I was sent an email about an app for kids who are unable to communicate in a highly effective way, and knew I had to share it with you readers. TapToTalk sounds amazing and I hope that it is something that you feel like you can pass on to your friends who have a child that would benefit from this app.
With apps like TapToTalk, non- or partially-verbal kids (such as those with autism, Down’s syndrome or cerebral palsy) can explicitly tell parents, siblings, teachers and Speech and Language Professionals (SLPs) what they’re thinking about and need. TapToTalk runs on virtually all popular hand-held devices including the iPod & iPad and all smartphones and computers. This is revolutionizing the world of communication for families and educators of non- and partially-verbal children across the country.
Fay Bareham of the Houston, TX area shared that her 11 year old autistic son (who is unable to talk) has had many devices over the years, but they were heavy and would cause him to feel “different” from the other kids. They found TapToTalk this past summer and discovered that it can go on something as small as an iPod touch, which looks like everyone else’s phones. Her son suddenly felt “cool” because his device looked just like his Dad’s phone clipped on his belt.
With TapToTalk, Fay’s son can use his voice to speak to anyone: Friend, family or even the folks at the corner store. Her son had what a friend called “a Helen Keller moment” when he realized that TapToTalk was actually speaking for him and he was able to communicate using it.
Fay’s family isn’t the only one whose lives have been changed with apps like TapToTalk. Susan Tarr’s 13-year-old non-verbal and mentally challenged daughter has been using TapToTalk for more than a year and a half, and is now able to communicate her wants and feelings with her family: What she wants to eat or activities that she wants to do, or when she doesn’t feel well or is sad, frustrated, happy, and why. Karina Huertas‘ son loves anything electronic, and she really likes the fact that TapToTalk can be used on their Nintendo DS.
You can also download and try out the free version at taptotalk.com.
Thanks for the kind review. It;s great when the kids and families tell their stories.