Important things to be aware of
You will need an Tablet or Smart Phone (iPad, iPhone, Android Tablet etc.).
- Smart apps for kids with special needs: Offers a range of apps for different platforms specific to children with special needs. Apps for Special Education available at: App Store for ipad, iPod Touch and iPhone. This is an Australian website which contains a comprehensive list of reviews of apps for children with speech, language, communication and /or learning difficulties.
- Inclusive Technology: Apps created by Inclusive Technology specifically for children. Designed to meet a range of Special Educational Needs including switch access for those with physical disabilities. Cause and effect apps, song apps.
- Appcessible: Find apps for your device
- Dexteria: Fine Motor Skill Development By BinaryLabs, Inc. Available at: App Store for iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone. An app designed by Occupational Therapists to support fine motor development.
- Letter schools: Available at: App Store for iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone. An intuitive app game to learn about letters numbers: writing, counting, phonics and more.
- ABC Handwriting: ABC Handwriting developed by DIVMOBVN Available at: Apple Store. A trace over handwriting app to aid letter development
- 123s ABC Handwriting Fun: 123s ABC Handwriting Fun Developed by Teachersparadise.com Available at: Android Play Store. A trace over handwriting app to aid letter development
- Wet-Dry-Try: Available at: App Store for iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone and on Android Play. The wet dry try technique was developed by an Occupational Therapist. This app allows the technique to be used on touch screen devices.
- The apps in this document are just a sample of those currently available. New apps are being created every day and it is good practice to research the web regularly for apps that could support your child.
- Apps listed are suggestions. We do not claim to have used all the apps and we cannot state whether they will be appropriate and effective for your child. This list is a useful starting point.
- Try the app yourself first. Find out what it can do (or ask a child to do this while you watch). Confirm that it is suitable for your child.
- Some of the apps are American, and feature American accents.
- Free / cheaper apps are more likely to have adverts flashing up. Often when you press this, an internet page opens where items can be purchased. Ask yourself whether your child could be at risk of purchasing things on your iPad?
- For some of these apps – a paper version can be easily created. You do not have to download apps / buy an iPad to support a child’s communication. This is simply one possible option.
- To support your child’s development they may need to use these apps with another person.
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