Hey Tek-ninjas! A lot of us across the AAC industry are pretty excited by Apple's iOS17 update this month.
Tobii Dynavox's TD Pilot is based on 15+ years of research and testing across all types of ethnicities, disabilities, eyewear and lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors. It is already a pretty amazing piece of DME. As the first company to earn the MFi from Apple, and the only company to work directly with Apple, Tobii Dynavox created Region Based Interface, offering a definite edge in precision and accuracy in their AAC software. Out side the specialty software the eye-gaze leveraged Apple's Assistive Touch. Now with the Snap function, the Assistive Touch function outside the AAC software is faster and more accurate.
This video above demonstrates how to toggle the functions on, after you've updated your system to iOS17. With the improvements even smaller targets located in any app becomes significantly easier to access. Any app that can function in landscape mode is more accessible than ever before with the TD Pilot.
Hey Tek-ninjas! Today is a big day for Tobii Dynavox and AAC users. This morning, Tobii Dynavox introduces the TD Pilot. TD Pilot provides native integration of eye tracking in iPadOS and has been certified to meet Apple performance standards. It enables communication and full use of iPad apps for people with disabilities, via eye control and other access methods. The TD Pilot offers what is currently the only MFi Certified Eye-tracker on the market.
While there are a few other companies that had dipped there toes into the eye-tracker world with iPads already, none of them (that I know of) have an equivalent offering with Region Base Interaction (RBI), essentially pulling the user's eye to the chosen target with accuracy and precision - indoors OR outdoors. Additionally, TD Pilot uses Smart bright pupil and dark pupil tracking technology which means that the eye tracker is always adjusting to the light conditions and the user to ensure the optimal user experience.
Just like on the proven Windows-based iSeries, TD Pilot has the celebrated Partner Window, and the same powerful speakers.
TD Pilot when funded, comes with TD Snap, TD Talk, and TD CoPilot. The first many AAC stakeholders are familiar with. TD Talk is a brand new efficient text-to-speech app, and TD CoPilot is the companion app which provides calibration, software updates, and battery status.
Everyone I've spoken with who has had a chance to test drive the TD Pilot has been very impressed. If you are going to be at ASHA this week, come by, check one out, and say hi to me! If you can't make ASHA, but want to see one for a possible user, reach out to your friendly neighborhood Solutions Consultant. They will be able to help you determine if the TD Pilot is right for you or your client(s)!
Hey Tek-ninjas! Did you know Apple has finally introduced a “mouse” interface for the iPad?! It’s not without at least one pitfall, and the curser is a circle, but for your users who would benefit from a mouse interface, it’s worth a look.
First, (and this is the pitfall imo) you will need to download the beta version of iOS 13. You can find out more here (https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/) Before you install the software, you should backup your device. This way, if you change your mind, and want to revert back to your older iOS, you can restore your profile.
Once you install the software you will be able to setup a mouse. Start by opening Settings>Accessibility>Touch>Assistive Touch; Toggle On>Pointing Devices>Bluetooth Devices - pair mouse, >Magic Mouse. The video above shows this process step-by-step. I added a right-click function to movie between apps. You may opt to use a different function, as offered in the menu.
Hey Tek-Ninjas! Today's blog is a quick iOS app tip which will hopefully be useful for you.
Recently a colleague reached out to me, indicating that she was trying to download the Snap + Core First App on her mini iPad. Her dilemma was that iTunes kept telling her that she needed iOS 10 or later. Her mini iPad runs iOS 9.3.5 and would not install the newer version.
I knew there was a solution, but couldn't remember it. Consequently, I had to send this tech-question up the ladder to my senior tech guy, my 17 year old son, Ben.
Ben quickly got back to me with the following:
So- the only way Apple will allow you to download an older version is if you already own the app. Once you find it in the “purchased” section of the App Store you can select “download” and it will give you the option to download an older version that is compatible with device So what do we do if she hasn’t purchased it before? Go on a newer device like an
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iPhone or iTunes on a Mac (the latter is preferable) that is associated with her iPad’s Apple ID and can purchase the app. Buy it from there, and then you will find it listed in the “purchased” section of her iPad’s App Store. Then you can download, and receive the “older version”
In the specific case at hand, my colleague needed to download the "free" version. Once she logged into her "mytobiidynavox" account within the app she gained full functionality.
I can see this issue presenting with a variety of apps, and so I hope this is useful to you all. Thanks to Ben!
Happy therapy!
ADDENDUM:
So the clinician who asked for help emailed back to tell me she had to take a few extra steps. She shared the following:
A few extra steps were involved because essentially the newest version of iTunes on Macs does not support connections with iPad. I had to uninstall my current iTunes and re-install an older version in order for the steps from your blog to work. Essentially, the iPad is too old and iTunes is too new.
Hey Tek-Ninjas! Yesterday, I posted about the Speech Case. I wrote that I was super excited about some the new products coming from Tobii Dynavox. Well, there's another great device available now. The Indi 7 is a mighty AAC device in a tiny package. It's "related to the Indi, which I wrote about a few months ago.
Indi 7 comes complete with integrated, extra loud speakers, your choice of communication software, a whole ecosystem of support, and a 30-day money back guarantee for peace of mind.
With a 7 inch screen, super loud and clear speakers, and Windows 10 OS, the Indi 7 fits nicely in your hand. Multiple access methods such as switch-scanning, head-mouse, and touch with keyguards, are all compatible with Indi 7.
You can order Indi 7 directly from Tobii Dynavox and get it within days, all for an incredible price (with Communicator 5 AND Snap + Core First it is $1,699, and with JUST Snap + Core First, it is $999).
And, unlike other off-the-shelf tablets, since Indi 7 is your all-in-one communication solution, you don’t have to worry about setting up different components or going to multiple sites for assistance – it’s all right there for you!
Hey Tek-Ninjas! Tobii Dynavox has some new "Stuff" and I'm way stoked about it.
You need an AAC solution? You prefer iOS? Or you already have an iPad? But you need it to be a dedicated speech device? Check out the
Speech Case.
The Speech Case with iPad, is an iOS-based speech tablet designed for AAC with extra loud speakers, switch access, and the Snap + Core First communication app. This is a true AAC communication solution!
With the specially designed case, built-in handle, and kickstand, mounting is also possible with pre-drilled screw holes for an external mount plate. The Speech Case offers unmatched sound from the integrated, outward-facing speakers means quality and clarity optimized for speech while also providing the loudest sound on the market. The Speech Case also offers multiple Access Methods like switch-scanning, touch, and touch with keyguards.
What if you already have an iPad? Well, the Speech Case and Speech Case Pro can be purchased alone, or bundled with Snap + Core First. Speech Case is only compatible with 9.7" 5th and 6th generation iPad and the Speech Case Pro is only compatible with 12.9” 2nd generation iPad Pro. Pricing can be found on the website, but varies dependent on your configuration needs.
BUT, if you are buying JUST the Speech Case, the 9.7 size retails for $399, and the 12.9 retails for $599.
Hey Tek-Ninjas! So I'm on a roll reviewing the Smarty-Ears Apps. Let me say that I get no moolah for sharing these apps with you, I've simply been very impressed by them.
Today I am blogging about Custom Boards, an iPhone and/or iPad app which serves as a board and activity creator. Custom Boards retails for $49.99. This may seem like a lot for "an app", but take a look at the competition and you will see their prices are at least double if not more.
Some of our students require symbol support in order to experience success with transitions, jobs, ADL's, etc. Software can be very expensive, and tied to a computer. Custom Boards provides a great option to get around those issues.
Rather than retell the features, I've simply pulled this from the creator's website. It is impressive:
• includes over 125 templates from within 6 categories
• includes over 10,000 built-in Smarty Symbols
• Choose from a total of 100 floating shapes and 7 different styles of shapes
• Ability to add images from Google search engine
• Ability to add Floating Images—place an image anywhere on the template!
• Ability to add Floating Shapes—place any of the 100 built in shapes anywhere!
• Ability to add Floating Texts— place text anywhere on the template!
• Layers — select individual floating images, text, and shapes and move them forward/back
• Add multiple pages to a template
• Lock the screen to use a static image on the iPad itself in an activity without accidentally editing it.
• Ability to lock the screen so that the iPad surface itself can be used for an activity.
• Share editable files with other Custom Boards users
• Email PDFs of your custom boards creations to anyone
• Quickly print your creations with an air ready printer
• Cloud Compatible — backup your files via the cloud
• Organize your archive of creations with folders
Also, here is a video introduction with REALLY REALLY peppy music.
The built in introduction tutorial is really well done, and helps a first-time user get up to speed.
If you are in the market for "board-making" software, Custom Boards is definitely worth a look!
Hey Tek-Ninjas! Today I want to share with you an accessory a colleague told me about. The TacScreen is a clear lightly textured polymer that adheres to the glass of iPad. It is designed to provide increased tactile feedback over the smooth glass, and is sold specifically for various sized iPads. Likely it would work as well for Android or Windows tablets. Pricing ranges from $17.95 to $19.95, with a price-break for buying multiples.
The idea of learning through multi-sensory modalities is held in many teaching programs including Handwriting Without Tears, and Orton-Gillingham. On the surface, the idea makes good sense to me. I was very curious to see what a few specific folks I work with would think about this product.
I asked my coworker, J, an Occupational Therapist who works specifically with pre-k students who present with a wide variety of issues.
J felt that the TacScreen was a nice additional tactile component to technology, and that her students did not mind it being on (some asked what it was, some didn't seem to notice). She did comment that the TacScreen makes the screen less clear for some apps, specifically for watching any video. The screen may need to be cut down to work with cases. J also said that at times she felt like squinting in highly visual apps, however none of her students had this issue. Finally, J thought it "would be best on an iPad just being used for teaching letter formation or drawing."
Next I sent the TacScreen to a student I used to work with, and her boyfriend. A. is 17, Visually Impaired / Legally blind, with some functional vision. B. is 20, Blind / no vision or light perception. I would like to add, the folks at TacScreen NEVER stated that this tool was designed with visually impaired users in mind so I acknowledge that I may have went looking for trouble with this "test". A. stated "I like it. I think it feels cool."
B. was less enchanted saying "It doesn't help or hinder me".
They both noted that it's possible to do something similar and put Braille letters on the screen where the keyboard pops up, but that it can be tricky to learn keyboarding with Braille, so it would also be useful for people to have extra input/practice.
Finally, I used the TacScreen for a while in my day-to-day practice, as well as to make artwork using photoshop.
I very much like the tactile feedback. I am an avid user of my iPad, but have always been a little dissatisfied with the slick feel of the glass. This feedback reminds me of the comforting scratching of a sharp pencil on paper. I had no issues with clarity of the screen. Students that I introduced it to remarked on it's feel, and all indicated that they liked it.
The company notes that the screen is not designed to be taken on and off, as it will lose it's adhesiveness after a few times. So, once installed, it's best to leave it on.
If as a user, you dislike the slickness of the glass (like me) this is a great option, not terribly pricey, and incidentally, while not the intention, offers one more layer of screen protection.
I tend to agree with J, in her assessment that the TacScreen would shine when being used to instruct in letter formation. If you are engaged in teaching letter formation, as well as drawing this tool may make a significant difference for your students.
If you already are using it, I'd love to hear your feedback!
Hey Tek-Ninjas! Our district has been wrestling with a dilemma. We are planning on replacing all all laptops at the Elementary level. That is roughly 10 schools. We replaced the Middle school laptops last year. It is expensive.
On top of the significant cost, this change has unplanned ripple effects. Modern laptops seem to all be dropping CD drives. Remember 12+ years ago when Apple got rid of the floppy drive? Then PC's followed suit? We all kicked and screamed 'cause our software wouldn't work. Well, here we go again. Apple started phasing out CD drives a few years ago, and now PC's seem to following along.
Our district has approximately 100 copies of "THE DOMINANT SYMBOL SOFTWARE" (TDSS) out there, which was purchased with Stimulus funding back in 2000. It still works fine, but won't on the new laptops (or not without a major process/headache per each device), especially as we are changing OS platforms at some schools.
Our staff who use TDSS really rely on it. But, upgrading TDSS for the new computers would cost over $12,000 PER YEAR!
Home Screen
So, it was out of necessity that I started shopping around again for symbol software, but this time more earnestly.
Enter Pogo Boards. Pogo Boards is an online, subscription model which is easy to use, and provides access to millions of images through an integrated Google search, thousands of unique, custom symbols with SymbolStix and the PiCS symbol set.
Pogo Boards arguably has the most robust symbol library available in one place.
There is a free 14 day trial to get a feel for PogoBoards, and I encourage users to sign up and use it with a student or classroom in mind, not just to tinker around. This process will facilitate you actually learning how to use it.
iPhone
The PogoBoards website offers several "how-to-videos" to help you in your learning curve.
As a user, if you are at all familiar with Microsoft Word, the interface will be intuitive. It looks similar.
The bottom line though, is the price is down-right affordable. My subscription for the same group of folks on the TDSS will be roughly $2,500 annually. Thates a significant savings.
Users can make their boards on a Mac at work, then when they get home, feasibly log into a home PC or Linux computer and access the same work. Cross platform is huge.
In addition, boards made online can be downloaded to the free app on your iPad or iPhone.
And finally, sharing of materials within a school or district is simple.
Change from a preferred tool is often challenging. My hope for our district is that this won't be too painful. I will keep you all posted!
Hey Tek-Ninjas! I've been wrestling with switch access lately. It is often a source of frustration for me. The promises are big, the reality is often less than!
Of the many switch interfaces I've played with, the one I keep returning to for the most success is the
Swifty, made by Origin. Swifty uses standard USB Human Interface Device (HID) drivers and works with Windows, Macintosh and Linux computers and many AAC devices. The Swifty retails for $79.95.
For accessing iPads, Origin has answers as well. They provide the Tapio for newer iPads using a Lightening charging port. With Tapio and an adaptive switch, a single switch user can have complete access to an iPad, an iPhone or an iPod touch, using Apple's Switch Control. The Tapio
retails for $99.95. If you have a 2nd or 3rd generation iPad, Origin still has an answer for you. Purchase the Tapio with Apple 30-pin Dock to USB Camera Adapter and a USB Extender Cable. This bundle sells for $109.95.
Just a Few Switch Choices
Using the Swifty or the Tapio allows you to then also use a myriad of switches depending on your
user's needs. You may decide to go with a jelly bean switch, toggle, or any of the other dozens of switches, mounting them wherever your user has the best consistent volitional movement. I recommend involving your Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist in determining these locations if possible.
The other bit of switch access that has me excited is the iPad's use of the camera and/or the screen. Using a Tapio in conjunction with the camera, we can set up step scanning, and using a head turn, or tapping the screen (anywhere) of the iPad to select. When you are in accessibility, and choosing your switch, after having chosen "External" for the Tapio, try "Screen" or "Camera". One of those options may prove helpful in unlocking a student's potential.
Hey Tek-Ninjas! Recently I was in a colleague's office for an Assistive Technology observation, when I was intrigued by some "stuff" on her desk. What, pray tell is this Osmo thing you have here Tamika?
Well, Tamika told me about it, and I was impressed. I thought you all would be interested. It's a wonderful intersection of technology and Occupational Therapy. I asked Tamika if she'd like to blog about Osmo, and lucky for us, she agreed. So, below is a guest blog by a wonderful therapist. Enjoy!
Welcome to the world of Osmo. What is Osmo you ask? It is an attachment and app that you connect
to your iPad. You can connect to a
community of educators and download the teacher guide, which contains a list of
activities with the appropriate grade level, objective, common core standard
and instructions. Content areas for the
start up kit include STEM, Spelling, Handwriting, Reading, and phonics. Math is sold separately.
With the start up kit you get access to the following apps for free:
In Masterpieceyou
can draw pictures from the gallery, the iPad’s camera or the Internet and then
watch a replay of your drawing with a time-lapse video, which you can even
share with parents. Why not turn this
into a writing/tracing activity as well. You can take a picture of your
student’s name written and have them trace it.
Newtonis a
puzzle game where you have to bounce falling balls toward the target using
lines that you draw or by placing objects in front of the screen.
Tangram is played
by placing the wooden puzzle pieces on the table in front of the camera/screen
to match the design seen on the screen. You can pick from a variety of levels.
There is a helper at the bottom of the screen to show you what you should do
next on the easy level. This helps builds
visual spatial abilities, nonverbal reasoning, fine motor skills, and executive
functioning.
Words is played
by placing letter tiles in front of the screen to either guess the entire word
or certain letters within a word such as the 1st letter sound. You
can play using the several levels already there, download list from the teacher
guide or you can make your own list of word. You get two sets of letters and
can have two students play against each other. Unfortunately, all of the letter
tiles are capital letters. Other than
that, I think it’s pretty cool!
I have found ways to use the
Osmo with children with all types of needs such as children with visual
impairments, Autism, ADHD, Learning Disability, Developmental delay, etc. All of
my students are loving it. Join the revolution!
Hey Tek-Ninjas! Those of you who have been in the field for awhile will remember Choose It! Maker
(CIM). Originally CIM was software you installed onto your computer. CIM allowed users to create customized learning materials relatively quickly using personal photos, symbols, text, and sounds to create any cause & effect or choice making activities you could imagine. The end product would then be used on the computer it was made on.
Well, the folks at HelpKidzLearn have made the product more powerful, while also easier than ever to use. Now, Choose It! Maker 3 is an online, subscription based product. You make customized learning materials in minutes which can be accessed by any computer (PC, Mac, Linux) with internet capability, as well as on the free apps available for your iPad or android tablet.
Subscriptions are available for individuals or larger organizations.
Hey Tek-Ninjas! Many of you are already familiar with the built in features of the iDevices (iPhones, iPads, and iTouches). But just in case you haven't seen the latest bells and whistles, I want to direct you to Apple's very helpful page. This "stuff" is amazing, and all part of your iDevice! These devices offer great supports for folks with issues around vision, hearing, motor skills, and learning and literacy. Make sure you are maximizing your technology's potential. Hajime!
Hey Tek-Ninjas! Back in September of 2014 I wrote about a number of tech supports for math. I was particularly impressed with Mod Math, though wished it had some higher level functions. At the time, I spoke with Dawn from Mod Math, and learned that the company was in the process of developing algebraic functions for the app. Well. That's been done. Mod Math continues to be a free app. And now, it is better than ever. Be sure to take a look at it, likely it can help some of your students struggling with the writing process of mathematics. Happy Therapy!
One advantage of working in a school system is there are often very talented veterans I get to rub elbows with and learn from. Donna Swahlan, is one of those veteran Occupational Therapists. She works with our pre-k students, and is an endless font of wisdom. When asked if she might like to write a post she came back with the following:
Purpose of App:
ArtSee Studio is basically an art app that allows children to draw, stamp, move objects, make
use of various “themes”, and apply sounds to artwork. It also has Activities and Games including Odd One Out (think about the question, Which one does not belong?), Association (Which items go together?), Coloring, and Connect the Dot activities. It may be best suited for children 2.5-7 depending on what features are being used and the child’s skill level.
The app is free on the app store (with some in app purchases) and can be used independently. However, additionally, there is a plastic “case” that can be purchased herefor between $10 and $20.
Tools (Digital tools in the app and also physical tools in the case):
Doodlee: (Green and Black Stylus) A drawing tool that can be used like a traditional crayon, marker etc, but can also be used horizontally on its side to add textures to a picture.
Stampee: (Purple Star/Flower shape): Stamp down with this tool to add characters and objects to artwork.
Funnee: (Long Orange rectangle shape): Allows user to change the theme. Themes that come with the app include Vehicles, Safari and Underwater.
Pointee: (Green Arrow shaped tool): Allows the user to move (run, jump, drive etc) and create a path for the object being moved. This tool draws a dotted/dashed pathway as the tool is moved and once the tool is taken off the screen then the object (like the vehicle or animal) moves and follows the drawn path.
Rollee: (Blue smaller rectangle shape) allows user to add background art and patterns to the artwork.
Melodee: (Pink Music Notes) Allows user to add sound and animation to the various stamped objects.
Additional Features and Possibilities:
A user can import photos into the app and use these as part of their artwork. An example of using this feature is to take a full body picture of a child, import the photo and then have the child “draw” himself on top of the photo. The children I have done this with have LOVED this! Additional thoughts I have had about possibilities include taking a photo of an object such as a table and have children move objects on, under, next to the table. Take a picture of a toy garage and move the digital vehicles into the garage teaching perceptual, space and directional concepts and supporting the language goals of our speech therapy friends. You get the idea. Really the possibilities are potentially quite endless.
The app has typical features for saving to a library, sharing by email (could be used to possibly send work samples to parents or to therapists data files), printing, and submitting to a gallery.
Additional Fairy Tales Theme is currently .99 (in app purchase)
Raves:
Honestly the reason I bought this case and then downloaded the app is because the stylus (Doodlee) is excellent for preschoolers! I love the shape, size, weight, length, and feel of it for this group and their little hands. A plus is that once you have this stylus you can use it with any other child friendly I-pad app that requires or allows use of a stylus. I think probably kindergarteners or older children with delays who are still working on grasp would benefit from making use of the stylus. I like it so much that if I can, I plan to look into purchasing an additional stylus.
If the case is purchased, the physical tools fit and snap into the case. These tools are very nice for promoting the use of a pincer grasp as the user removes the tools by grasping the handle. For children with weak finger strength, they need to apply/use some finger strength but not an excessive amount. These same handles are very nice for continuing to promote a pincer grasp while the child is actually using the tools. The tools are moderately secure when they are not in use.
The case comes with a stencil that can be used for teaching shapes. It is in the back of the case.
The app offers a really nice way to work on prewriting stroke development by drawing vertical, horizontal or circular strokes while having interesting and motivating objects, shapes or visuals on the screen.
The case has a fold out panel on the back so that a user can angle the case, much like an Occupational Therapist would use a slant board. This promotes wrist extension in children who are still developing it. I have not actually used this slant feature, so I am not sure how stable it is.
If you purchase and use the case, the case covers the home button on the I-pad so that a child does not or can’t leave the app. This can be something to consider during therapy or teaching sessions. Actually one could use the case with different apps when it is advantageous to have the home button covered.
I think it is a good value for use with younger children, especially in a supervised or guided session.
Drawbacks:
Some of the Amazon reviews say that the app is not intuitive enough. I did have to play with it a bit to get used to some of the features. It is not really that difficult though and the case does come with written directions (the papers are inside the back of the case).
Other Amazon reviewers claim that it is easy to lose the small tools. This is not an issue for me, as I will only be using it in supervised settings.
It is a bit bulky to be carrying around as a therapy tool, but I think it is still worth it. Additionally, I can just carry around the stylus, Doodlee, and use the stylus with the app without having to always bring the case for all of the kiddos therapy sessions.
