Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP. Over 33 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
Updated 7/15/22: If you need a case with a carrying strap see the other case that Pepkoo now offers ⬇️
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.
Amazon Fire HD 8
Update 7/15/22: I bought a 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
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
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).
– 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!
Looking for a beautiful book to use in your kids yoga classes? Then check out “It’s Time for Yoga”!
Product Details:
It’s Time For Yoga by Tara Rachel Jones
Illustrated by Aaron Livingston Jones
Picture book and reference manual for ages 4 yrs – adult
83 pages with over 21 illustrated poses & poem for each pose
Tips for parents and teachers
Appendix of detailed instructions for each pose
Information about the types of yoga
Paperback book size is 8.5″ x 8.5″
Price: $19.95
What I LOVE about this book:
Beautiful & colorful illustration art.
Short poem for each pose… so it’s as beautiful to read and listen to as it is to see!
Love the simplicity of each 2 page spread…. it makes it very clear what pose you will be doing.
A nice mix of simple and a few challenging poses.
Detailed instructions are provided as a reference in the back of the book….. so you have the info to refer to without it taking away from the beauty and simplicity of the book.
It includes 2 simple yoga songs with words & illustrations.
Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids Yoga FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & mention how you would be using this book with your child or the children you work with. (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account).
For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using this book with your child or the children you work with. (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save me the step of having to obtain your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail.
Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on March 23, 2012.
Rules of Participation:
Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
International entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
Employees or family members of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
No purchase required.
Comments submitted via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
Three (3) winners will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on March 24, 2012.
The winners will each get one (1) copy of the “It’s Time For Yoga” book.
The winners will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
If a winner only entered via blog post, their mailing address will be obtained via e-mail.
In the event that a winner does not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected via a random drawing.
The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the product directly to the winner.
Prize Value: retail price $19.95
Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a yoga book but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for our internal purposes in relation to the administration of the giveaway. Your information will NOT be sold to any outside parties.
Indemnification/Hold Harmless: By participating, entrants agree: (a) to the decisions of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC and its respective representatives and agents from all liability, injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize, or from participation in and/or entry into the Contest or any Contest-related activity and for acceptance, delivery, or use of any prize; (c) that the foregoing parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guaranty, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relating to any prize.
Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities in Norman, Oklahoma
In addition to the suggestions in Abby’s post, I would also highly recommend getting info about the kids and any special needs and/or health conditions they may have in advance to help you plan.
Some kids may need modifications to poses or may have contraindications for certain poses based on medical conditions, physical needs or sensory needs.
Some kids may need visual supports in order to participate in a meaningful way. For more info about visual supports and a few free printables, check out my previous posts:http://wp.me/p1t7TU-cT& http://wp.me/p1t7TU-a2
Having info about the kids you will be teaching is one of the most important things help you plan appropriate classes 🙂
Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities in Norman, Oklahoma
Author’s Facebook page: 
Want to teach inclusive yoga to kids and teens?
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 