iPhone applications can help the autistic

USA Today writes about specialized audio apps that help people with disabilities communicate. Among them, American Sign Language and Proloquo2Go, which the article describes as helping 7-year-old son JW speak. JW is autistic.

JW goes everywhere with the slick touch-screen mp3 player strapped to his arm. It lets him touch icons that voice basic comments or questions, such as, "I want Grandma's cookies" or "I'm angry — here's why." He uses his "talker" to communicate with everyone — including his service dog, Roscoe, who listens to voice commands through the tiny speakers.

The app also aids children and adults with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and Lou Gehrig's Disease, or ALS — even stroke patients who have lost the ability to speak, says its co-developer, Penn State doctoral student Samuel Sennott.

Using the iPhone and Touch allows developers to democratize a system that has relied on devices that were too expensive or difficult to customize.

Read full article.

emily | 7:23 AM | Cell Phone Apps Related Articles, Cell Phone Apps Reviews |
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