Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP. Over 36 years experience in AAC. OMazing Kids AAC and app consulting. Creator of several AAC Feature Matching resources (https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links/). Includes info about unique features to support Gestalt Language Processors
Have you encountered resistance to AAC use due to someone thinking that all “screen time” is bad?
Or they want to limit AAC options to only low-tech or no-tech out of a misguided fear that AAC use would expose them to “screen time” that could inhibit their development?
This free handout will help you dispel those myths with easy to understand info about the differences between active and passive screen time, key discussion points and links to where you can find more info from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association & the US Department of Education.
Have questions?The best way to reach me with any questions is via messaging on the OMazing Kids Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/. That way messages don’t get lost among the spam in my e-mail.
If you are looking for a pretty crossbody bag that can fit an iPad while it is in its protective case in Landscape orientation + has extra pockets to carry things like a phone, keys, etc…, then take a look at this bag from Canvaslove.
That’s my iPad (8th gen) in a Pepkoo case. There’s plenty of room for it in the main padded area with a zipper closure. There is a large slip pocket on the front, a full length zipper pocket on the back and another large slip pocket on the back.
If you have good sewing and MacGyver-ing abilities, it looks like it might be possible to cut an opening to create a spot in the front to have the iPad screen accessible for modeling.
See this screenshot from a comment that I received in a group on Facebook with some suggestions. I’ll add more ideas as I receive them…
There are several different prints to choose from 😊
I’d love to hear if anyone tries modifying it to put the iPad in the front to wear for modeling.
I worked with several teenage girls who cared very much about AAC looking cute and feminine. When I had them look online and show me what that meant to them, most gravitated towards patterns from Vera Bradley or Lilly Pulitzer. Which many teens and women love. They wanted to fit in with their peers. Most bags and carrying straps from AAC companies didn’t fit what they wanted. See this post on my blog for another example: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2014/10/06/cute-trendy-aac-think-like-macgyver
Have questions? The best way to reach me with any questions is via messaging on the OMazing Kids Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/. That way messages don’t get lost among the spam in my e-mail.
Personal Professional Facebook Page (linked to OMazing Kids): https://www.facebook.com/angela.moorad (adding “friends” who have a direct role in AAC or Assistive Technology – AAC / AT app or product developers, AAC / AT consultants, SLPs who specialize in AAC, other professionals who specialize in AAC or AT, etc.)
* Nice thick foam with a similar “feel” as my GripCase, deep recessed openings and comfortable shape on the back (easy to hold)
* Good quality plastic case edging around the front of the iPad that does NOT have a built in plastic screen protector. If needed, you could add a Zagg (or other high quality) tempered glass screen protector to your iPad before putting it in the case.
* Built-in stand that can rotate 360 degrees so it can accommodate AAC apps in Portrait and Landscape orientation. The stand lays flush when pushed in so the case doesn’t wobble when it’s used flat on the table / desk.
* Comes in four color combos:
– Green Blue (as seen in this video)
– Blue Mint
– Pink Purple
– Gray Black
* Affordable ($19.99 – $20.99 varies based on the color, prices may vary outside the USA and prices tend to vary over time on Amazon)
Update: I just checked again on Amazon and it now shows that this case also fits the iPad 9th gen model
Update 10/29/24: The Pepkoo case is now available under a different seller’s store on Amazon. Not sure why. Here’s the link:
NLR FUN Pepkoo Kids EVA Case for iPad | Multi-Direction Stable Stand | Compatible with 10.2-Inch iPad 2021/2020/2019 (9th/8th/7th Generation) (Green+Blue) https://a.co/d/0MFeq6i
Update 10/29/24: When I messaged the maker of the Pepkoo case on Amazon a few months ago they indicated they were not going to offer a version for the iPad 10th generation. Well it turns out that wasn’t entirely true. There IS one available for that model but it’s under a different company name: NLR Fun. Here’s the link. I just ordered one for my new iPad 10th gen. I’ll add more details about it after it arrives.
NLR Fun Pepkoo Kids Case for iPad, Shockproof Cover for 10.9” iPad 10th Generation (2022), Lightweight Full Body Protective Case with Foldable Handle/Stand (Blue+Green): https://a.co/d/9KEe4YS (also available in Green-Blue, Grey-Black, Mint-Orange, and Pink-Blue. Price: $20.99 (prices and availability may vary outside of the USA)
I was excited that this case has the same design and feel as the one that I got back in 2021. The same nice thick foam and great rotating ring stand. The only flaw is there’s no way to use fingerprint recognition to unlock the iPad or other purposes. The sensor requires your whole finger to lay flat on it.
The opening is too deep to allow use of the fingerprint sensorThe forward facing camera is at the top when in Landscape orientation to support use of the integrated eye tracking in iPadOS 18High contrast version of the Voco Chat grid set in Grid for iPad The Default scrolling board in Weave Chat AACThe Morgan Board in Weave Chat AAC
Updated 2/21/25: Great news! NLR Fun finally released a Pepkoo case specifically for the iPad Air 11” (M2) 2024. I bought it on Amazon and am glad that I did. It fits perfectly and allows the fingerprint ID button to work since it’s not as thick as the case that I had hacked.
Unfortunately they never offered a Pepkoo case for the iPad Mini 6 or iPad Mini 7. This case looks similar so it might be worth trying: Kids Case for iPad Mini 7 (A17 Pro) 2024 / Mini 6th Gen 2021 8.3 inch: https://a.co/d/atY5UeP (I have not personally tried this case since I don’t own an iPad Mini 6 or iPad Mini 7… just sharing it as a a similar style of case)
Update 1/27/24: See this post by a parent describing how the Pepkoo + a tempered glass screen protector protected her son’s iPad AAC device during a fall down 5 flights of stairs:
The only thing missing is a carrying strap but I’ve seen Christine Baudin, SLP share a hack about drilling holes in the top edge of thick foam cases to add a strap.
She has a video that shows how she drilled holes into the top to attach a strap.
Updated 2/4/24: Christine shared pics of the same hack working to drill holes to add a carrying strap to the Pepkoo case
Updated 7/15/22: If you need a case with a carrying strap see the other case that Pepkoo now offers ⬇️. (Note: The foam isn’t as thick though so I prefer the original Pepkoo case. You could use Christine’s hack to add a strap if you need one)
Update 7/15/22: I just saw a new version of the Pepkoo case that includes a carrying strap: PEPKOO Triple Shockproof Case for iPad 9th/8th/7th Generation 10.2 inch 2021/2020/2019, Air 3rd Generation 10.5 inch, Heavy Duty Cover with Pencil Holder, Handle Kickstand, Shoulder Strap, Navy Blue https://a.co/3ka4bIC (comes in lots of different colors)
Rug-Ed Buddy 10 case
Updated 10/22/22: Looking for a similar style case that can be purchased on a website that accepts Purchase Orders? Rug-Ed offers a Buddy 10 case. I won one in a giveaway and chose the Blue Mint color. It’s a beautiful color combo that those who want a more muted look will appreciate. I have my new iPad 9th gen in this case but it will also fit an iPad 8th gen and iPad 7th gen.
The Buddy 10 case is similar to a Pepkoo case but more muted colors, a little slimmer, has a spot to hold an Apple Pencil and the attached rotating stand doesn’t lay quite as flush as the one on the Pepkoo (so it may wobble a little if laid flat).
Rug-Ed offers 3 different styles of cases with an attached rotating stand:
Also available on Amazon: Rug-Ed Buddy iPad Case + 2 Tempered Glass Screen Protectors, Foam iPad Case for Kids, 360 Rotating Carrying Handle & Stand, Rugged Drop Protection, for Apple iPad 7th, 8th, 9th Generation, Blue Mint https://a.co/h4tdqKi
Updated 1/20/23: Looking for a cute crossbody bag that can hold the Pepkoo 10.2”, the Rug-Ed Buddy 10 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite in a similar style of case? The Vera Bradley Tablet Hipster is a great option. See my video. After I finished the video I discovered that my Google Pixelbook Go 13.3″ Chromebook will even fit in it.
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6/16/25: Excited to add another vintage Vera Bradley “Tablet Hipster” to my collection. It can hold my Pixelbook Go 13.3″ Chromebook OR my Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 2024 in a Riaour case OR my iPad Air 11″ (M2) 2024 in a Pepkoo case.
Amazon Fire HD 8
Update 7/15/22: I bought an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet during the recent Prime Days Sale and was thrilled to discover that a Pepkoo case was available for it. It doesn’t have the plastic edging around the screen which might make it easier for those needing to attach a keyguard for AAC use. PEPKOO Kids Case for Fire HD 8/HD 8 Plus Tablet, 10th Generation 2020 Release, https://a.co/j8fWelE
BORXJNM All-New Fire HD 10 Tablet Case for Kids(2023/2021 Release, 13th/11th Generation),Light Weight Shock Proof Handle Friendly 360 Rotating Grip Stand Kid-Proof Case (Blue) https://a.co/d/7BLeJNM
SamsungGalaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4”
Update 7/19/22: I finally found a good case with a rotating stand for my Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4” Android tablet. It’s very similar to the Pepkoo: https://www.ebay.com/itm/374088538546.
Update 8/9/22: Sadly that case is out of stock. I contacted the seller on eBay and they won’t be getting any more. It’s difficult to find cases with this type of rotating stand for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4” Android tablet. I found this one but haven’t seen it in person: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114920453285 & https://www.ebay.com/itm/402978358313
Update 9/21/22: Here is the case that I purchased for my Android Samsung Galaxy A03s phone. I like the small rotating ring stand and sliding cover to protect the camera lenses: https://a.co/d/aWUB0F7
Microsoft Surface Go 2
Updated 8/17/23: It took quite awhile to find a case that I liked with a rotating stand for my Microsoft Surface Go 2. I bought it on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gMKBP4W. See my video for details:
Note: It’s important to consider what features are needed in a case based on that individual’s needs. I am not making recommendations for individual patients and am not liable for purchasing decisions. Just sharing info that may be helpful as you are looking for cases.
The best way to reach me with any questions is via messaging on the OMazing Kids Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/. That way AAC related messages don’t get lost among the spam in my e-mail
Open the PDF in the free Xodo app on your computer, use the fabulous search feature to quickly find the info you need, copy text that you need regarding specific features and then paste that into a report. I’ve received several positive comments this week about how helpful it is to have so much info all in one document.
Of course you may need to add to or tweak the info to fit the requirements needed by a particular funding source or particular options being used in the AAC apps.
But all of the app developers reviewed the content in my chart several times so I’m confident that it’s accurate 😊
Be watching for the next update for the chart later this month.
Download links for the free Xodo app can be found on their website: https://www.xodo.com
The best way to reach me with any questions is via messaging on the OMazing Kids Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/. That way AAC related messages don’t get lost among the spam in my e-mail
Personal Professional Facebook Page (linked to OMazing Kids): https://www.facebook.com/angela.moorad (adding“friends” who have a direct role in AAC or Assistive Technology – AAC / AT app or product developers, AAC / AT consultants, SLPs who specialize in AAC, other professionals who specialize in AAC or AT, etc.)
Here’s the next section that’s finished in my new list of apps for SLPs list by goal areas. Like all of my app lists… this is a curated list of apps that I have personally used. I’m going ahead and sharing it now since 2020 has been especially uncertain and stressful.
– These apps are intended to be used as tools alongside other off-device strategies. Feel free to look through the archives here on my blog and the albums on my OMazing Kids Facebook page. I have shared lots of ideas over the years 😊.
– It is important to be mindful of individual needs, sensory issues and history of previous trauma when choosing any tool and to collaborate with other professionals on that child’s team.
– Availability and links were all checked at the time this post was written (6:45pm CST, 8/28/20; updated 11:00am CST 9/18/23)
– Availability may vary outside of the USA. You can check iOS requirements for each app in the descriptions in the App Store. Some older apps may not work on newer devices and newer apps may not work on older devices.
– This post includes a mix of free & paid apps.
– I worked with kids, teens and young adults ages birth to 21 years so I have a wide range of apps on this list. Please choose apps that will fit the age and needs of the patients / students you serve.
– If you have an Android device, the easiest way to see if one of these is available on that platform is to copy the name from this list and do a search on the Google Play app store.
Wellbeyond Meditation for Kids by Wellbeyond Inc., https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wellbeyond-meditation-for-kids/id1082891966. Very nicely done! Great hand painted illustrations, short guided relaxations with pleasant voiceovers & gentle music. It is worth its weight in gold! I used it with several patients who had limited means of self regulating and they immediately calmed down and stopped self-injurious behaviors.
There will be a separate section on the big blog post for Social Skills & Emotions.
Want to suggest an iOS app to be added to this post? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page.
If it’s a free app, please send the link from the USA App Store so I can download and try it out. If it’s a paid app and you are the app developer, please send the link from the USA App Store so I can look at the info before you send a promo code. I want to make sure that one of my iPads or iPhone is compatible in order to try it out.
Please do not copy/paste this list onto other blogs or documents. I have it available here on my blog and plan on keeping my blog up for the foreseeable future.
{Teaching Prepositions & Spatial Concepts} Most of the kids on my caseload have Autism or other special needs that tend to make understanding spatial concepts and using prepositions very challenging. I use a combination of visual supports, real objects, movement, AAC and apps when tackling these goals.
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I uploaded a template to the Attainment Company, Inc.‘s GoTalk Now AAC Online Gallery for “Prepositions & Spatial Concepts for the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Puppy’s Activity Home”. Includes front, back, side, in front, behind, beside, through, in & out. Search for “puppy” in the public gallery from within the app to find it.
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I made a set of 30 two-sided printable activity cards for the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Puppy’s Activity Home inspired by ones in the Positional Words Resource Box by Lakeshore Learning and the Hello Sunshine Game by Think Fun (both are fabulous visual ways to teach kids about prepositions & spatial concepts). The cards are color coded (10 brown for the puppy, 10 purple for the monkey, 5 orange for the car & 5 green for the frog) and the preposition is in that same color to make it stand out from the rest of the text.
I am continuing to share FREE printable resources like this on my blog in the hopes that I inspire other speechies to do the same. There are tons of SLP blogs now but most are primarily geared towards selling their TPT products.
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A peek at the apps currently in the “prepositions” folder on my iPad.
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I love the Hello Sunshine game. Unfortunately it appears that it is no longer readily available …. definitely worth adding to your list of things to look for at garage sales or thrift shops.
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The Positional Words Resource Box is a “must have” for any SLP working with kids. It briefly went off the market so I grabbed mine as soon as I saw it was back.
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 25 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is a kids book reviewer with a focus on great picture books, a kids toy / product reviewer with a focus on those that are helpful for kids with special needs & an app beta tester for educational and therapeutic app developers. She loves sharing info about great things to use with kids of all abilities.
I attended a fabulous “Therapeutic use of the iPad” training sponsored by the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahomaon Saturday. Stefanie Barker-Olsonfrom Little Light House & Camber Moulton from Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center inspired me to look for more ways to target Core Vocabulary while using apps in therapy. During a break, I found this fun Baking Fun app from Kujifunthat had just been reduced from $1.99 -> FREE. What else does a SLP tech geek do on the weekend…. play with the app, come up with the following vocabulary to target: big, close, done, empty, full, go, help, hot, in, little, more, my, on, open, out, stir, stop, turn, your and create a “list of words to teach” in the PRCWords For Life #AAC #App. Can’t wait to use this with several kids in OMazing Kidsspeech therapy at the J.D. McCarty Center this week!
Family Yoga Community Class! Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 4 PM – 5 PM
Open to all kids ages 3-9 with a parent or caregiver.
Come for an exciting hour of yoga poses, games and adventures.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Yoga has never been this much fun!
$10 suggested donation per family. Must pre-register (see flier for details)
3 – DAY “YOGA FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES” TEACHER TRAINING
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA JANUARY 27 – 29, 2012
Location: Namaste Yoga OKC 10320 S. Penn. Ave., Ste. 203 OKC, OK 73159
Date & Time: January 27 – 29 from 9 AM to 6 PM daily
The 3-day Rainbow Kids Yoga Teacher Training is a comprehensive, intensive and practical certification course.
Be prepared to practice and learn to teach yoga while laughing, dancing, playing and singing!
The Rainbow Kids Yoga Teacher Training is well rounded and intensive, with practical theory, discussions and TONS OF FUN! Most importantly, you will come out with immediate tangible knowledge and tons of fabulous ideas to create original, captivating and fun yoga experiences for kids of all ages, anywhere in the world.
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 