iPad and Proloquo2go!!

I'm so excited for my girl, she has this amazing alternative and augmentative communication team from CTN (York regions Children's Treatment Network).  The team consists of a Speech therapist, Occupational therapist and I believe two CDAs (Communication Disorders Assistant).  These wonderful ladies made Ashley's communication book, and set up her kindergarten classroom with picture symbols throughout so Ashley could have a voice and be as social as possible.  They guided her Teacher and her Educational Assistant  on how to best work with Ashley to get her communicating and how to teach Ashley's literacy at her level.  The also worked with the School's SERT (Special Ed Teacher)    to ensure Ashley workable literacy goals were measurable in her IEP (Individual Education Plan).   This team listens to me and Ashley, they are encouraging and they believe in my girl. They also never say we can't do that or Ashley's not ready for that either. They are always positive and excited about Ashley.   I love their attitude!!

I asked them what they thought about upgrading Ashley's Voice ( Communication Binder) to a dynamic device.   I also sent in a few  links of other very young  amazing kids using the iPad for their voice.   And here's the good news.  They agreed to convert Ashley Communication Book to the iPad and Proloquo2go!!   I'm not sure how we got so lucky but I'm thrilled.  And it's going to be the first iPad communication device this team has set up!!!

Only glitch is I have to provide the iPad and the app the government would not fund a dynamic device for Ashley unless she can jump through hoops and dance around in circles. (Okay really there is super long list of things she needs to communicate to them she understands which is challenging without a voice so they might as well ask her to jump through hoops)

I'm guessing that is because traditionally these devices  go for big bucks like 10K or so for a Dynavox.  The government and insurance companies here don't want to spend that kind of money on kids unless they can already show they are competent with these devices.  Problem for Ashley is she will learn to use a dyanmic device but only if  it's provided to her as she needs to be taught but it will take some time.   Silly government and Insurance companies don't want to give kids like Ashley a fighting chance!!!  That needs to change but thank god for Apple and Proloquo2go for making dynamic speech output devices more affordable and accessible.  At least now many more Parents can fund their own kids devices and apps.

In the meantime I found this amazing family hosting a iPad giveaway this month. MarissasBunny visit their blog and read Marissa's story.  Such an amazing family.    They have a beautiful daughter who's 3 and has many challenges so they clearly understand and want to giveback and help others.  They are giving away 5 iPads and hope to raise funds to giveaway another 15 to special needs kids that could benefit from an iPad  - kids just like Ashley.

How about the new iPad2 released today?  I watched the promo video the cover doubles as a stand for better typing or in Ashley case ease of use.   I'm sold already.