An iPad for Tom?

It's no secret that my husband and I love our Macs and have for years. And not just because they are pretty as some assume; I love them because they perform! I have an emac that's still going strong after 10 years. I just replaced it because it was getting slow and is so old that I can no longer purchase an operating system upgrade for it. So it is no surprise that I am interested in an iPad. But I really want an iPad so I can share it with Tommy!

Ready to upgrade

The iPad is a device that is really allowing the disabled to communicate and play as never before! Check out this amazing article about a child with spinal muscular atrophy that is using an iPad to read books, play games, communicate and do math!

Special communication devices are incredibly expensive. You can spend several hundred dollars for an assistive communication device that can only do one thing, while other more elaborate communication devices can cost several thousands of dollars. The iPad can be used by the whole family for many purposes and it's significantly cheaper.

Now assistive communication devices do have therapeutic value. I am not disputing that. Our speech therapist is getting Thomas a big mac button to trial that he used when we were at WPSBC's playgroup. I am saying that as a family, an iPad is something we can all use.

So what can a baby or toddler do with an iPad? Well check out Babies with iPads to find out. This site is run by a developmental/vision specialist who has been working for special needs babies and toddlers for years. She is using the site to showcase how little ones are benefiting from using an iPad to enhance their development. Babies with iPads offers codes for free apps and lists of the best apps out there for infants and toddlers with special needs. She also personally purchases iPads for children that could not otherwise afford them. Amazing!

Tom's friend Aubrey from playgroup has an iPad that she allowed Tom to try and it was a total hit. She had a really cool app that trailed shapes and giggle sounds as you moved your hand across the screen. Here are some of Aubrey's favorite apps and you can get to know her on her blog.

Aubrey Approved Apps

• Baby Tap
• Sparkabilities
• Baby Aquarium

Our kids are so lucky to be born in a time where this amazing technology is available. Hopefully there will be an iPad under the Christmas tree for me and Tom this year!