P2Go on the Go: the iPod Touch

Recently I have felt that in addition to the iPad mini we need a more portable AAC solution: my daughter isn't keen on wearing iPad when out and about (and I've chosen not to fight that battle at present because I want communication and P2Go to remain positive things).  Also she's doing horse riding now and because she doesn't have a means of communicating while she's on the horse she will throw herself off the horse when she's bored and wants to finish!!

For this reason I found a great bargain on eBay: an iPod Touch (3rd gen) for £44.99.  I installed P2Go and set up a very simple 3x3 grid with some of the things I think she would most frequently need to say when out and about - it covers the main physical and sensory issues (hunger, thirst, noise, toileting, want to go home, music to reduce stress).  I've also included an iPad button so she has a way to signal if she wants access to her full vocabulary.  We could expand  in time (scrolling down to a second 3x3 grid for instance) but I want to keep it simple for now. 

I then bought a cheap protective case for it and also a waterproof pouch with a neck strap.  I wasn't particularly looking for waterproof solution but liked how this was a quick and easy way to make it wearable.

She has already used it and seems keen.    We haven't tried wearing it yet but I plan to add her favourite music to it so it can double up as MP3 player which I hope will encourage her to wear.  Fingers crossed ...

Customised device!

Who says your 'Talker' or 'Voice' or  'Device' has to be boring? Not me!! I like to personalise my cases for my device so it shows my personality I don't want it to be dull cause that's not me I'm a happy bubble person who loves Disney and Mr Tumble especially! So what better than to customise my device so I'm happy to use it and show it off to my friends!

Having a dedicated device.

It's important to consider if your young person can understand the difference in using the app or the device to play games etc. If their motivator is games then they will resist using the AAC app.

You can lock the device in guided access but if you have a single device this could be confusing. 

Our solution is a designated  device with a totally different case. I ask my lad to use "his voice" or fetch "his voice". This device is locked in guided access at all times. Having the destination between his iPad to play on & "his voice" has increased its use and decreased frustrations. 

Remember their voice needs to be with them at all times in all situations. 

Using grid and keyboard

There are times you may not have the button for what is wanted.

My lads solution use the keyboard 

As he types predicted text helps him

He can then return to grid after inserting text to complete the request 

At the pool

Great thing about iPad is the ability to make a page & print it out

Here is our pool page

We have printed and laminated so he can still communicate when in the water

Helen