Queens Early Childhood Development Association recently received two iPads, an iPod Touch, iTunes gift cards for purchasing apps and a day of training on how to implement these tools into strategies for home programming for infants and children with developmental delays and disorders. These was made possible through a grant received by the Assistive Technology Centre Society from Autism Speaks Canada, at the initiation of Barbara Welsford, Chairperson of the ATCS.
“Providing access to learning and personal growth through Assistive Technology is a focus of the Assistive Technology Centre Society,” says Welsford. “We have been utilizing mobile devices for many years with great success with children and adults with various disabilities. Children who are non-verbal utilize the iPod Touch and Proloquo2go to communicate with others. The touch screen and layout make it touch accessible for children with coordination or learning difficulties as many of our children find sliding and tapping easier than writing or even clicking the mouse and navigating the complexity of the computer screen. Individuals with severe vision impairments, hearing impairments, physical disabilities and learning disabilities can now access information and learn ‘on-the-go.’”
These devices are game-changers in the field of Assistive Technology and we are excited to be able to provide iPads and iPod Touches to the Early Intervention programs in both Lunenburg and Queens Counties.”
Denise Lowe Whynot agrees. “Children seem to have a natural interest in computers. I think the iPad will be highly motivating for those children on my caseload who are difficult to engage in learning. We can build on their existing interest in the iPad and use it to teach so many skills – from social skills to academic skills to communication skills. In addition to home visits, we plan to use it during Circle Time and in small group activities at our summer playgroup.”
QECDA appreciates the efforts of Barbara Welsford and the Assistive Technology Centre Society for their foresight in thinking of Early Childhood Intervention programs as recipients of this technology. “It will become part of the arsenal of tools and equipment that we bring to meet the individual needs of each child.”
If you have questions or concerns about the development of an infant or young child, please call Queens Early Childhood Development Association at 354-5890 or check out our website at www.earlyintervention.org/queens.
