iDevice Add-on Tools to Consider

So, now you have the main tool. What do you need to go with it? When thinking of our kids with special needs, the accessories for our iPads/iTouches/iPhones (iDevices) are important to consider. Take some time to consider the needs of the child then pick your accessories accordingly. (For apps, see separate posting.) Here are a few to consider:

Alternative Access

• The Hook iPod Switch Access by AbleNet provides simple to advanced control of your music playlist with an auditory menu of functions you can control with your switch.  Hook is preconfigured in single switch mode to play/pause, skip forward and back, and adjust volume.
• Big Button iPad Remote from RJ Cooper was designed for easy access for an iPod. Listening to music just became an independent activities for people with challenges with fine motor control.
• Technical Solutions has developed the iScan MP3 that is a scanning switch interface for the iPods. 
• RJ Cooper has a wireless switch interface to use with the iPad.  This would work great with the Tap to Talk program, to  play and pause videos, eventually operating email, spelling, various games... Plug any switch(es) into it for cause/effect, switch timing practice, AAC auto-scan and step-scan. Also, check out the SuperSwitch with bluetooth built in switch interface. 
• AbleNet is carrying the Blue2 Bluetooth switch which is a dual switch. It supports both single and dual switch access through direct access using the two built-in switches, or plug in your favorite switches into the available ports to fit your individual needs.
• Having a hard time isolating a single finger? Try a glove and cutting out the fingertip. 

Cases
When purchasing a case, consider your needs. Sometimes it is good to live with it a little bit to gain a better understanding of what your needs are. You may want 2 separate types of cases: 1. for manipulating the device and one for transporting. I find the iPad to be difficult to hold onto. It is a little awkward as there isn't anything really to grab onto and it is a bit slippery. Having something with substance or some type of handle or non-slip material can be very helpful.

• RJ Cooper does it again. He has adapted and designed the Ultimate iPad Case by giving it a strap to aid in carrying the case with amazing protection. Sleek and strong. Thank you, RJ!! The Bumper Case by RJ encloses the iPad 1 or 2 edges completely, for maximum security.
• The BigGrips frame is similar to the iSquish Skin with the addition of a stand. It is advertised as being lightweight and durable. It is the iPad case made for kids. It’s big, squishy, easy to grab, comfortable to hold, and very grip-able. For an extra $10 there is a matching stand for working at a desk, lying on the couch, or kicking back and watching stuff.
• The GripCase  has our population written all over it. "Protection plus nice handling built in. With ergonomic handles, a lightweight, shock-absorbent foam body, and smart patent-pending design, Gripcase gives you the convenience, control and peace of mind you’ve been looking for."
• The iAdapter from AMDi is a durable case with rubberized corners that fits over the iPad. What is exciting about it is the first attempt to cover the home button with a sliding bar, built in handle, attachable strap, table top stand and has built in speakers helping with amplification. Someone is listening to our concerns! Thank you, AMDi. Beware, pricey.
• The Otterbox Case is a case designed for protection. They have 3 different ones in their series to explore: The Defender, The Commuter, The Impact Seires. If you are needing something really tough, you may want to consider the Defender Series case by Otterbox. (I would check out RJ's videos before deciding which one is for you.)
• The Grip Case is light weight, has a shock-absorbent foam body and really provides a nice handle system for kids to grab onto. 
• Ektopad F1 iPad cover is made from soft silicon It resembles the Wii controller silicon with it's intricate rib structure which is said to protect completely from drops and has a built in stand. Worth exploring. They are available for all your "i" needs. (Also look for the waterguard if there is a little moisture concern.) 
• Tunewear makes Waterwear which is a case designed for not worrying about your iPad when going for a swim. Good option for an iPad on a wheelchair tray and providing protection from the elements.
• The Griffin Survivor  is another durable alternative. This one is really different in that every port is covered, so you should get good immunity to dust and moisture. The home button and volume controls operate within the case and all the other ports have a rubber flip-up cover. The front facing camera is exposed for using FaceTime, but is behind the glass shield. A removable belt clip allows you to carry the phone either horizontally or vertically and have something to grip onto. Cheaper than some of its alternatives. Take into consideration that the rear facing camera port is covered, and the rubber plug has to be removed to take a picture. Same for charging the phone. That port is covered, and the belt clip has to be removed to charge it.

• The iPad Squish Skin is an air filled case. This case is said to be more protective and more fun than bubble wrap so be careful which kid you use this with as they might enjoy the case more than the iPad. I love the colors!!! Great variety and the price is very reasonable.  This will provide a sure hold.
• As a "teacher case" I like the Active Field Case. It allows me to have full control of the device by providing a strap on the back, for my hand to slip into, and provides access to all of the controls. 
• For a more mature look, you may want to consider something like the Sherpa which you can get with a cross over strap or without. 

Squidoo has a listing of other cases for kids and teens that you might want to explore also. The main things to think about is: How is your child going to be taking their device back and forth? How are they going to be using it? You want something that gives you the ability to access it in various positions and to carry it from point A to point B safely. Put some thought into this purchase as it is probably the most important purchase for using your iDevice.


Keyboards

• Don't rule out Apple's Bluetooth keyboard! It has a great feel to it, is lightweight and slick looking however, it does not attach and traveling with it is not easy. If you plan to use it in one place and on a solid surface- this is a great keyboard.
• Brookstone also carries a stand/keyboard combination called the Bluetooth Keyboard Portfolio. When you have some serious typing to do, the on-screen keyboard just might not cut it. It is a little pricey but considering that it covers and protects your iPad tablet plus has the built-in Bluetooth keyboard for wireless touch typing and includes a built-in stand that positions your tablet - not bad.
• Zagg's All-in-One Companion and the ClamCase are great alternatives. Both provide you with an alternative case, stand and keyboard. Worth exploring both of these to decide which is your best fit. 
• Work better on a small keyboard or need a different access mode? Does your student work better on their hand-held devices or text on a phone? You may want to consider the Bluetooth Wireless Rii Mini Keyboard. It has Bluetooth design  but the adapter is not included. It also includes a built in touchscreen. Be sure to explore all that it offers. 

Keyguards

• Yooralla Glenroy and Lasered Pics are now both making keyguards for the iPad. Lasered Pics also makes colored acrylic options which can be very helpful for students with a visual impairment.  (Take into consideration: keyguards can be limited in their use as many Apps change their visual appearance in different sections.  For example, many AAC Apps have a grid arrangement with symbols, but also offer a pop up keyboard for typing.  Apps designed like this are hard to use with a keyguard without making it easy to take on and off – which then may reduce the usability of the keyguard itself for some.) 
• There are now keyguards for all the main AAC iDevice programs. TFE carries most. Contact them if there is a particular keyguard layout that is needed. 

 Mics. Needs and Adaptations

• If you have a need from keeping a child from pushing the home button which causes him to leave a program, try using BubCaps. They cover the button making it difficult for some users to push through yet allowing adults to have access when needed.    
• Zagg makes a full body clear protector called InvisibleSHIELD that is a really great option not only for protecting the device from scratches, but also for students who have poor saliva control. 
• iPevo Point2View USB Camera is a great USB camera for doing app demos at conferences or in the classroom. The iPad 2 includes screen mirroring now, but when doing a demo of the gestures used on the iPad it is sometimes helpful to have a camera pointed at the iPad screen to show the gesture. The Point2View USB camera can also double as a document camera or as a webcam if your computer does not already have one for use with Skype and other video chat programs. The camera itself is 2 Megapixels and it comes with a weighted stand to make sure the camera stays in place during your demos.

Mounts and Stands

• The Tablet Super Stand by RJ   provides stability with a nonskid surface. 
• TFE carries a couple of nice wheelchair mounts worth exploring.
• AbleNet is carry a variety of access mounting systems that can be used on a table, wheelchair, or even attached to your body.
• The Quirky Cradle is a portable, lightweight lap desk for your Apple iPad.
• Want to mount it to a wheelchair? Consider Broadened Horizon's 3rd Hand Mounts.
• A great little stand: Movie Peg will allow you to hold your iTouch or iPad in  a vertical position. 
• The Cricket tri-pod stand holds the iPad in landscape and portrait positions, has a hinge for adjusting the viewing angle, has rubber feet so it doesn’t slide around on the table surface, folds up nicely for portability and is very light weight.  Users can touch (or poke as in some circumstances) all over the iPad screen surface and it doesn’t move around.  The flip-out rubber supporting feet are about an inch long, so you can use it to hold an iPad that may already be in a carrying case. 
• The SeaSucker iPad mounting system gives incredible flexibility. Using a vacuum technology, you can easily and securely mount your iPad virtually anywhere. This mounting system has been around for other uses- now they have expanding to the iPad. This is a good secure system!
• A stand for every purpose- you just have to decide what yours is. This is a great stand from Brookstone, (360 Stand) that will turn your iPad into a monitor type of view with 360 rotation ability. You can turn it for landscape or portrait view- great for connecting a keybaord to.  This may not be the best option of your kids are a little rough but for the lower energetic kids, great option.
• A very unique set-up, indeed, is the Modular Hose AT iPad kit. Although a little strange looking, this is a perfect set-up for our users who have a hard time accessing devices. It will bring the device to the user instead of the user needing to go to the device.   
• Joby Gorilla has now developed a flexible stand for the iPad - Gorillamobile Yogi for iPad.
• The iPad is kind of difficult to hold onto. I really like the Padlette Grip Handle. Easy to take on and off. If you are using the iPad in a classroom it is perfect as the teacher can take control and hold it in front of the student at the angle needed. Also a great grip for some students to be able to get that better grasp. (Many cool colors to choose from!) 
• The Speck HandyShell provides you with a stand, holding and carrying handle all in one. This has some great reviews worth reading and considering. 
• MountMe provides another unique option. It lets you mount the iPad securely to the wall, provides suction cups for securing it to any horizontal or vertical solid surface and also works as a stand. 
• iPad Flex is a handy system that allows your iPad 2 to be strapped onto your hand, carried over your shoulder, fastened around your car headrest, mounted on a wall, attached to tripods, or connected to accessories that can allow your iPad to be mounted on a desk, workbench, chair, or most anywhere.
• CJT and TFE who have been making mounts for us for years, have both developed wheelchair mounts and accessories worth considering if you have a user with access needs!
  

Speakers
So many speakers out there.  Just shop around and you will find the speaker system to fit your needs. Here are a few to consider_

•  RJ Cooper has developed a speaker that will attach right to your iPad on the back. It attaches to the iPad with Super-Velcro and lets you hear the output from AAC apps at a higher volume level than allowed by the built-in iPad speakers. Uses Bluetooth for a cable-free connection.
• Rechargeable Mini-Speakers from AbleNet features two amplified speakers with rechargeable batteries that can be charged via USB.
• A great speaker system/case that you should consider is the iHome iHM4 for the iTouch or iPad. Either way, great investment for our kids who need a heavier feel, help keeping track of device and/or for extra volume. Another great speaker system worth considering is the Cyanics Portable Swing Speaker with Protective Case 
• For the iPhone and/or iTouch, you may want to consider the BONE Horn Stand which will not only amplify your sound but will do so without draining the battery. 
• For the iPad, consider purchasing a small speaker such as the Altec Lansing iM227 Orbit MP3 Speaker and use a piece of velcro to attach it to the back of the case.  

Stylus
There are many different stylus choices available now.  Just like a writing instrument, you have to shop sometimes to find the one that fits your needs. For those who have some dexterity problems, you may wish to purchase a stylus. A stylus is also great to use when working on handwriting as it will transfer over to a pencil more easily then the use of a fingertip.

• Pogo Sketch Stylus has a soft tip glides easily over the surface of your display. It helps to do away with inaccuracies common to fingertip-only use.  
• Doceri Goodpoint Stylus recognizes the location of the stylus nib when the palm rests on the iPad and rejects other touches not intended to be strokes. The stylus also features separate write and erase nibs. It even includes a way to attach it directly to your iDevice.

Stylus Alternative Access 

• A great way to adapt for a mouthstick stylus.
• Adapted Head Stick Access- check out this wonderful adaptation YouTube video for ideas. RJ has provided directions for making your own!
• Making your own adapted T-shape stylus. 
• ShapeDad offers a T-bar stylus for students who are unable to grip a standard pencil shape and a mouthstick stylus worth exploring.
• Steady Stylus is another T-bar approach.