-awareness, self-esteem and self-regulation to teach lifetime skills.

The adventures of Super Stretch pic1

Breathe, Think Do iconBreath, Think, Do with Sesame Street (free) for iPhone/iPad, created by Sesame Street, provides breathing and problem solving practice for children ages 2-5 years of age. Models deep breathing using a friendly monster.

Breathe, Think, Do pic1Breathe, Think, Do pic3

Calm Counter app iconCalm Counter app (2.99) for iPhone/iPad is visual and audio tool to help people calm down when they are angry or anxious. The app includes a social story about anger, and audio/visual tools for calming down. Developed by Touch Autism.

Other technology resources for self regulation for preschool and primary aged students:

MeMoves iconMeMoves – Provides guided, visual models of patterned, bilateral movement with music suited to all ages and skills to calm, focus or be joyful. Available as a complimenting app (9.99), but most effectively displayed with the DVD. Students I have used it with or as implemented in the classroom have enjoyed MeMoves and provided a calming, centering experience during their day.

Yoga for Children with Special Needs (19.95) by Aras Baskauskas (DVD) available on Amazon.

There are many wonderful tools available for self regulation available. Look for a future review on self regulation technology for upper elementary through adults on OT’s with Apps.

What technology have you found useful to help support self-regulation?

Carol

References:

Lewis Stokes, Susan K. “Just Relax!? Using Technology for Self Regulation for Students with Autism.” Connecting Wisconsin Spring 2014, Volume 24 ed., Issue 2 sec.: 4-5. Print.

Stosny, Steven. “Self-Regulation.” Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. Psychology Today, 28 Oct. 2011. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.

 

 

 

Posted in App Rubric, Apps for OT's, Apps for Special Needs, iPad, iPhone, Leisure apps, Life Skills, Occupational Therapy, Self-regulation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BIG Launcher for Android

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Big Launcher app for Android 

As scooped from Assistive Technology Daily 

A fast and simple Android interface for seniors and people with vision problems. via BIG Launcher for Android.

Carol Leynse Harpold‘s insight:

The Assistive Technology Daily always has wonderful technology finds for all ages and types of disabilities. This recent post presnts Big Launcher app for Android phones, suited for Seniors and individuals with low vision. For $10. this look link an easy to use interface that is visually accessible . Find out more at Assistive Technology Daily:

http://attraining.org/atdaily/2014/04/11/big-launcher-for-android/ .

 

Scooped from OT mTool Kit on Scoop it!

Posted in Adults, Android, App Reviews, Apps for Special Needs, Communicaton, iADL's, Low Vision/ Blindness, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Just for Fun and for Spring’s Arrival !

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

spring is here

In the Midwest, spring is finally here and it is time to have some fun!

Here are a few, fun iOS spring apps for kids for something fresh and new in OT, teaching or family mTool Kit:

Dress up easter egg iconDressUp Easter Eggs – for iPad featuring clothes, body parts and other embellishments (flowers, butterflies, etc.) to add on an egg. Share via email or save to your photo library. Just for fun and free only today, April 13 (I believe).

Dressup Easter Egg pic1

Kids Reading I like Spring iconKids Reading – I Like Spring – free for iPhone / iPad from the trusted Grasshopper Apps folks. Read and listen to basic books about spring. Create and record your own in the app.

Monki Animal Builder iconMonki Animal Builder – for iPhone / iPad. Break the egg and create a crazy animal and accessorize!  Free, always makes it a bit more fun!

Monki Animal Builder pic1

Have some fun with these apps, but enjoy the outside also!!

Carol

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in iOS, iPad, iPhone, Leisure apps | Leave a comment

Dear Otto: Are there any Good Keyboarding Apps?

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Scooped from Ask A Teacher.com  

Dear Otto is an occasional column where I answer questions I get from readers about teaching tech. If you have a question, please complete the form below and I’ll answer it here. For your privacy, …

Carol Leynse Harpold‘s insight:

Jacqui Murray, of Dear Otto, provides some suggestions for iPad keyboarding programs. She also provides some info about students keyboarding rate on iPads versus standard keyboards. Interesting how what we thought we knew continues to change as the technology does.

Carol

As Scooped on http://www.scoop.it/t/ot-mtool-kit

 

Posted in iPad, Keyboarding | 2 Comments