Tablets are helping special needs students with serious vision problems. For example, children with cortical visual impairment, a neurological disorder caused by brain damage, benefit from high contrast images. A study at the University of Kansas showed that the children, who paid little attention to faces and objects, responded very well to pictures on the iPad. The high contrast also makes it possible to read print that low-vision students would otherwise not be able to see. The VoiceOver option on the iPad allows students to tap with their fingers and hear a description of what is on the screen using a natural speaking voice. It can also be set to read back what the student is typing. VoiceOver works with all the applications, including e-mail and iBooks, which can be used to download and hear books read in several languages. Font size can be changed, audio alerts set and the pad is compatible with headphones.
Deaf and hearing-impaired students often have gaps in vocabulary. Picture slide shows can be used to enhance vocabulary, and a tablet also offers access to an online American Sign Language dictionary. Teachers can create podcasts that demonstrate conversation patterns and can be downloaded onto a tablet. Captioned movies and other educational iTunes content can be downloaded. Unlimited messaging allows the exchange of texts, pictures and videos with other Apple users and easier communication on group projects.
A student with fine motor problems, such as difficulties from cerebral palsy or dysgraphia, may not be able to write with a pen or pencil, but can by pushing letter keys on the touch screen. The ability to see a finger making things happen on the screen is motivating to students who lose interest when forced to look back and forth from a mouse or keyboard to a screen, but a keyboard can be attached for students who prefer to type. The iPad keyboard provides automatic capitalization and correction to increase typing speed and accuracy. Android operated tablets, such as the Nexus, Surface and Nook, have stepped up to the plate by building their own libraries of applications for students. SmartTurtle is one that hones use of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while quizzing knowledge of everyday items.
The iPad has become a major tool in working with students with autism. There are many applications available that have enabled students, who otherwise struggle to communicate or are non-verbal, to have a voice. One is the YES/NO application that allows the student to respond to questions by tapping the answer. The application also allows pictures to be uploaded so that students can make choices by tapping the items they want. The software says the word, modeling it for the student. The Sonoflex application turns symbols and text into speech, and the ABA Flashcards application depicts emotions that some students with autism may struggle with. Proloquo2Go turns the iPad into a communication device. Android also has several communication applications for their devices such as such as Tap to Talk and Alexicom AAC.