Why the iPad and Proloquo2go is a definite win win

Yesterday Ashley was not her usual self at breakfast not really finishing her toast, which she asked for using prologo2go or interested in other yummy options like berries or yogurt being offered. Since she was so unhappy eating I placed her on the floor with her toys and her iPad.  She got right to work telling mommy and her  brother, what was up she quickly went to the something is wrong, then something hurts message.  Then repeated pressing it until Mommy came right back over and her older observant brother Damon was telling Mom Ashley hurts hurry up.  Both Damon and I didn’t notice right away but we looked her over and her ankle was swollen.  Also present tiny scratch marks and little bug bite.  She had been bitten by a bug and bug bites and her don’t mesh well she was upset and crying.   I don’t know how I missed it when I dressed her just before breakfast either if it was there at the time. But I was very thankful she was able to tell me so effectively this would not have been possible without the ipad and this amazing app!   I would likely have thought she didn’t sleep well she’s constipated who knows what when your child is non verbal sometimes even Moms don’t have the answers which is painful for all involved and very frustrating for my girl at times.   As I see Ashley getting better and better with this new tool. I’m very thankful she has a way to express herself it is such a gift.

She was even trying to bum scoot with her foot in the air to avoid using it. Luckily after some Benadryl and a number of hours her ankle was back to normal. But I was very pleased with my girl, her ipad and amazing app proloquo2go for letting this mom know what was going on.     

At a  quick glance it's hard to notice a bug bite if your child isn't pointing it out you.   You can't see it too much in the pictures I took but she was holding it up in the air while bum scooting yesterday.   I'm pretty proud of her for communicating this to her brother and I so effectively. 

Mission iPossible - is raising funds to put iPads in some other very deserving kids hands so they can communicate just this type of thing or just the fact that despite being non verbal they sure do know their stuff.  So hope on over and read all about their mission too. 

Today was sweet

Today Ashley attending a dance class at CTN (Children's Treatment Network).  She was tired after a night of very little sleep and was complaining minutes before during a quick stop for the potty.  Once we entered the room and the music began she was all smiles and giggles this is her thing for sure.  

There was two instructors and four kids including one of her friends. She was so cute laughing the whole time and was able to follow some of the instructions to walk in different directions, freeze on demand, clap and even get down low to the ground. 

Both of us enjoyed every minute of it.  The hour went by in a flash.  I hope CTN will make this a regular activity because Ashley will be the first one to sign up.

On top of dancing Ashley used this class as an opportunity to pull out her new proloquo2go voice and with my iPhone she introduced herself to the instructor and and said hello.  Today was pretty sweet! 

Here's a look at top page of her new voice .. the coolest thing ever for my girl. 

She just needs an iPad2.

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.