Pick of the Month – May 2010

AT/AAC Pick:

Boston’s Autism App
 The following information comes from: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/04/20/bostons_autism_app/
Boston, like other cities, is creating computer applications to improve the delivery of basic services, such as alerting public works about potholes. But the most dramatic technical breakthrough at City Hall might come in the field of human services — an iPhone application for people with autism. The app, which (the mayor’s) aides are helping along, is cheaper, less socially ostracizing, and more effective than other so-called “alternative and augmentative communication’’ devices that rely on symbols, line drawings, and cartoon images.
The consensus of the experts so far is that the iPhone, with its built-in camera, would work better than other alternative communication devices because it can create concrete images with real photos and videos instead of abstract and confusing symbols.
To read the full article, please check the website listed above.