apps & mobile technology: tools for students with disabilities, their families and educators

Apps & Mobile Technology Tools for Students with Disabilities, Their Families and Educators

Alan Foley

Alan

Professor @ Syracuse University Design (instructional, web,

universal, interaction) Usability and product

evaluation research Technology Development (web,

iPhone, media, games)

Web - alan-foley.netTwitter - a_fole4

How to Read a QR Code

http://bit.ly/QR-reader

Mobile device must have a camera

Start the QR reader app

Point the camera at the code – orient code within designated area

What can QRs do?

Open a webpage

Display text

Display/add Contact info on device

Deliver a phone number

Deliver an email address

Highlight a geographic location

What are QR Codes?

Developed to help inventory auto parts (in 1994)

QR = “Quick Response”

QR codes can be read in two directions=store more data

They are free

Create them at http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

Mobile?… apps?

Apples and Androids…

Players and tablets…

eBook Readers

Before We Begin…

Apps list not exhaustive-just a sample of what is available

Devices and apps for Assistive Technology should be considered in conjunction with an evaluation by a qualified specialist as part of a comprehensive plan

Before the Device…

What's the task? 

What is the level of performance/participation currently?

What features are needed? 

How does the iPad and the app you are considering match those tasks and features? 

What's the expected benefit?

Why use mobile devices?

Ease of use/Interface

Socially Acceptable: “cool”

One device can be used for a variety of goals; communication, reading, writing, etc

Lightweight and Portable

Economical, especially in comparison to dedicated devices

Which would you rather have?

The Downside..

Potential for theft – they are mobile!

Easy to lose

Management of apps requires time for all the updates

Setup time for each user

Easy to become an entertainment source

Device Details

iPod

Wi-Fi only

8GB to 64GB $229-$399

4 hours to charge, 7-14 hours playtime per charge

2 cameras, front and back (iPhone has better camera)

iPad2

Wi-Fi only:16-64GB, $499-$699

Wi-Fi and 3G:16-64GB, $629-$829 – PLUS service

3-5 hours to charge, around 10 hour battery life

2 cameras, front and back

Enhanced video “out”

Features of iOS

Voice Over

Zoom

Restrictions

Auto-Correction, Auto-Capitalization

International Keyboards

Font Size

White on Black

Access Settings

Under Accessibility: Voice Over: Three finger scroll, Braille Bluetooth hook-up

available, Web and Language Adjustments Zoom: Double-Tap with three fingers to zoom, use three

fingers to move around screen when on Large Text- goes up to 56 point text in built in apps White on Black Speak Auto-text- Speaks auto-corrections and

capitalizations out loud

Restrictions-Sets 4 digit code to restrict access to certain apps

App and Device Management

Education

Can use a cart or tray for updating, installing apps (Bretford PowerSync Cart)

iOS Volume Voucher for education

Personal

Must have your iTunes account on device to update or add apps

Up to 5 devices for personal use per app

MoneyReader $1.99

Point camera at US bills – the app will audibly tell you what it sees.

Demo

ZoomReader- $19.99

Using camera, magnifies up to 4x, reads text out loud, can vary speed of output, pitch, can highlight, etc

Sendero LookAround GPS- $4.99Using GPS and vibration features of device, it tells you where you are, and nearest points of interest (defaults to restaurants). Works best outside.

VizWiz- free

Allows user to use camera to take a picture/ask a question, then choose to ask Web Workers, or the IQ Engine (image identifier), Email someone or Twitter feed to get an answer.

Evernote - free

Multi-platform cloud sharing tool. Can take notes in multiple ways, save them to the cloud account, then share them or pull them down on almost any device

Speak It! - $1.99

Copy text into app from emails, web, etc, and have it read with high quality voices. Highlights as it reads.

Typ-O HD (iPad only)- $14.99

Word Prediction, also reads text out loud as you write. Four dictionary sizes available, Four voices available.

AudioNote- $4.99

Works like a LiveScribe: can type or write text while recording, then play back notes, with audio tagged to notes.

Answers:YesNoHD – $3.99

iAdvocate

Peripherals

Cases

Stands and Mounts

Bluetooth Switches and Keyboards

Stylus/Pointers/Keyguards

Tornado Switch Interface (available summer 2011) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5XcBBy0I9g

Cases

Things to consider: Portability Durability Mounting needs

Otterbox $89.95 (iPad 2) to $29.95 (iPod touch) http://www.otterbox.com

RJ Cooper iPad Ultimate Carry Case $99 www.rjcooper.com

Button Cover- BubCap Home Button Cover-$5 for 4 bubcap.com

Stands and Mounts

RAM Mounts- $36-$48 depending on type http://www.ram-mount.com/Products/WheelchairMounts/tabid/2562/Default.aspx

CJT Mounting- cjtmounting.com

RJ Cooper stands and mounts www.rjcooper.com

MountMe! Freedom II - http://www.mount-me.com/

Bluetooth Switches & Keyboards

Switches: Bluetooth Switch Interface- $99, Super-Switch $149

www.rjcooper.com Blue2-Pedal switches- $149 www.ablenetinc.com

Keyboards: Many available- some built into cases. Best option, do a

google search with needed features

Stylus/Pointers/Keyguards

Bluetooth Switches & Keyboards

Switches: Bluetooth Switch Interface- $99, Super-Switch $149

www.rjcooper.com Blue2-Pedal switches- $149 www.ablenetinc.com

Keyboards: Many available- a trend now is keyboards built into cases.