ipad therapy

INSPIRATIONAL VIDEOS: http://www.wsvn.com/features/articles/medicalreports/MI92056/

http://childrenshospitalblog.org/can-the-new-ipad-take-therapy-based-apps-to-the-next-level/

What is the activity:

Ipads are the latest technology that is loaded with entertaining applications. However, Ipad therapy "not just for entertainment." It is a technical tool that is used to overcome speech and language problems. It is a multi-sensory approach because the individual has to touch the iPad and it gives them more immediate feedback. Through exploration and repetition the clients learn language and expand their vocabulary.

"It has been called, a Game Changer."

Instructions on how to facilitate activity:

This is because the ipad needs almost no facilitation. The ipad promotes independence with its unique technology. The client must be set up with the ipad and educated about how to use it and navigate. They are then walked through appropriate applications with the therapist or they are allowed the freedom of choice to choose which interests them. The therapist can then utilize purposeful applications to work on functional skills. In the article they mentioned a specific application for example, "the Story Builder Program which allows a client to create a story in chronological order, while pictures and sounds give prompts to respond in full sentences.

Who might benefit from this:

It was suggested that child with speech and language problems with direct therapy utilizing the ipad. However, there is much research going on about the ipad's therapeutic qualities for children with autism. It has the ability to promote independence and development. This is because the apps allow them to work on functional skills. For example, zippering, buttoning, saying hi and bye.. anything you can imagine can be practiced on the ipad. "Techonlogy plays a big role in enriching the lives of many people with communication disorders, not just children on the autism spectrum, but people with motor impairments like cerebral palsy or people who are deaf or hard of hearing as well. These new devices are giving people communication options that weren't available a few years ago."

Contradictions:

Alisa Kruzel, Memorial Speech and Language Pathologist says, that "it's just made therapy so much more interesting and motivating for the kids." They say it holds a child's attention more than traditional books or flashcards, therefore, the children tend to learn faster. I believe this is true but the wave of technology is easy to get "caught up in." We need to continually make decsions based on what's best for the child, not what's being touted as the 'next big thing.'

Materials needed:

The only thing necessary is an iPAD and the technological savviness to operate them!

Special Considerations:

-What types of applications (appropriate)

-Safety about personal information.

-Expensive technological equipment.

Overall, I believe the ipad is a wonderful innovation to incorporate into therapy practice to help advocate for people of all abilities.