My class is made up of 12 medically fragile special needs students that don't speak and are working on expressing their needs. I know that with the apps on the iPad we can make this happen. My wish will be for all of them to have an iPad on their own but for now, they will share.
My class is made up of medically fragile special needs students.
My students are in wheelchairs and some are tube fed and have medical treatments during the school day. They have limited movement in their hand and can not navigate a keyboard. The use of and iPad will help them not only communicate in the classroom but can be carried over at home and in the community.
My Project
These students are required to take NYC alternate assessment tests on the computer. The one problem is they have limited hand movement and can not navigate a keyboard. Using a touch screen will help them. Right now I have to print out the questions and have them point to the answer. With the iPad they can touch the question themselves making them feel more independent. They will also be using the iPad to communicate their needs, (For example, if they are hungry, need to go to the bathroom, or any needs they have).
I can't express how having iPads will change the lives of my students.
Imagine sitting there keeping your body still and not being able to talk. Try to tell someone something, ask someone a question. Now imagine having an iPad that you can use an app and it will talk for you. Finally you can communicate with your family. Imagine being a parent of one of my students and you never had a conversation with your child, you have no idea what they are thinking and now because of the iPad you can.
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