Over at the Uncommon Sense blog, there's a great new review from Dana about one of the keyguards by LaseredPics. Their daughter Maya uses the app Speak For Yourself on an iPad with an iAdapter case, and this is the second LaseredPics keyguard she's tried.

Dana records this key guard really makes a huge positive difference to Maya's AAC use:

This keyguard was an instant game-changer. [...] With the keyguard in place, she has to reach for a word very deliberately. Accidental hits were all but instantly eliminated. As you can see in the video below, there was a bit of a learning curve as she figured out the hand-eye coordination needed to get her finger into the targeted hole, but it didn't take long at all (we've had the keyguard for 5 days now and are seeing very few misalignments).

The video's very clear and there are some great pictures of the keyguard. Dana also offers some hints and tips about what to ask for when you're ordering a key guard - #1 is make sure the "slide to open" area is open so you can turn the device on!

I frequently get emails from people who ask for an iPad, iPhone, or an iPod Touch for their family member who has a communication disorder. Having to say "no" to these worthy families really sucks and I haven't had any decent list to point them at until now. So here's a comprehensive list of groups that I know of who are currently accepting applications as of April 2011. Please read the notes at the bottom of the list, and use your common sense when contacting anybody or giving them your details.

This list is for groups specifically distributing iPads, iPhones and iPod touches for communication purposes.

Also please remember, iPads and iPhones and iTouches are great but they are not the right solution for everybody. If you are not already working with a speech pathologist (SLP) and perhaps an occupational therapist as well then the first thing you need to do is consult these people (if your child is at school then ask your special education department about this). A speech therapist can evaluate your child's abilities and needs and can often organise trials of different devices for your child. Blindly spending a lot of money on an iPad - which might not be usable or helpful to your child - is a gamble which might backfire badly, so I definitely recommend that you consult the experts on this one.

The blog Apps 4 Children With Special Needs is giving an iPad away to a family in need every time $500 is raised.
Who can apply: No information specified
Program's history: One iPad distributed (March 2011), published waiting list lists 50+ people.
Program location: Location unknown
Further information: iPads 4U

Babies with iPads is granting iPads as funds allow.
Who can apply: Applicants must be residents of western virginia, USA, with a child under 60 months old. Further details on website.
Program's history: One iPad distributed
Program location: Western Virginia, USA
Further information: Babies with iPads grant application eligibility requirements

The Conover Company is a software development company, focussing on assessment and training software for both companies and the educational area. One of their product areas is iPhone and iPad apps for special education, including life skills, literacy skills, social skills and work skills. The company has established the Conover Mobile Technology Grant to promote the use of mobile technology and Conover Company apps to improve individuals' ability to function independently in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities
Who can apply: Website specifies "Individuals, parents, caretakers, teachers, counselors, religious leaders, private organizations and public organizations." Application form implies but doesn't specify that applicants are USA-based.
Program's history: No history known
Program location: Wisconsin, USA
Further information: Conover Mobile Technology Grant

Danny’s Wish is committed to providing life enhancing resources and experiences for children and families dealing with autism and autism spectrum disorders. Their goal for this campaign is to raise $50,000 to supply approximately 100 iPads to those children affected and in need the most.
Who can apply: Recipient must be a USA resident with an official autism spectrum diagnosis and be nonverbal or minimally verbal. Gross income of family below US$100k.
Program's history: No history known
Program location: New York, USA
Further information: Danny’s Wish

The HollyRod Foundation introduced the “Give the Gift of Voice” campaign in 2010 to provide iPads to give a voice to those without. To date, HollyRod has given away more iPads for communication for Autism than any other organization. Over 100 individuals ranging in age from 3 to 32 across 27 states can now make their voice heard. It is our commitment to continue this program so that every individual with Autism has a voice.
Who can apply: Not currently accepting applications
Program location: USA
Program's history: Over 100 iPads distributed
Further information: The HollyRod Foundation

iHelp for Special Needs is dedicated to help raise funds for children with special needs to receive iPads and relevant apps to assist with communication, life skills, and social skills. The group helps parents and groups to raise funds for themselves, and supplements these funds.
Who can apply: No information specified
Program location: Texas, USA
Program's history: One iPad distributed (December 2010)
Further information: iHelp for Special Needs

iPads4irishautism (previously "I Want My iPhone For Autism") refurbish and redistribute used iPads, iPhones and iPod Touches. This program is run by Lisa Domican, who also develops the Grace AAC app.
Who can apply: No information specified
Program's history: No history known
Program location: Ireland
Further information: iPads4irishautism

The iTaalk Autism Foundation refurbishes used iPhones and similar devices and distributes these to children with Autism.
Who can apply: No information specified
Program's history: No history known
Program location: Ohio, USA
Further information: iTaalk Autism Foundation

Loud Mommy Ministries is specifically designed to provide support for mothers who have to be advocates for their autistic children. One of our goals as a not for profit ministry is to raise money for iPads for non-verbal children, autistic or apraxic.
Who can apply: No information specified
Program's history: No devices distributed yet
Program location: Illinois, USA
Further information: Loud Mommy iPad Application

The Puzzling Piece are running an iPad challenge. You sell 60 pieces of their puzzle-piece autism jewellery (at US$20 each) and they will send you a brand new iPad. The Puzzling Piece is run by a couple who have an autistic son.
Who can apply: Site implies parents and teachers, but no limits specified
Program's history: No history known
Program location: Florida, USA
Further information: The Puzzling Piece iPad Challenge

Small Steps In Speech has a mission to help children with speech and/or language disorders take the steps needed to be better communicators. This is achieved through grants and donations to service providers and qualifying charitable organisations.
Who can apply: Applicant must be USA based and under 22 years of age.
Program's history: No history known
Program location: New Jersey, USA
Further information: Small Steps In Speech Grant Application

Turning Views Foundation’s Gift a Voice Project also goes by the wonderful moniker "Different Iz Good". Their mission is to provide speech generating devices (SGD) to children and adults with communication disabilities for communication purposes, to guide affected individuals in making a career or entrepreneur path and to advocate for those that are different due to disabilities.
Who can apply: Applicant must be USA based. No restrictions based on age or diagnosis but must have financial need. Priority given to applicants based in Nevada.
Program's history: Two devices have been distributed, four more are about to be.
Program location: Nevada, USA
Further information: Turning Views Foundation’s Gift a Voice Project

Note that Apple themselves do not donate devices to anybody, to the best of my knowledge, and are very unlikely to start doing so.

I think that if you need a device for somebody and can't afford it, your best bet is probably not to apply to these sites - their waiting lists are already very long. In my opinion, you're most likely to have luck with raising money on your own - suggestions on Squidilicious' How To Get Your Kid With Autism That Wonderful iPad and On A Tight Budget: 7 Ways To Get An iPad For Your Child With Special Needs.

If you have further information please leave me a comment.

- Ricky Buchanan

The American company Lasered Pics is now making keyguards available for the iPad. Keyguards are available which conform to the shape of the standard iPad keyboard and special-purpose keyguards for Proloquo2Go, TapSpeak Choice and Speak It! are also available. All iPad keyguards are made from 1/8" (0.3cm) thick clear acrylic and come with optional 1/16" (0.15cm) bumpers which can raise the keyguard above the screen to prevent accidental touches.

Standard iPad keyboard guards come in both landscape and portrait orientations and will suit QWERTY, AZERTY and QWERTZ keyboard layouts.

Proloquo2Go keyguards are also available for both portrait and landscape orientations and keyguards can be ordered that suit all current Proloquo2Go options including standard and large toolbar sizes, and optionally "wide" mode. Tap Speak keyguards can be made to suit 2-56 items and also come in portrait and landscape orientations. Speak It doesn't have any layout options available at the moment. Lasered Pics report they will be designing a keyguard to suit Proloquo2Go's word prediction mode keyboard, and are also working on keyguards for additional AAC apps.

Lasered Pics keyguards can be used with the standard Apple iPad case, with no case, or with any other case that does not obstruct the front of the iPad. The website advises that the current keyguards will not fit properly when used with the OtterBox iPad case.

Keyguards are smaller than the iPad's full size so they should fit both the original iPad and iPad 2 with no problems.

Current keyguards also cover the "home" button but this may be optional in the future. I can imagine it would be a bonus for some users, as preventing access to the "home" button has been a problem for some.

Steve from Lasered Pics has advised me that anybody wanting a keyguard for a different iPad application should contact him via the website. He couldn't give me a price for a custom keyguard as it depends on too many factors, but it can certainly be done.

Standard iPad keyguards cost US$19.95 each, but until 31 March 2011 you can get a 10% discount for ordering 2 or more TapSpeak keyguards - use the promo code TAPSPEAK when checking out!

- Ricky Buchanan

There was a special Apple event in Cupertino on the 20th of October entitled "Back To The Mac". We were treated to a plethora of Mac-related announcements which have plenty of fantastic accessibility implications. I'm going to briefly run down what each announcement was, and why it matters for Mac accessibility.

State Of The Mac

Firstly Apple's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tim Cook told us how the Mac was faring as a platform and the news is very good. There are more Mac users and Mac developers than ever before, and Apple is making plenty of money off all of us. The full information is available in MacLife's article: State of the Mac: "The Momentum Has Never Been More".

Why does this matter for accessibility: Firstly, there's no danger that Macs and OS X will be going away which is of course good! The iDevices and iOS are great but they don't do everything that everybody needs and it wouldn't be good if OS X disappeared at this point.

The fact that Apple as a company is making plenty of profit, despite the world economy, is good news for accessibility because unfortunately accessibility progress is often one of those not-very-visible things which tends to be cut back if a company hurting. This is obviously not something that Apple users need to be worrying about just now!

iLife '11

The newest edition of the iLife suite (including iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and GarageBand) will be iLife '11, and is available immediately. Improvements to the iLife suite include full screen modes for iPhoto, more ways to create iPhoto slideshows, audio filters and a 'movie trailer' mode for iMovie. GarageBand will sport some timing "fixer" technology knows as GrooveMatching and Flex Time, as well as new amplifiers and instrument lessons for aspiring piano and guitar players.

It wasn't announced on the day of the event, but Maccessibility reports that iLife '11 also sports significant accessibility improvements, especially accessibility improvements in GarageBand. They don't cite their sources but Maccessibility are known for generally being accurate.

iLife '11 requires that you use the Snow Leopard operating system, and is available now for US$49 for an individual installation and US$79 for a family pack.

FaceTime Now Available For Mac

FaceTime, the video phoning application available on the iPhone 4 and newest iPod Touch, is now available for the Mac computer also. The downloadable version is still in beta so it may have a few problems, but it has been reported by members of the MacVoiceover list to be fully accessible to VoiceOver users.

Because FaceTime can be used to call people via a regular mobile phone number as well as via an email address, and is available on the very portable iPhone 4, it has been eagerly used by the Deaf community for video phoning. Having the service available on the Mac will be a huge bonus to Deaf users who don't have access to an iPhone 4 but know people who do, as well as to others who have family and friends with iPhone 4 or the new iPod Touch which also uses FaceTime.

FaceTime is free for Mac users and you can download it right now!

OS X 10.7 Lion Preview

After OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard will be OS X 10.7 Lion, expected to be available in mid 2011.

Lion will import some of iOS's good features back into OS X, including more multitouch gestures, a new Mac App Store, app home screens, full-screen apps with no menu bar at the top, auto save and apps that resume where they left off when relaunched.

Some of these things have accessibility potential for those with neurological impairment: things like auto-save and resuming where you left off when you launch an app make memory problems less of a problem. The simplicity of getting apps via a Mac App Store which takes care of downloading and installing for you means there's one less infrequently-done task to learn and remember, a bonus for those new to the Mac as well as an accessibility boon.

Multi-touch gestures that match those used on the iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone will be great for some users - I use the mouse extensively myself and find gestures are fantastic. Unfortunately these require a high level of fine motor control in multiple fingers, so multi-touch is generally not very accessible to several groups including those who must use a stylus or a mouth stick, and are completely out for those who can't use a trackpad but need an alternative pointing device such as a joystick or trackball. Hopefully all multi-touch gestures will be implemented with keyboard equivalents so that users aren't left out in the cold.

The Mac App Store could also make it easier to spread the news about accessible apps and apps to aid accessibility, as has happened with the existing App Store. This would undoubtedly be a good thing, but I am concerned that app developers may be the losers in this new scenario - several things about the iOS App Store are very difficult for developers to manage and I wouldn't like to see developers give up on their accessibility apps for the OS X platform because of App Store issues. Hopefully this will not be an issue, but it does concern me. We won't have to wait long to find out: The Mac App Store will be launching for Snow Leopard within 90 days!

Also new to OS X Lion will be Launch Pad: a new way to launch apps from your desktop, similar to how it's already done on the iPad. This means that users can keep commonly used apps right in front of them without cluttering up the dock - another win for easy usability which also helps those with neurological issues.

A final new feature called Mission Control was also described but I can't tell you how easy it is to use because I didn't understand it! It has elements of Spaces, Expos and the Dashboard all mixed together, and I hope it's useful.

New MacBook Air Models

Two new Macbook Air laptops were announced, one 13.3 inch model and one 11.6 inch model. These don't have touch screens but were described by Steve Jobs as what happens when "an iPod hooks up with a MacBook"!

The 13 inch model is a tiny 2.9 pounds, and it shares many great features with the iPad: the ability to instantly start up, offering great battery life (7 hours of use has been quoted), amazing standby time, solid state storage with no optical or hard drives, and it's thinner and lighter than ever. The 11.6 inch model is pretty much the same, but with more of the "smaller and lighter" at only 2.5 pounds, and with a bit less battery life because there's less battery fitting in there.

For those who find the iPad is not accessible due to their disabilities, or those who just don't like typing on an iPad, these new laptops look to be a fantastic option. With instant start-up they will be great for taking notes in class, for use as communication devices, and other situations where waiting a few minutes for your laptop to boot just isn't sensible.

Having only solid state storage ("flash memory" like your iPhone, iPad, or camera has) and no hard drive or CD/DVD drive means the laptops are small and light but also that they have very few moving parts except the keyboard itself - Apple hasn't said so but I strongly suspect they will be more robust because of this. We've seen how much an iPod Touch or iPad can survive being dropped or otherwise battered around in daily use - imagine a laptop that would probably be OK if knocked off a desk or wheelchair tray! And of course smaller and lighter laptops mean less mounting equipment is needed for those with special positioning requirements.

I think that these new laptops will be "the iPad for switch users", and others who need non-standard input devices that the iPads don't cope with yet. I still hope, of course, that the iPad will grow into coping with a wider variety of input devices but these new MacBook Air devices are a "mid point" between the regular MacBooks and the iPads in terms of size and weight. You can get a glimpse of it in MacLife's First Look at the 11.6" MacBook Air article.

The 11.6-inch MacBook Air starts at US$999 with 64GB (US$1199 for 128GB) while the 13.3-inch model starts at US$1299 with 128GB and is also available with 256GB for US$1599. Both models are shipping now.

And so...

All in all, these announcements are a huge win for accessibility for Macs and Mac users in multiple ways. I am thrilled to see that Apple's commitment to accessibility continues unabated, and that their passion for Universal Design rubs off in the direction of accessibility so very often.

Which announcement are you most excited about? I really really wish I could get myself one of those teeny tiny laptops, but in the absence of a spare thousand dollars I'm most excited about OS X 10.7 Lion and the new iLife '11. Those are things I can actually use, and use soon.

Here's to the future!

- Ricky Buchanan

There have been a plethora of stories in the mainstream news and in blogs about the iPad and the amazing positive effects it's having for people with various disabilities. Children with autism are the subject of many of these stories, but there are plenty of others who are getting amazing results from their iPads too.

I haven't been able to keep up with all the stories, but here's a round-up of some of them. If you know of more, please leave a comment at the bottom of this post:

The Wall Street Journal itself has written about the iPad for people with disabilities: Using the iPad to Connect: Parents, Therapists Use Apple Tablet to Communicate With Special Needs Kids is a great article and includes quotes from Steve Jobs and also a video showing some use of the iPad:

Making weird cool - Robert Rummel-Hudson talks about why he thinks the iPad is a game-changer for AAC and why it's important to have devices that don't say "I have a disability!" as soon as you walk into a room with one.

Zach's A Mac - Zach is a 3 1/2 year old boy with cerebral palsy who's learning to use an iPad.

The iPad: a Near-Miracle for My Son With Autism - Shannon Des Roches Rosa writes about her son Leo and how the iPad has helped him.

iHelp for Autism by the SF Weekly is a long and well balanced story which explains some of the iPads possibilities as well as its limitations, talking to teachers and other experts as well as parents of kids with autism. This article also includes sections about Leo and Des Roches.

Opinion: Why The iPad Isn??t For Me - Paul has quadriplegia and is an ardent iPod Touch user but for him the iPad would be a step backwards in terms of accessibility. In this article he explains why.

Karen Janowski has written Why I Love the iPad for Education: Initial Observations. Karen is an assistive and educational technology consultant who writes excellently and makes many good points.

The Muscular Dystrophy's Magazine, Quest, has published Barbara Twardowski's The iPad: A Disability Friendly Device? which evaluates the iPad for people with various types of disabilities. It's a balanced look at the pros and cons of the device, and lists ATMac as a website useful for people using an iPad so it must be a good article ;).

From the wonderful Katilea, an adult AAC user, we have several great posts about her new iPad:

• Proloquo2Go and iPad: A Marriage made in Heaven!
• Physical Accessibility on iPad in General, for People with Fine Motor Difficulties
• AAC: Mainstream V Dedicated Devices
• iPad useful for Ataxians?

N0thingbuteverything has written several articles about the iPad as used by her 5 year old son, 'S', who has cerebral palsy:

• Proloquo2go and the iPad Review - a detailed review of Proloquo2Go and the iPad
• Proloquo2go?what I learnt next - More reviewing of Proloquo2Go, as well as a wish list of things she'd like to see in future upgrades.

Kate Ahern from Teaching Learners With Multiple Special Needs has written iPossibilities for Those with Significant Special Needs and their Teams listing many apps suitable for those at the more severe end of the 'special needs' spectrum.

Caleigh's Mum writes about her daughter's use of the iPad with Proloquo2Go for communicating. Caleigh has cerebral palsy and there are several videos of her using the iPad included too:

• Caleigh's Communication Part 4 - iPad
• iPad + Proloquo2Go, 1 Month Update
• Caleigh's Communication - The Review

Heidi has established a whole blog - Junior's Voice - about her son's journey with the iPad as a communications device. He uses the iPad via eyegaze with a helper holding the iPad to "read" the eyegaze and physically touch the screen in the right places.

Finally one of my favourite bloggers, Glenda Watson Hyatt, who has cerebral palsy also got herself an iPad and has been surprised by its usefulness:

• The iPad as an Affordable Communicator: Initial Review
• The iPad as an Affordable Communicator: A Follow-up Review
• Writing Under the Stars: A Follow-Up iPad Review

In personal news, I have just got my own Mac back after it spent two weeks out of action after the video card, so I had only the iPad and my iPod Touch to keep me occupied. I learned a lot about using the iPad which I'm going to show you in future posts. Unfortunately I also got tendonitis in my hands from using them too much, and I have a hernia repair operation scheduled in a week's time, so I'll be at least partially out of action for a few more weeks and ATMac will be slow. Please be patient with me while I work on healing!

Hope you enjoyed the stories above - what other iPad disability-related stories have you seen?

- Ricky Buchanan