Archive for the ‘app’ Category

11 Nov

Free Inclusive Gift Exchange Activity Printable & App

Posted by OMazing Kids in adapted play, app, free, Games, Inclusion, printables. Tagged: , , , , .

Here is a fun gift exchange idea that I simplified and adapted to make it inclusive for those who need symbols as a visual support and an adapted way to roll dice.

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I made this visual support using the iESLp app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ieslp/id912953895, iPad only, iOS 8.3 or later) and have uploaded it as a free printable (1 page PDF) here on my blog: https://omazingkidsyoga.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/gift-roll-free-printable-from-omazing-kids.pdf.

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Use my favorite FREE dice rolling app to avoid having dice flying all over the room and to allow almost anyone to participate: Just Dice by Code Redman Ltd, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/just-dice/id470876937, iOS Universal, iOS 9.0 or later, no ads, no in-app purchases, can select color of background, color of dice, how many dice, tap anywhere on the screen to roll, etc…). This app is seriously awesome and is always free 😃. If you don’t have an iPhone or iPad to use this app, another idea is to use a large foam die from Dollar Tree that’s large enough for kids to hit at with their hand to roll.

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If you own the GoTalk Now app or GoTalk Now Plus app, then head to their free Online Gallery to get a copy of a page I created with hot spots where users can tap to have the item spoken. Each die number and each instruction is a separate hot spot. Instructions for how to find and use the GoTalk Now Online Gallery can be found within the app by going to the home screen and tapping “Help” -> “Users Guide” -> pages 22-24. (Note: Unfortunately the Online Gallery can’t be accessed within the free LITE or Start versions of the GoTalk app)

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC
Retired Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist with 28 years experience 
. still posting occasionally about apps & AAC stuff.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

12 Jun

App Review: Thinkrolls Space by Avokiddo

Posted by OMazing Kids in app, product review. Tagged: , , , .

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App Review: Thinkrolls Space by Avokiddo

Avokiddo has just released Thinkrolls Space, a new app in their “Thinkrolls” collection, and it’s awesome! Highly recommended 😊
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I previously used Thinkrolls apps extensively in my work as a SLP to work on problem solving, sequencing, logic, etc… and like to play the games myself as well. This newest one has a fun space theme, extra characters that can be unlocked by collecting stars and hearts along the journey (adding another opportunity to strategize the best route to collect the most), has an “easy” level with 110 puzzle paths on 7 planets and a “hard” level with 108 puzzle paths on 7 planets, high quality graphics and sound effects and is a blast to play.
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Navigate through seven unique-themed planets, each focusing on a different set of skills and puzzle elements. Throughout, you’re encouraged to experiment. You’ll learn through trial and error to combine elements, as well as how to build on successive lessons to strengthen creative thinking, logic, problem solving, spatial cognition, and memory. Look for the key and exit gate. Try to visualize your route. Use and combine objects to clear a path, get the key, and move to the exit. Trapped? No problem. Just tap the reset button at the top right of the screen and try again. The app offers unlimited, penalty-free retries, and no time limits. This along with the option to toggle off the background music contribute to it being special needs friendly.
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Since the puzzles are designed to be solved in order, levels are greyed out at the beginning and become available as you go along. To facilitate the app review process, the app developer provided me with a code to unlock all levels. This way I could visit any planet without having to complete all previous levels. Based on my experience working with numerous kids with special needs who became very frustrated when they couldn’t finish a game it would be nice if the app developer could add this “unlock all levels” in the settings area in a future update.
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Progress is saved automatically so you can pick up where you’ve left off. Puzzles become increasingly harder combining skills learned earlier in the game.
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The easy level is recommended for younger kids (5+). As I tested the app I found the “easy” level of Thinkrolls Space to be a bit harder than the “easy” levels in the Thinkrolls 1 & Thinkrolls 2 apps with Planet 7 in the “easy” level requiring the most thinking ahead several steps to formulate a plan. The hard level is more challenging (targeted for older kids (8+) and even adults). This new app is definitely easier than the Thinkrolls Kings and Queens app but there were several puzzles in the “hard” level that I found to be very challenging and a few that I ended up skipping after several attempts. But I may come back and solve those later 😊
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The app allows you to create up to six separate player profiles, which is useful if multiple users share the same device. The selected difficulty mode is player-specific and can be changed at any time. Progress, collected hearts and stars, as well as won characters are also player-specific.
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The elements: In Thinkrolls Space, you’ll meet goo monsters, bleeping robots, spring-like soprano aliens, and cheese monsters who love munching moon cheese. You’ll face vanishing rainbow bridges, plasma fields, teleporters, and more. Each of these can help or hinder.
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Helpful info and tips on how to play can be found in a “for parents” section that is secured behind a parental gate in the top left corner of the home screen.
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There are no third-party ads or in-app purchases in this app. But there is a link to other apps by this developer in the bottom left corner of the home screen. It would be nice if that area could be toggled off and/or add a much more difficult parental gate since it contains links to purchasing other apps. The current parental gate could be easily hacked by older children who can read. In the meantime I will secure this area with Guided Access. Of course it is always wise to have a strong password set for purchasing apps and to toggle off app purchasing in the settings area on any iPad that a child is using.

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I highly recommend this new app and hope the developer continues to release more Thinkrolls in the future.

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App Store info:
iOS 8.0 or later
Universal app that works on an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thinkrolls-space/id1458751834
$3.99 – prices will vary outside of the USA based on the exchange rate
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Developer’s website: https://avokiddo.com/thinkrolls-space/

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Retired Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist with 28 years experience …. still figuring out what I want to “do” in this next phase of life. 😎
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC

24 Jan

{New App Review} Sticker Picture Articulation by Erik X. Raj

Posted by OMazing Kids in app. Tagged: , .

{New App Review} My patients LOVE the newest app from Erik X. Raj! I love how you can move, rotate, resize and layer the articulation stickers and then save your creation to the Camera Roll to send home for practice. The app can be used with either the forward facing or rear camera. Kids love seeing themselves in the picture. 😂

Sticker Picture Articulation by Erik X. Raj, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sticker-picture-articulation/id1330416177?mt=8, iOS Universal (works on iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch running iOS 9.0 or later), $4.99

More about the app: http://erikxraj.com/blog/create-hilarious-speech-therapy-pictures-with-sticker-picture-articulation/
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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.

7 Jan

New Articulation App: Apraximations – Mouth Cues by Alissa Holloway

Posted by OMazing Kids in app. Tagged: , , .

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New Articulation App: Apraximations – Mouth Cues by Alissa Holloway

I was thrilled to see that the full version of this app was finally released! I especially like the matching game and the free build option. It’s great to have another tool in my speechie toolkit to help kids who are at the very early stage of learning about production of speech sounds. I used the “free build” screen to show a patient side by side differences between his target sound vs. error sound. I saw him have an “ah ha” moment and get a couple of correct productions in imitation. Having the voice output paired with each visual was what helped. He kept tapping, looking and listening and then on his own imitated the target sound. He sustained attention much longer than I’ve ever gotten him to look at my mouth.

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Wishes for a future app update: It would be cool to have short video clips of each sound in addition to the pictures and then be able to select which you want to use on each activity screen.

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App Store: iPad only, iOS 10.2 or later, $14.99, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apraximations-mouth-cues/id1310186235?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.

31 Dec

Top 7 SLP Therapy App Updates in 2017

Posted by OMazing Kids in app. Tagged: , .

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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.

31 Dec

Top 10 AAC App Updates in 2017

Posted by OMazing Kids in app, Assistive Technology, Augmentative Communication. Tagged: , .

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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.

30 Dec

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

Posted by OMazing Kids in app. Tagged: , .

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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)
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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.

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