The Magic of Art

While at BETT, in London, I had the opportunity to see a lot of different software programs. One that stands out is called Grid Magic and is developed by Q4 Technologies. Grid Magic is a fun Windows-based art program. There are two easy to use versions, Junior (ages 4-8) and Senior (ages 8 and up) and can be used with either a touch screen or mouse. Once I test it with a switch and a desktop scanning program, I’ll let you know how it works as I can see this being an incredible art program for switch users.

Jane, the CEO of Q4 Technologies showed me the program but not until I was able to actually play with it did I truly see how fun and addicting it can be. The user starts with a simple grid and fills in squares with different colors. Each of the additional steps (Art Work, Mosaic and Presentation) allows the user to design beautiful patterned artwork that can be saved or printed. In the Senior edition, the students can use their newly created design for websites, greeting cards, textile work and much more.

To read more about Grid Magic go to: www.gridmagic.com and also watch videos showing how it is being used in classrooms in the UK.

Grid Design Page

One of the fun art designs I created using the Junior edition.

TAP∙it™ - European launch at BETT 2011

We had a great time in London last week introducing TAP∙it to Europe. BETT is the largest UK trade show held in London at Olympia Exhibition Centre. Over 30,000 people attend from all over Europe to view the latest and greatest in educational technology.

We spent the first two days sightseeing and visiting the exhibit floor while the contractors were building the vendor booths. To see all of the massive booths and the massive centre was fascinating to say the least.

Wednesday, the show started with a bang. Dr. Heipp and I presented in the Demonstration Zone and then headed back to the booth. Traffic was almost non-stop on all four days of the conference. TAP∙it received a lot of great feedback from teachers, technology coordinators, parents and users.

I also had the opportunity to meet with some software companies and I was definitely impressed. I will be reviewing a couple programs and sharing them with you soon.

To watch fun videos recapping the BETT conference please visit SmartEd TV at http://www.teachsmart.org/About%20SmartEd/SmartEd%20TV/On%20the%20Road.aspx

New Year, New Browser for Kids with Autism

I was introduced to a free browser by a school librarian back in the fall. I was presenting TAP∙it™ at a technology conference in Pennsylvania and she immediately envisioned using ZAC Browser on it.  She explained that it can be used with a mouse, but is great with a touch screen.  So, when I got back to the office, I downloaded the browser and started exploring.  I can see why this is a great program for children with autism but also preschool and kindergarten-aged children.  I also saw why she thought it would be great on TAP∙it – the large 42” touch screen is perfect.

ZAC stands for Zone for Autistic Children and it is a nice self-enclosed browser that was developed by a grandfather for his grandson in 2008.  ZAC Browser allows children to access games, puzzles, music, etc. on the Internet all from one site making it a safe environment for playing on the internet.  The applications that can be accessed are popular ones from PBS Kids, Nick Jr., Playhouse Disney, Starfall, Story Place, Whiz Kids Games, and many more.

The initial homepage of the browser is an aquarium with large icons that link to six activity areas:

-    Television: watch video clips from movies and shows such as Sesame Street, Toy Story, Muppets, Bob the Builder, etc.

-    Games: play games from many different sites including PBS Kids and Nick Jr.

-    Music: listen to songs from sites such as Playhouse Disney, Fisher Price and PBS Kids

-    Stories: listen to stories on Starfall.com and Story Place

-    Daily Item: watch a video or complete a puzzle that changes everyday

-    Draw: have fun in the drawing zone with built-in googly eyes for making funny faces, three pencil width options, several color options and “Windex” for cleaning up the mess

The mouse also gets in on the act. On the Aquarium or homepage, the mouse is a submarine; in Games, a butterfly flutters right behind the cursor; in Music, there are bears that you can click on to create music (Do, Re, Mi);  in Draw, you can choose to make your drawing with a Smiley face; and in Television, create star fireworks on the theater curtains.

ZAC browser is all around fun, but most importantly, a safe Internet browser for children.  Go to www.zacbrowser.com to download and start using today.

Gift of Free Augmentative Communication

In the spirit of Christmas, I want to share with you the program pVoice. This free augmentative communication software was developed for the computer by Jouke Visser for his daughter.

A couple weeks ago I was working on a presentation about assistive technology in the classroom and researching free programs for reading and writing support. Part of my presentation covers communication software that can be used in the classroom and other settings, either on a computer or an iPad, iPod or smart phone. The programs I have in my presentation are reasonable priced, but in general, augmentative communication programs and devices are innately expensive. That is just the nature of assistive technology. I decided, on a whim, to search for a free augmentative communication program. This is when I came across pVoice and it is absolutely free. Yes, you got that right FREE. 

Here are some of the features of pVoice:

• Button display options include a letter, word, picture, or picture with word
• Picture options include symbol sets (purchased separately from various companies), digital  pictures or pictures downloaded from the Internet
• Pages or ‘Themes’ and can be easily modified to accommodate one button or up to 25 columns and 25 rows of buttons
• Input control options include switch (1 or 2), touchscreen, keyboard, mousebuttons or Adremo wheelchair controls (specially designed wheelchair in the Netherlands with foot and head controls)
• Fifteen different language options available (e.g. English, Spanish, Dutch, French, Italian)

Go to pvoice.org to read more about the program and get your free download.

Interactive Handwriting Program

PointScribe Interactive Handwriting Software

While at Closing the Gap I was able to see the handwriting training program, PointScribe in action. Since returning I have been running a demo version to explore it in more detail. This program is for use on a touch screen with or even without a stylus. Ideally, you will want to use a stylus to replicate pencil and paper writing. However, some users with fine motor issues can benefit from using their finger or other type of device (e.g. pointer, wiffle ball, etc.). The important thing is that the user is working on the movements of writing so they can transfer the motor movements eventually to pencil and paper.

Here are the features of the program that I really like:

-          Built-in letter shape libraries (block upper, block lower, numbers, pre-writing shapes)

-          Customizable libraries (letters, words, characters, mazes, etc.)

-          Track Data with the built-in reporting and data management system for IEP goals, progress reporting , discrete trial training, etc.

-          Customizable colors, themes, and music

You can download a 30-day free trial, watch videos, and read research and testimonials at: http://www.pointscribe.com/

A Mother's TAP∙it™ Testimonial

In November, I provided software and Internet resources to a mother in California who purchased a TAP∙it for her four adopted children, all of whom have disabilities. I want to share her reaction of TAP∙it with you:

"Thank you, I was going to email you and tell you how wonderful the Tap∙it is. It was delivered yesterday and my son and I put it together. When my 8 year old daughter Kelly [she has spastic quad cp] came home from school today I put her up to it and she was so excited. I had the Classroom Suite loaded on it and had the paint program up.

Now just Monday we had an IEP for her and I was told that they didn't think she could see but in a small area and that she doesn't track anything or use her left arm and won't raise her arms up. They painted a picture of Kelly that was not my daughter.

Kelly painted a picture [actually many] using both arms raised up and many colors on her own, laughing and having a ball.

I put another screen up and she was tracking a ball all over the screen wherever it bounced. She then operated a program that made animals doing funny things and changing animals making different noises. She loves the Tap∙It.

Nicole, the teacher she had last year is the one that told me about it, she stopped by to see it and saw Kelly in action and knew right off it is perfect for her."

Thank you to Frances and Kelly for sharing their wonderful experience with us.

TAP∙it™: Touch Accessible Platform for Interactive Technology

I guess it would be fitting for my first blog entry if I talk about TAP∙it, my company's brand new assistive technology device. TAP∙it is a 42" LCD touch screen with intended touch technology on an accessible stand. We launched TAP∙it at ISTE in June 2010 and it has been getting a lot of attention from teachers and therapists alike. Here are some of the main features:

• 42" LCD, shatter and scratch-resistant safety glass
• No projector
• Moisture sealed and easy to clean (non-bleach Clorox wipes)
• Powered height (17"-66" from the floor) and tilt adjustment (0-90 degrees)
• Tip-resistant
• Commercial-grade, locking castors
• Intended Touch Technology

TAP∙it is being used in classrooms across the United States. Teachers and students, both love the versatility and flexibility of this brand new product. It can be used with both PC and MAC computers as well as any software, including the Internet. But, don't take my word for it...check it our for yourself at: www.teachsmart.org/tapit

TAP∙it will be launched internationally in January 2011 at BETT in London.