iPad Puts New World in the Hands of Disabled

Visual and intuitive and operated from a simple touchscreen, Apple's iPad has proved a godsend to some severely disabled people. Compared to other devices designed to make communication easier and put computer technology in the hands of the disabled, it is relatively inexpensive. Apple introduced it just this past April, and for those who have put it to the test, it looks to be an easy to use and accessible option - very promising for people with mobility and communication problems.

A recent article in the New York Times (iPad a Therapeutic Marvel for Disabled People) highligts the value of the new touch screen mobile technology, in particular for a young boy in Brooklyn who has great difficulty moving at all on his own but, because of the sensitivily of the iPad's screen, was able to independently activate the device and open a program and now reads books on his own using the device.

According to the article, "parents of autistic children are [also] using applications [on the iPad] to teach them basic skills, like brushing teeth and communicating better."

Glenda Watson Hyatt, a blogger based in Surrey, British Columbia reviewed the iPad last May. She is afftected by cerebral palsy and found the iPad's responsive touchscreen a bit too sensitive for her. Unintended movements and tapping means screens change or extra pages flip, but overall she did find it a useful tool. (see: The iPad as an Affordable Communicator: Initial Review)

It's not considered medical equipment, so it might be difficult to get insurers to cover the cost of the device itself, but the applications may be another story. If you're interested in finding out more, there are additional stories of how the device does and doesn't work for various people in the Times article - and you can try it for yourself at the nearest Apple store.