Yearly Archives: 2017

Top 7 SLP Therapy App Updates in 2017

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Many app developers spent 2017 focused on updating their apps to be compatible with iOS 11. Some updated their entire line of apps, some only updated a few apps and a few totally abandoned their apps. It’s always sad to see good apps disappear from the App Store. It’s why I have not updated most of my iPads to iOS 11. But there are a few bright spots to share where app developers actually added some exciting new features to apps in 2017. Here are seven of my favorite updates (listed in alphabetical order):
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Articulate It! Pro by Smarty Ears: added several fun new themes & improved existing themes, added the option for manual turn taking, added the option to switch the activity without having to start over, etc.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/articulate-it-pro/id391296844?mt=8
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Articulation Scenes by Smarty Ears: added /sk/ scene & on “Find the Hidden Items” activities the pics disappear when tapped.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/articulation-scenes/id498857302?mt=8
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Articulation Test Center Pro by Little Bee Speech: added automatic marking of phonological processes, option to add your own customized norms & option for continuous recording.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/articulation-test-center-pro/id700440156?mt=8
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Avaz FreeSpeech: added Spanish language option, support for multiple phrases, improved vocabulary organization and the ability to bypass prediction to create a wider variety of sentences

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/avaz-freespeech/id1047763490?mt=8
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Boo Articulation Helper by Bildligt talat AB: at my request they added the option for VC combinations to this new app.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/boo-articulation-helper/id1216642311?mt=8
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Feed Maxi Pro by Speak Eazy Apps: added new food items, optional hints, home button & two speed options (regular & double).

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/feed-maxi-pro/id706581884?mt=8
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Language Therapy 4-in-1 by Tactus Therapy Solutions Ltd.: has a fresh new look with more built-in supports for using the app.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/language-therapy-4-in-1/id525278822?mt=8
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Hoping to see a few more apps updated to be compatible with iOS 11 in 2018 and that app developers can then focus on creating more new apps for SLPs to use in therapy 😊
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

Top 10 AAC App Updates in 2017

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It’s amazing to see how much the field of AAC has changed over the course of my 28 year career as a SLP. Long gone are the old days of it taking years to see any major changes or improvements in AAC options. We are living in an era of rapid advancement thanks largely to social media that provides the opportunity for AAC users, therapists, teachers & parents to provide direct input to app and technology developers regarding what features we need. Most good AAC apps are now updated several times a year. Here is my list of top 10 updates that occurred for AAC apps in 2017:

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#1: Proloquo2Go – in March 2017 version 5.0 added an amazing Search feature & Progressive Language. If you haven’t checked out this AAC app in awhile, I invite you to take a look at it again. These new features are a game changer. It also now includes English, Spanish, French & Dutch languages.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/proloquo2go/id308368164?mt=8

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#2: Speak For Yourself – in January 2017 version 2.6 made this a Universal iOS app that can be used on an iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad. It also includes room for up to 40 different users (a great feature for SLPs trialing AAC with several different patients). Other updates this year added options to share vocabulary via AirDrop, more buttons became editable, the sentence bar background color can be changed & a “Manual Whisper Mode” was added to allow users to create a whole sentence prior to speaking.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speak-for-yourself/id482508198?mt=8

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#3: LAMP Words for Life – in July 2017 version 1.6.0 added a bilingual Spanish/English pageset, Word Finder updated to show and take you through the path to a word and added the option to backup to DropBox.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lamp-words-for-life/id551215116?mt=8

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#4: TouchChat with WordPower HD – several updates added new pageset options, Arabic language added through an in-app purchase, Canadian French vocabulary files available as free upgrade and vocabulary files can now be backed up to DropBox and can be shared via E-mail and iMessaging.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/touchchat-hd-aac-w-wordpower/id412351574?mt=8

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#5: GoTalk Now Plus – in March 2017 version 4.11.6 added PCS Thinline symbols as an option through in-app purchase. In September 2017 version 4.11.11 added the option for Hybrid Scene pages (visual scene + up to 4 buttons) & the option to share messages from the Express Bar to Facebook, e-mail and text messaging.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gotalk-now-plus/id742150885?mt=8

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#6: Snap + Core First – this new app was just released in June 2017 and in December 2017 already had a major update to add a bilingual Spanish/English pageset option & Spanish voices. At the end of October 2017 they added access to voice output in the free version of this app for ASHA certified SLPs as part of your MyTobiiDynavox account.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/snap-core-first/id1072799231?mt=8

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#7: Avaz Pro – in May 2017 version 4.2.6 added the option of having up to 77 buttons per screen. In September 2017 version 4.3 added the option to share via AirDrop and the Search now takes you through the path to a word.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/avaz-pro-aac-app-for-autism/id558161781?mt=8

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#8: ChatAble & Predictable apps by TherapyBox both had major overhauls in 2017.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chatable-symbol-based-app/id803004748?mt=8

& https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/predictable/id404445007?mt=8

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#9: BRIDGE Communication – in January 2017 version 1.17 added the option to add video clips to buttons. The price was lowered to 99 cents.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bridge-communication/id983660714?mt=8

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#10: Custom Boards Premium by Smarty Ears had a major overhaul. New templates and updated Smarty Symbols were added. A great affordable option for making printable choice boards and visual supports.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/custom-boards-premium/id463344117?mt=8
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See this updated post for info about how SLPs can get free access to several AAC apps, funding tips & links to AAC user Facebook groups: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2016/06/11/aac-tips-how-slps-can-get-free-access-to-aac-apps-aac-app-user-groups-funding-options-more/.
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2017 was a years of ups & downs in the world of AAC apps. It was exciting to see so many great improvements in apps and a couple of new apps released but at the same time very sad to see a few AAC apps either disappear or no longer function properly after the release of iOS 11. I’ve received numerous messages on my OMazing Kids page from parents and therapists with very heartbreaking stories of AAC users losing their voice when iOS 11 came out. Several small AAC app developers had not updated those apps in almost 5 years. It’s one thing to lose a favorite game or therapy app but a whole different thing to lose an AAC app. It’s a cautionary tale to anyone who has thoughts of developing a new AAC app. Beyond the initial costs of developing the app, it is imperative that you also have a very well thought out long term plan and finances for supporting and keeping an AAC app updated.
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{Best 17 in ’17} Top 17 new apps for SLPs released in 2017

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{Best 17 in ’17} Top 17 new apps for SLPs released in 2017:

Here is a list of my top 17 favorite new apps released in 2017. Ranked based on being helpful with the most patients seen in OMazing Kids speech therapy this year. Prices are in the USA App Store (will vary elsewhere based on the exchange rate):

#1: Boo Articulation Helper by Bildligt talat AB, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/boo-articulation-helper/id1216642311?mt=8, $9.99. This app has motivated countless kids to imitate vowels, consonants, CV & VC combinations. Kids absolutely LOVE the Boo character. This app is worth it’s weight in speechie gold. Excited to hear they have more features being added in 2018. They offer a free lite version for those who want to try before you buy.

#2: Snap + Core First by Tobii Dynavox LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/snap-core-first/id1072799231?mt=8, FREE – has no voice output but ASHA certified SLPs can now get free access to the voice output. See these posts for info about how to activate the free voice output in the free version of the app:

They also have this free companion app filled with videos, tutorials and tips. It’s a very large app so make sure you have plenty of free space and a strong WiFi connection before downloading: Pathways for Core First by Tobii Dynavox LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pathways-for-core-first/id1187433636?mt=8

Tobii Dynavox has finally started an official Facebook group for users and several of their staff are quick to answer questions & troubleshoot issues: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tobiidynavoxcommunity

#3: Speech Tutor Educational by Synapse Apps, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speech-tutor-educational/id1323272450?mt=8, $39.99. So many fantastic features packed into this new app (including their unique placement videos, minimal pairs, etc.). Includes kid-friendly & clean modes which makes the app suitable for any age patient. They also offer a subscription-based version of the app.

#4: Inference Pics by APTUS SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY LTD, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inference-pics/id1270407967?mt=8, $12.99. Includes the option to show or hide possible answers. When choices are shown there is a button on each choice that can be tapped to have it read aloud before selecting an answer. I love this feature! This makes the app customizable to a patient’s specific needs and accessible to those who may not be able to read. They offer a free lite version for those who want to try before you buy.

#5: Social Detective Intermediate by Social Skill Builder, Inc., https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/social-detective-intermediate/id1079442478?mt=8, $22.99. This app picks up where the Beginner leaves off and focuses on decoding the thoughts and emotions of people students interact with. Using this information, students will make smart guesses to predict what those people might do or say next.

#6: Conversation Starters: Social Skills for ASD Kids by Janine Toole, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/conversation-starters-social-skills-for-asd-kids/id1238325614?mt=8, $7.99. This app provides over 200 conversation-starting questions on a variety of topics. They offer a free lite version for those who want to try before you buy.

#7: Say It.. Or Not? Social Filter Skills: School Ed. by Janine Toole, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/say-it-or-not-social-filter-skills-school-ed/id1177251535?mt=8, $14.99. I am loving the content in this app! The scenarios provided are diverse and relatable. Although it takes a little longer for the app to load if you toggle on the “voice on” option, I highly suggest doing so. It will add the option for you to tap a speaker button on each item which then reads it to you. The voiceovers are very well done with great tones of voice. I appreciate that the developer included a way for the SLP to unlock all the content and go directly to an area they want to target. They offer a free lite version for those who want to try before you buy.

#8: Minimal Pairs for Speech Therapy by Innovative Investments Limited, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/minimal-pairs-for-speech-therapy/id1207483809?mt=8, 99 cents. ‘Cause a speechie can never have too many options for minimal contrast pairs. Love the large pics & it’s only 99 cents so great when parents ask for recommendations for apps for carryover at home.

#9: Sounds Essentials by Nabeel Ahmed Khan, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sounds-essentials/id1264473472?mt=8, FREE with $1.99 in-app purchase to unlock all the content. Fun app for auditory discrimination.

#10: Lively Letters – Phonemic Awareness & Phonics by Telian-Cas Learning Concepts Inc, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lively-letters-phonemic-awareness-phonics/id1217971701?mt=8, $24.99. A unique app that targets phonemic awareness, phonics, and speech production.

#11: aacorn Plus – Advanced AAC by aacorn, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aacorn-plus-advanced-aac/id1167373769?mt=8, $119.99. This version of the app includes over 7,000 SymbolStix symbols. I love that they are high contrast against a black background. I’ve found this app helpful for modeling sentence creation as well as for AAC.

#12: Make a Choice – AAC Buttons by pkclSoft, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/make-a-choice-aac-buttons/id1295966224?mt=8, $4.99. I enjoyed helping to beta-test this new simple AAC app. Very simple to use and affordable.

#13: Past Tenses With Splingo by The Speech And Language Store LLP, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/past-tenses-with-splingo/id969065228?mt=8, $2.99. Kids love learning regular & irregular past tense verbs with the Splingo character.

#14: Animal Fun Park Family Version by Filimundus AB, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/animal-fun-park-family-version/id1218307760?mt=8, $1.99. This app includes 15 fun mini games that are nice to use as short reinforcers during therapy. They offer a free lite version for those who want to try before you buy.

#15: Care for Our World by Sunbreak Games, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/care-for-our-world/id1097364668?mt=8, $2.99 -> currently on sale for 99 cents. The beautiful rhyming words flow easily as you read or listen to it being read to you & inspire kids to think about all the gifts of nature and living creatures from forest, jungle, or sea that live in our world and a plea to take care of them. The illustrations are breathtaking! Really more works of art than just illustrations. This app brings them alive in an amazing way. I love the gentleness of both the words & illustrations. Both evoke feelings of calmness & kindness. I love that the message of caring for the earth is done in a kid-friendly way.

#16: Apraximations – Mouth Cues by Alissa Holloway, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apraximations-mouth-cues/id1310186235?mt=8, $14.99. This is the long awaited full version of this app. It just came out but I’ve already found it helpful with several patients.

#17: LudiTab Spatial Recognition by SEJER, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/luditab-spatial-recognition/id1275104117?mt=8, FREE. One in a series of eight new free apps that are well designed and have lots of great opportunities for targeting vocabulary, spatial concepts, sizes, colors, shapes, identifying sounds, following directions, etc. See this post: http://bit.ly/2CuTgD9.
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Honorable Mentions: Seventeen more apps released in 2017 that I loved using in OMazing Kids speech therapy (listed in alphabetical order):

* Alphabet Essentials – ABC App by Nabeel Ahmed Khan, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alphabet-essentials-abc-app/id1227619439?mt=8
* AR Talking Cards 4D by Nabeel Ahmed Khan, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ar-talking-cards-4d/id1287378112?mt=8
* Articulation Cards by Innovative Investments Limited, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/articulation-cards/id1242446215?mt=8
* Balloon Pop for Toddlers and Kids by Ozgur Erdem Cinar, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/balloon-pop-for-toddlers-and-kids/id1232794567?mt=8
* Big Break: The Acting Game by Emote Play Apps Inc., https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/big-break-the-acting-game/id987251778?mt=8
* Daniel Tiger for Parents by PBS KIDS, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/daniel-tiger-for-parents/id1185651115?mt=8
* First Words Checklist: Teacher Edition by Cognitive ToyBox, Inc., https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-words-checklist-teacher-edition/id1142675436?mt=8
* Five Big Dinosaurs by Inclusive Technology Ltd, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/five-big-dinosaurs/id1116604087?mt=8
* Good Night, Little Foresters by Fox and Sheep GmbH, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/good-night-little-foresters/id1300717402?mt=8
* Kuca Senses by Kuca Boom, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kuca-senses/id1258342667?mt=8
* Max & Meredith: The Search for Percival by Move On Pluto LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/max-meredith-the-search-for-percival/id1135323982?mt=8
* Mighty AAC by DANIEL M DUARTE JR, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mighty-aac/id1210591921?mt=8
* Outloud Citymals by Outloud, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/outloud-citymals/id1202245004?mt=8
* Reading Train – My First Books by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-my-first-books/id1201673979?mt=8
* Sago Mini Friends – Go on a playdate! by Sago Mini, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sago-mini-friends-go-on-a-playdate/id1245748156?mt=8
* Sweet Home Stories (Full) by PlayToddlers, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sweet-home-stories-full/id1201347351?mt=8
* Toontastic 3D by Google, Inc., https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toontastic-3d/id1145104532?mt=8

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{30 Free Kids Game Apps}

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{30 Free Kids Game Apps}

Here are 30 free kids game apps that have enough content to be helpful in therapy sessions. A few have in-app purchases or ads so be sure to have proper safeguards in your iPad settings. Some are older apps and may not work with iOS 11. Some may not always be free so be sure to double check prices before downloading.

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Looking for more great apps to use in therapy? Check out this blog post of apps for SLPs listed by goal areas: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2016/12/31/the-ipad-the-slp-in-2017-app-list-for-slps-sorted-by-goal-area/

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Be sure to “like” and follow my Facebook page where I post everyday about good apps that are either free, on sale for a great deal or new that day.
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{New App} Looking for an easy way to make choice boards? Check out the brand new Make A Choice AAC app by pkclSoft

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{New App} Looking for an easy way to make choice boards? Check out the brand new Make A Choice AAC app by pkclSoft

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The app was developed to meet a need expressed by a parent of a child with special needs to be able to quickly create choice boards on the go. I enjoyed helping with beta testing and used it today to quickly prep for a cookie decorating activity we have on Monday. Unique features include the “Pick a Choice Board” area where you can tap on a pic to open that board, the ability to copy/paste pics into the app and the ability to reuse buttons in new boards. I like that it has a plain black background and that there is a lot of space between the buttons. Busy SLPs and parents will appreciate the value of this inexpensive and user friendly app. It would make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas 🎄
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Purchase it on the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/make-a-choice-aac-buttons/id1295966224?mt=8, $4.99 in the USA App Store (prices vary elsewhere based on the exchange rate)
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See examples and “how to” videos on their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/AppMakeAChoice
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{Book Review} Hoot and Peep: A Song for Snow by Lita Judge

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I’m a huge fan of Lita’s books so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this new one. Here’s what I LOVE about it:
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  • Gorgeous rich illustrations in deep calming colors.
  • Great message of being patient, waiting and enjoying silence.
  • Large easy to read text on each 2-page spread. I love that some pages have minimal text so the focus can be on the details in the illustrations.
  • Peep’s sounds are fun for kids to attempt to imitate (ploppety splop, swish swoooooo, scrrinkle scrattle, schweepity peep, chickity choot, hoooo, scwheeee, thwump, etc….).
  • As an added bonus, there are a few opportunities for kids yoga activities based on the illustrations and text: owl, rooftop partners, star, crescent moon, blowing wind breath, tree, squirrel, bird, mouse, snowflake, self hug, etc.

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See a few pages from the book: https://www.litajudge.net/a-song-for-snow-inside-the-book/

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Available for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Song-Snow-Hoot-Peep/dp/1101994517/

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Free printable coloring pages: 

Click to access ASongForSnow_ColoringPagespdf-1.pdf

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Free printable story props that I made to go with the book:

 

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Another fun snowy owl coloring page: https://www.redtedart.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Owl_Single_A4.compressed.pdf

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See my review for the first book in the series at: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2016/04/10/omazing-kids-book-review-hoot-and-peep-by-lita-judge/

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{Book Review} Yoga for Speech-Language Development by Susan Longtin and Jessica Fitzpatrick

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Description:

Combining years of experience as certified speech-language pathologists and as qualified yoga teachers, the authors of this pioneering book explain how yoga can be used to aid speech-language development in children up to age 12.

The book includes a range of yoga-based exercises for improving pre-linguistic communication, vocabulary development and motor planning for speech. The text is enriched by illustrations of children in each yoga pose, so no prior experience of yoga is necessary to help children carry out each activity. The book also provides information on using this approach with children with neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities, including ADHD and autism.

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Table of Contents:

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Product details:

  • Paperback: 176 pages
  • Publisher: Singing Dragon (March 21, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1848192584
  • ISBN-13: 978-1848192584
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 9 inches

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Available for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Speech-Language-Development-Susan-Longtin/dp/1848192584

Publisher: https://www.jkp.com/usa/yoga-for-speech-language-development-34846.html

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A sneak peek inside the book:

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What I liked about this book:

  • Includes info about the benefits of the six categories of yoga poses
  • Includes references to research regarding the benefits of yoga for children
  • Descriptions of what yoga classes might look like for various age groups and special needs
  • Illustrations and descriptions for some kids yoga poses, breathing and activities
  • How yoga can be used for different areas commonly addressed by speech-language pathologists (prelinguistic communication: eye gaze, reciprocity, gestures; breath support; following directions; syllable structures; vocabulary; verbs; spatial concepts; symbolic play; use of themes; early literacy; etc.)
  • Lists of yoga resources (excited to see OMazing Kids mentioned twice in the book 🙂 )

This book does a very nice job of explaining the “why” behind incorporating kids yoga into your work as a SLP with a little of the “how to” sprinkled in. The authors do a nice job of sharing resources to get more info about the “how to do” kids yoga. The only info I felt was missing from this book was  contraindications for specific yoga poses or yoga breathing or at least mention that there are some. It is very important for therapists to be aware of any medical conditions that a child may have and what poses or yoga breathing you should avoid related to those conditions. Unfortunately this info is often not published due to the risk of being sued. Of course no list could ever cover every condition that your patients might have. I learned about contraindications in two different courses and through researching it online. I have created a list based on that but it’s not published on my blog for these same liability concerns. But I am glad to share it with any SLP who contacts me. The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging on my OMazing Kids page (see link below)

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Want more info about the therapeutic uses of kids yoga?

I have handouts posted from three presentations that I have done: https://omazingkidsllc.com/category/handouts/

See more about how I incorporate yoga into my work as a SLP: https://omazingkidsllc.com/how-do-i-incorporate-kids-yoga-into-therapy/

Other resources on my blog:

https://omazingkidsllc.com/books-dvds-cds-specifically-designed-for-kids-yoga-or-mindfulness/

https://omazingkidsllc.com/yoga-props-toys/

https://omazingkidsllc.com/music/

https://omazingkidsllc.com/2012/07/07/222-books-for-kids-yoga-a-resource-list-from-omazing-kids-yoga-updated-7-7-12/

https://omazingkidsllc.com/research-roundup/

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

Top Tips for Picking a Tablet and Case for SLPs

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Top Tips for Picking a Tablet and Case for SLPs

  •  Invest in an iPad with the most memory that you can afford.
  • Most therapy and AAC apps are large and you cannot add memory to an iPad later.
  • Apple has a history of dropping support for older devices. So it is best to get a model that is no more than one year old.
  • Don’t get an Android tablet. There are very few good therapeutic or AAC apps for Android tablets and the few that do exist are not updated as often as the iOS version of that app.
  • My most recent purchase was a 2016 iPad Pro 9.7″ with 256GB memory.
  • I specifically wanted a Pro for the four speakers for AAC and playing music in a group. I went with the 9.7” size since it fit in a Gripcase with handles on all sides.
  • If you don’t need the extra speakers, then I recommend the 2017 iPad with 128GB memory.
  • Steer clear of the iPad Air 2 (history of glitchiness)

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Be sure to also invest in a good protective case for your new iPad. My personal favorite case is the Gripcase (original style with a handle on all sides). It’s what I have on my new iPad Pro 9.7″ (just needed a little modification with an Exacto knife to carve out two extra speaker openings and a larger opening for the rear facing camera), two iPad Air 1s and an iPad Mini 2. They are lightweight, easy to grab and go and are protective. I’ve had my oldest iPads in those cases for 5 years and have never had an iPad damaged with heavy use all day every day in therapy. I also love the Gripbase stand. Unfortunately they don’t offer their case for all of the various sizes and models of iPads. If you can’t get a Gripcase, then look at a Big Grips Lift case. If neither of those are available, then look on Amazon for a similar style of case but pay close attention to reviews to see the track record for that case being protective.

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Note: My recommendations for specific iPad models and cases may change in the future based on the best available options at that point in time. Feel free to send me a message on my OMazing Kids Facebook Page if you have questions 😃

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids:  http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{App Review} Reading Train series of apps – great for early literacy and targeting core vocabulary for AAC

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Looking for high quality apps specifically designed for early readers? To go with classroom themes? Or to target core vocabulary for kids using AAC? Then check out the well designed series of apps by Libby Curran, an award winning teacher, at The Reading Train. Of course these apps will need to be on a separate device than the one being used for AAC.

Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead Books, Songs, Games by The Learning Station, LLC
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-full-steam-ahead-books-songs-games/id962171685?mt=8, $19.99

• over 200 books organized into 10 categories (story park, colors, shapes, numbers, animals, animal groups, creature features (body parts), life science, physical science & earth and space). The inclusion of science STEAM topics in early readers will be particularly helpful for those of us looking for age respectful resources to use with older patients/students who are still at an early reader level.
• Levels A, B & C. It’s great to have these levels within early readers so you can start off very easy and work up in small steps.
• listen, read and record modes
• tap and hold to have a word highlighted and read to you
• built in picture word dictionary with over 450 words. This area can be sorted alphabetically or by categories/subcategories. I’ve used this dictionary area to help teach kids vocabulary and simple definitions.
• 20 songs
• set up unlimited number of users
• fun train game at the end of each book
• high quality voiceovers and music
• nice graphics and large font against a plain white background
• can easily toggle off the intro song on the home screen
• intuitive app interface
• secured parent/teacher area

Just a few examples of Core Vocabulary in these books:

* Here & come: Level A – Colors – The Gray Book, Blue Vehicle Book

* Is: Level A – Colors – The White Book, The Red Book

* See: Level A – Colors – The Green Book, The Yellow Book

* Look: Level A – Colors – The Black Book, The Orange Animal Book

* Like: Level A – Colors – The Pink Book, The Purple Book

* Am: Level A – Colors – The Brown Book

(Free lite version to try before you buy: Reading Train Starter Books, Songs & Quizzes by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-starter-books-songs-quizzes/id702227884?mt=8)

They also offer an app specifically geared towards the earliest readers: Reading Train – My First Books, Songs & Games by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-my-first-books-songs-games/id1201673979?mt=8, $19.99

It is similar to their first app but has over 140 books. Most are also found in the first app but there are 4 categories unique to this app: ABC, animal homes, story town & story land.

Their third app has 72 books with a sole focus on the alphabet themed books. Alphabet Park is the same as the ABC section in the Reading Train – My First Books app. But this app also offers level 2 (Alphabet Town) and level 3 (Alphabet Land) sections that are unique to this app. It also contains a picture word dictionary and the section of 20 songs. Reading Train: Alphabet Books, Songs & Games by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-alphabet-books-songs-games/id903741015?mt=8, $3.99

(Free lite version to try before you buy: Reading Train Free Alphabet Books, Songs & Games by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-free-alphabet-books-songs-games/id957316999?mt=8)

They also offer a Christmas themed app: Reading Train Christmas Books, Songs & Games by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-christmas-books-songs-games/id1056021768?mt=8, $1.99

See the app developer’s website for more info about the apps and how to use them: http://www.readingtrain.org

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Wishes for future updates for all of the apps in this series:
• add the ability to adjust the length of time a user has to tap and hold to have a word highlighted and read aloud.
• add the option for auto page turning when a book is in “listen” mode

The FAQ section on their website indicates that they have plans for this. These features would make the app more special needs friendly.

It would also be nice to have a couple of songs added that would be more interesting to older users who are still functioning at an early reader level.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readingbuds
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Note: Prices are from the USA App Store at the time this review was posted. App prices can vary greatly over time. You can search for the pricing history on any app on the AppShopper website. Prices will vary outside of the USA based on the exchange rate. This post does not contain affiliate links and I do not get paid to post reviews about apps.
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/174264525957894
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

10 Autism Faves: nine toys & a “must have” book

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{10 Autism Faves} Here are ten items that have been consistent faves with my patients with Autism:

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Oh and of course you have to have bubbles! See this post for my favorite bubble wands & symbols for them: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2017/07/05/free-printable-free-printable-symbols-for-colored-bubble-wands-great-deal-on-bubble-wands-on-clearance-1-00-per-pack-of-6/

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/174264525957894
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.