I am very happy to see the success this application has had. I am also very happy to see the variety of applications being developed for children with Autism. This is one of the best uses of technology of the century. Today I will talk about the features in this application and I hope I will soon make a video tutorial of this application on GeekSLP TV. For now, let’s review its features.
How to use it:
As soon as you open the application you will see 8 different categories:
a. Clothes
b. Colors
c. Food & Drink
d. My Body
e. Numbers/Shapes
f. Places
g. Sentences Starters
h. Things I like.
All the users have to do is to navigate through the categories and click on images they want to use. Users can use each picture isolated or combine a set of pictures to make phrases. I was able to make a 4 word phrase using the Grace app (see image).
One of my favorite features on this app is the ability to make the message displayed bigger by rotating iPhone/iPad horizontally (see image).
In the current version the app does not offer any sound or the ability to delete images within the folders. As always, this is not a bad or lacking piece within the Grace app. There are already several apps available for children to use as a form of alternative communication. Users have to realize that it is not about which app has the most features, but which app best meets the needs of the individual child. Different children need different features.
Well done Grace app.
For more information your can visit their website on :http://graceappforautismoniphone.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much for sharing and reviewing Barbara. We are making a few little changes to the categories next update – clothes will be “Things I Need” in response to requests. Carers, Therapists and Educators needed somewhere to put boring stuff like a drinking straw, spoon or a pencil for the task “Manding for a missing item” which teaches kids to ask for stuff they need.
We are also still working on putting the + symbol into each category as requested by so many people who email me.
.This means that the carers and users will be able to categorize all new pictures they add as they go. The last category which is currently the empty “custom” folder will be “People” for the photographs of people who matter to the user.
We are going to keep Grace as the Point, Pause, Prompt and Reward app for developing the users own voice through practice. As you say there are many other good ones doing the voca thing so well.
We will keep getting Gracie to practice her phonemes and develop her own vocalisations – and I am reminded why we do this everytime she says “Mummy”
Our focus will remain on keeping the app robust and graceful for the user themselves to own and take control of.
xx