An App That Identifies Money for the Visually Impaired

It seems like every day, I am learning about a new iPhone app that is designed to be used as a tool to help a person who has a specific special need. Today, I read about an app that can be used by people who are visually impaired to identify the denomination of currency they are holding in their hand. It’s about time someone came up with that! I find myself constantly amazed about how technology like the iPhone or iPad can be adapted to function in ways that assist a person who has a special need. I’ve written about … Continue reading →

RFB&D Audiobooks Just Became More Accessible

The tools that are designed to assist people who have special needs have come a long way, in large part due to computers. However, even the best designed tool isn’t going to be utilized if it doesn’t match up nicely with how the person lives. Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic understands. They recently released their entire library of audiobooks to be played on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic organization has been around since 1948, and is a nonprofit organization. It helps more than 30,000 people, from kindergarteners through adults, who are … Continue reading →

School Uses iPad to Help Autistic Students Communicate

A school in Connecticut is using iPads to help autistic students to be able to communicate with their teachers and families. The touch screen system that the iPad uses works well with children who have difficulty communicating verbally and are able to use their hands and fingers to manipulate and interact with the iPad screen. There are some apps that have been designed for students who are non-verbal to use in order to indicate what they know, what they want, or what they need. The Milford school district recently purchased three iPads that were handed to families of autistic students … Continue reading →

Autism Explores Program Helps Autistic Kids Cope With Flying

Traveling by airplane with children can be a difficult and frustrating endeavor. Children often do not comprehend why the need to sit still for so long, and may not understand how much longer it will be until the flight ends. The whole process involved with traveling by airplane can be especially difficult for children who are on the autism spectrum. There is a program called “Autism Explores” that is designed to help children who are autistic to cope with being on an airplane. There are some things that every parent can bring with on a flight to make things go … Continue reading →

The Blind Driver Challenge Produces Positive Results

In 2004, the National Federation of the Blind dared universities across the country to the take the Blind Driver Challenge and create a car that people with visual impairments could drive. Two years later, Virginia Tech accepted that challenge and the robotics and mechanisms department students got to work on building a buggy with technology that uses a laser light detection and ranging system to identify obstacles in the road as well as other cars. The technology also includes two cameras to monitor the road and look out for lights and stop signs as well as a GPS system and … Continue reading →

Early Intervention is Key to Success

Young children with developmental delays are more successful in school and long-term when aided by early intervention programs. Whether the child’s delay is due to a genetic condition, premature birth or infections, early intervention can help your child progress at more age appropriate stages. The first few years of a child’s life, mainly from birth through age three, are a critical time in your child’s development. According to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY), what happens during those formative years stays with a child for life. That is why it is so vital to watch your child … Continue reading →

Student-to-Student Program Benefits All

In Hudson, Wisconsin there’s a high school working to create a better educational and social environment for each of its students. The program, Student-to-Student is a partnership between Hudson High School and Bridge for Youth with Disabilities. It pairs students in the special education program with “mentor” students and is the brainchild of Margi Miller, who was on the board of Bridge for Youth With Disabilities when she thought of the idea. She is the mother to both a child without disabilities and a child with disabilities. Now in its fifth year, Student-to-Student has seen a huge increase in popularity. … Continue reading →

Special Needs Children and Camp: Part III – Best Camps for Special Needs

Camp is beneficial for children with special needs, and choosing the right camp is extremely important. The wrong camp can make for a miserable experience, while the right one is not only fun for your child but can also help prepare her for life. Here are some of the best camps from around the United States. *Please note that these camps are ones I have found through research. If considering one of these camps, please research it and meet with the staff to ensure it is the best pick for your child. Camp For All, Texas Camp For All is … Continue reading →

Special Needs Children and Camp: Part II – Preparing for Camp

Sending your child off to camp for the first time can be scary, especially when your child has special needs. However, the benefits to your child, including friendships, independence and new skills, outweigh any fears that may be lurking in the back of your mind. As long as you and your child are prepared, camp will be a great experience for both of you. Research Don’t just pick any old camp for your child. There are a variety of camps out there. Some are geared towards children with specific needs; while others welcome children with any disability; and still others … Continue reading →