The iPad and other tablet computers are proving to be very helpful for children with cerebral palsy. With thousands of disability-related apps, a large touch screen and good portability, the iPad can serve as communicator, therapeutic device, educational tool and behavior monitor.
iPads have much larger screens than other Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPod touch, making them more accessible to children with vision problems or diminished motor skills. For many children with cerebral palsy, the large touch screen is easier to use than a keyboard or a mouse. Also, by using the touch screen, children can actually improve their fine motor skills.
The iPad also offers children with cerebral palsy a chance to “fit in.” Other kids might carry around cell phones or iPods that children with cerebral palsy simply are not able to use. The larger-yet-still-portable iPad is an ideal choice for these children, and having tablet technology can help them connect with others. As explained by Michelle Diament, cofounder of the website Disability Scoop, “If you’re someone with a disability, having something that other people are using makes you feel like part of the in-crowd.”
But perhaps the most important benefit of the iPad is its countless apps that can aid in communication, encourage good behavior and help children develop language, speech and motor skills. Dylan Drynan has noticed positive changes since his son started using an iPad: “His behavior has gotten a lot better . . . He can actually communicate with us a little better . . . it’s helped a lot.” Sami Rahman, cofounder of BridgingApps, also has a son with cerebral palsy and says “the iPad unlocked his motivation and his desire because it’s fun.” With the help of an iPad, his son quickly went from being 12 months behind in language, cognitive ability and fine motor skills to being on par for his age level in both language and cognition and to making “significant leaps” with his fine motor skills.
Below are some of the many iPad apps created specifically for children with disabilities:
- MyTalk Mobile: Allows kids with communication difficulties to express themselves through images, pictures, symbols, video and audio files.
- iConverse: When activated by touch, this app gives an auditory and visual representation of a child’s specific need or want.
- ArtikPix: Allows children to practice sounds and words.
- Dragon Dictation: Users speak and instantly see their words on the screen.
- IWriteWords: Allows children to practice writing letters, numbers and words.
- Off We Go!: Helps children become more comfortable in new situations.
- iBooks with VoiceOver: Allows users to download books and have them read aloud.
- Read2Me: Imports a text file and reads it aloud.
- Talkulator: Helps children with visual problems count and do arithmetic.
- Behavior Tracker Pro: Good and bad behaviors can be video recorded, reviewed and turned into graphs and charts.
- iEarnedThat: Helps parents track and reward good behavior.
- Living Safely: Provides self-directed learning sessions for safety skills.
While the iPad is an affordable tool for children with cerebral palsy, the overall cost of care can be overwhelming. When a child’s birth defect is the result of medical malpractice, parents may be entitled to compensation, and an experienced cerebral palsy attorney can help them fight to get it. If your child suffered a birth trauma, contact a qualified cerebral palsy lawyer today to discuss your case.
