Accessibility Features on iOS Devices

According to McLeskey, Rosenberg and Westling, one of the core principals of inclusion with individuals having a disability is they should be included as active participants in mainstream classrooms. It's important as educators that we allow students with impairments or disabilities to experience as much mainstream classroom as possible. Using technology to help these students in critical in making their learning fun and accessible.

iPads are taking over homes, businesses and schools. "What sets iPads apart from other devices is the simple and virtually robust user interface that can be used by almost anyone. It's also a highly customizable device that can be set up with applications and assistive features to support a variety of special needs" (Palmer). In New Jersey, at the Children's Institute, teachers review applications and rated them based on appropriateness for children use. These are a few of my favorites from their top 10.
-Time Timer: allows students who have a difficult time with the concept of time to see visual representation of things that take time without the use of clocks.
-iReward: a reward chart that is private to the student and teacher. Allows teachers to ditch the five by five charts and stickers. Perfect for elementary students.
-Proloquo2go: gives students who are unable to speak an easy to use voice. Perfect for communication between student and teacher, along with student to student interaction.

For students with cognitive impairments, they will learn many daily life activities by using technology.  "For example, the Time, Money, & Fractions On-Track iPad app (School Zone Publishing) allows learners to acquire skills for managing money and time" (Roblyer, 2016). The instructions are read to the student and given the option of having the sentence re-read to them. They are given immediate feedback with checkmarks or stars. The instructions are explicit and easy for the student to follow. The icons for them to click on are identifiable and seen in their daily lives. Here is an example of the app: On Track Time, Money, & Fractions.

Using Guided Access gives the teacher the ability to limit the device to stay on one app or even resist the screen to be activated in certain areas. This tool is used for students with autism or other sensory challenges (Apple, Special Education).

iBooks are a great resource for any student, but the additional tools give students with disabilities much richer content. They can provide 3D images and videos, and highlighting tools. It also supports VoiceOver for students to use if necessary. The vivid pictures are enough to get a student excited and engaged.

There are so many resources available to special education teachers and students, there leaves little excuse for student inclusion. Even for just a small part of the day, using this technology can make students with disabilities an included part of the classroom.




Apple - Education - Special Education - iOS. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2015, from http://www.apple.com/education/special-education/ios/

McLesky, J., Rosenberg M., & Westling, D. (2013). Inclusion: Effective practices for all students (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. 

Palmer, R. (2013). The Top 10 iPad Apps for Special Education.The Journal. Retrieved August 10, 2015, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2013/06/30/The-Top-10-iPad-Apps-for-Special-Education.aspx?Page=1

Roblyer, M. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (Seventh ed.). Pearson.