Holiday Cheer and Technology for the New Year

‘Tis the season for new technology! If you are considering gifting technology for the holidays, you may appreciate some guidance on sorting out which device to purchase, must-have accessories and apps to buy with those iTunes and Google Play gift cards.

Smaller tablets are quickly becoming a favorite technology device for children. They fit well in small hands, are easy to carry around, and offer accessibility features that full sized tablets boast. Parents are purchasing them for educational support, organizational tools and entertainment.

iPad mini 5

Pros: Simplicity, vast app market, excellent accessibility options Cons: Expensive

Available at www.apple.com

Fire HD 8 Tablet

Fire OS Pros: Affordable, excellent e-reader, some accessibility options Cons: Limited app selection, interface is geared to buying items from Amazon

Available at www.amazon.com

The CHAT Bag

This bag fits over a variety of protective cases and has an adjustable strap. It can be especially useful for children who are non-verbal and use a tablet as a communication device, as it allows the user to have the screen exposed at all times. Designed for the iPad and iPad Mini, can custom order to fit other tablets.

CHAT Bag can be purchased at https://www.chatbag.net/

Ion Clipster

Paired with a mobile device, the ION Clipster UltraPortable Bluetooth Speaker with Built-In Clip is a cool and functional way to magnify sound from an iPad, Nexus or Kindle. Easy to use, rechargeable, portable and quite loud, the Clipster is a must-have technology accessory for individuals who use their tablet for speech communication. Can be purchased from www.amazon.com.

Holiday Apps

Starfall Snowman

Price: $0.99
Available for iOS
Available for Android
Read Full BridgingApps Review

Peekaboo Presents

Price: $1.99
Available for iOS
Read Full BridgingApps Review

Holiday Charades

Price: FREE
Available for iOS
Read Full BridgingApps Review

The Nutcracker and the Mystery of the Disappearing Cheese

Price: $1.99
Available for iOS
Read Full BridgingApps Review

Cookie Doodle

Price: $0.99
Available for iOS
Read Full BridgingApps Review

Sleeps to Christmas

Price: FREE
Available for iOS
Read Full BridgingApps Review

Jan Brett’s The Night Before Christmas.

Available on Amazon

If you are interested in searching for more apps, creating your own list of apps and sharing them, please go to BridgingApps.org. BridgingApps, a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston, is a community of parents, therapists, doctors, and teachers who share information about using mobile devices (iPad, iPhone, and Android) with people who have special needs.

Cristen Reat is co-founder of BridgingApps and a mother who found success when using a mobile device with her children who have special needs.

Helpful Articles

• Happy Holidays How to Make a Video Holiday Card
• Holiday “Shared Enjoyment” Dr. Seuss Camera – Grinch Edition
• Tech Tools for Family Holiday Cooking
• {Hacks for Stress Free} Cookie Decorating with Kids
• Life-Changing Apps for People with Disabilities
• Tech Fun Favorite Holiday Apps

You May Also Like

• 100 + “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs
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• Holiday Gift Guide: Give Gifts That Fuel Creativity, Create Music and Challenge Your Child to Learn
• Special Resources: This Season Give the Gift of Knowledge
• Gift Ideas for Those on Special Diets
• Gift Guide from the Fitness Guy

This post originally appeared on our November/December 2014 Magazine