Technology Empowerment
by
PSN Team 
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List of WINTER HOLIDAY APPS. Click Here
Technology empowers learning, fun, and exploration. It helps the imagination soar to new heights and helps young and old draw inspiration from the world around us in different ways. There is something for everyone, whatever the needs and desires. Technology can add structure to the day, provide respite for caregivers, and ease holiday stress.
The holidays can mean different things to you and your family depending on your beliefs and traditions. Some families travel during the holidays, either to visit family or friends or just to unwind and relax a bit, while others stay home and host parties and get togethers big and small. For families parenting children with complex needs, whether it be sensory, physical, medical, or other, the holidays can sometimes mean extra stressors. The unstructured time due to school breaks and therapy providers being closed can be difficult for those of our children who rely on predictable schedules and routines. If your family exchanges gifts this time of year, many people may be asking what kinds of gifts they can get your child or maybe you are looking for ideas to help family and friends include your child in games and activities? Maybe this is difficult because your child doesn’t enjoy playing with or experiences frustration with accessing
traditional toys and games. We decided to share some of our favorite tech toys and apps in an effort to help ease the holiday stress for you a bit, enjoy!
Let’s start with some of our favorite new things we received for the assistive technology lab this year! The Joy For All Companion Pets were originally designed with aging adults in mind, providing companionship for those who were no longer able to care for a live animal, but enjoyed being in the company of them, however they have been a huge hit with our clients of all ages! These pets have sensors that react to motion, sound, and touch and are shockingly realistic- the vibration of the cat purring can be felt when petted! They currently have six different pets available- two cats, two dogs, and two birds, ranging in price from $65 for the birds to $140 for the dogs and would make great gifts for any animal lover.
We also discovered these great recordable buttons by Learning Resources available on Amazon. These can be used to help a non-verbal child or adult participate in family games or can be a tool for adapting a game for a group. Parents and caregivers could also record short phrases and position it where the person can locate if they need a break from the noise, need the restroom, or are hungry or tired. These buttons can be quickly and easily programmed and can stand in as a communication aid in a pinch.
Another fun toy for kids is the Kidz Bop Microphone that can be paired to your favorite music apps for an instant karaoke party. If your child is non-verbal or shy about speaking to others, perhaps they might be encouraged to vocalize and/or verbalize to a song that they really like?
Check out music streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, YouTube to find inspiration in their favorite songs or check out holiday playlists for family sing-a-longs.
We cannot talk about tech related gifts and apps without mentioning some of our favorite app developers and accessibility tool brands.
If your child or a loved one utilizes the GoTalk NOW communication app by Attainment Company, you might want to check out the newest addition to their app lineup, GoTalk WOW AAC app for Apple Watch. This could prove to be a useful communication tool while on the go and allows phrases and settings to be added and adjusted even when away from the paired iPhone. Another of our favorite accessibility tools is Chester Mouse from Ablenet. This is a user-friendly first mouse with its smaller size and one large green button and no scroll wheel. Don’t forget to check out other accessories like the assortment of creative styluses from Shape Dad’s Etsy store. He has many great options for people with limited hand strength, grip, or movement and more! Last, but definitely not least, maybe it is time for a new stand for that tablet or communication device? Check out the Gooseneck floor stand or others like it on Amazon.
We hope that you have found at least one item that inspires you on this short list of tech gift ideas. Visit our app database and check out the holiday app lists below to complement the season. Happy Holidays from the BridgingApps team!
BridgingApps Holiday Favorites
BridgingApps for Traveling Over the Holidays
BridgingApps Christmas eGift Card Ideas
Check out BridgingApps App Search Tool to search for apps, create lists and even share them.
*BridgingApps, a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston, is a community of parents, therapists, doctors and teachers who share information about using mobile devices with people who have special needs.
Amy Fuchs is the Program Manager at BridgingApps and a former special education teacher. Amy Barry is the Digital Marketing Lead at BridgingApps and mother of five children.
Cristen Reat is co-founder of BridgingApps and a mother who found success when using a mobile device with her younger son who has multiple disabilities. We share a passion for using mobile technology to enhance the lives of people of all ages with disabilities.
List of WINTER HOLIDAY APPS. Click Here
Fun & Educational Apps for Children with Special Needs
Gift Ideas
- Good Tidings and Good Books to You: Audiobooks, Apps & Accessories for the Holidays
- Holiday Gift Guide: Give Gifts That Fuel Creativity, Create Music and Challenge Your Child to Learn
- 100 + “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs
- 9 Great Toddler & Preschooler Toys for Kids with Special Needs
- Trending Holiday Toys Top All Kids’ Wish Lists!
- Special Resources: This Season Give the Gift of Knowledge
- Gift Ideas for Those on Special Diets
- Cooking With Kids: Festive Holiday Pretzel Treats
- Gift Guide from the Fitness Guy
- Favorite Five: December’s Special Products to Make Your Life Easier
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This post originally appeared on our November/December 2023 Magazine
