Dear Steve Jobs,
You don't know me, but my family members often catch me saying out loud, "Thank you, Steve Jobs!"
I used a Macintosh before they were fashionable, and my husband and I have laptops and iphones. The music that circulates through our living room emanates from an ipod. And while each of those devices have enhanced our lives, there is yet another that has changed the outlook for my daughter's future.
My ten-year-old was born without her corpus callosum -- the communication center of her brain. Because of that, her speech and her fine and gross motor skills are affected. She has no depth perception or visual tracking skills. Over the years, the schools have tried various computers and numerous adaptations with only limited success.
One day when she was eight, I found her playing with my iphone. She had rearranged all of my apps into folders. As my iphone was still new, I had not yet learned how. Guess who taught me?
That was enough for my husband and I to take her into an Apple Store to try out an ipad. When her eyes widened to the size of golf balls, we knew she could see the words on the screen. It did not take long to realize our dollars would be well spent.
We found a school that allows her to use an ipad, as it is a way for her to access the mainstream curriculum. Not all do -- not yet at least. We download books and enlarge the print. There are apps for language use, social skills, math, science, communication, social stories, spelling, meditation, scheduling, and of course cooking! She wants to be a chef one day. As all of this is still in its infancy, new apps seem to come out each week.
We see the ipad as a path to our daughter's independence. Because of the intuitive nature of the ipad, she is able to teach herself most of the apps that we download. It has already changed her life and she is only ten. Others can now witness first hand her insatiable thirst and ability to learn.
With eternal gratitude--Allyson Perling
That is what I would say if I could communicate with Steve Jobs. Sadly I can't, but I can share this story with the hope that those who have not yet tried out an ipad or similar device will.
Conversation
- What impact has an ipad or similar device had on your life? Join the conversation in the comments below.
- If there is an app that you would like to recommend to others, please contribute using this form.
Stories
- Do you have a story to share how the ipad has brought out your own potential or that of someone you know? Share in the comments below.
If you'd like to comment, please leave your remarks below. Not sure how to make a comment? Blogger Help has a nice article on how to do it.
Subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Steve Jobs was awesome!
ReplyDeleteI got goosebumps and tears in my eyes reading how the world has opened up for your daughter, all due to a device that so many take for granted!!! Steve Jobs possibly never envisioned the enormous aspect of this for all those who would be locked inside themselves without the benefit of this incredible technology. Thanks for giving a glimpse into your daughter's world.
ReplyDeleteThanks for responding! I agree. I don’t think Steve Jobs ever imagined the abilties an iPad would unleash from individuals with disabilities who were previously dismissed as having little potential.
ReplyDeleteThe brain is remarkable. There are many different ways to access its intricate pathways. If we persist and continue to try alternative learning methods, environments, and adaptations, we will likely find yet more amazement.
A teacher friend came to our house yesterday. As the flames sparked in the fireplace my 10-year-old demonstrated some of her favorite apps. My friend’s eyes widened, taken aback by what she observed. Our daughter persevered with the app until she discerned what she needed to do to move to the next step. She problem solved on her own without seeking help.
Many parents and teachers express concerns that children will obsess on games with an iPad. We set up parameters for using the iPad and balance that time with her other interests and activities. And about 90-95% of her most engaging apps have an educational component.
My child’s story is just one example. I welcome others who have experiences with the iPad (or similar devices) and apps to share their stories. It is through these examples that we can learn from each other and redefine what ability truly can look like.
--Allyson