At this point we’ve covered more than a few learning apps, but the truth is, not all of these apps are truly accessible from the box. Today we are going to look at a learning app that takes accessibility seriously, so regardless of what platform you are accessing the app from, you’ll have more than a few options when it comes to tweaking the accessibility of your learning environment.

Starfall is learning/education app that covers pre-K to grade 3 and offers lessons and activities related to math, reading, music, English, and more. It offers a variety of reading activities including phonics, talking library, and other activities designed to teach the fundamentals of reading. The app also offers a variety of seasonal activities like Halloween fractions, Valentines Day card maker, songs about individuality, and more.

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We’ve already discussed high-tech devices for partially sighted users such as the Orcam MyEye in past e-bulletins, and while these are incredible pieces of technology, they typically cost between two and five thousand dollars, putting them out of reach for most users. Today, we are going to look at similar type of device that costs a fraction of that price but still offers some great features for individuals with low vision.

Relumino is a Samsung app that harnesses the power of Samsung Gear VR and turns it into an incredible piece of assistive technology. The Samsung Gear VR headset retails for about $60 CDN, and as long as you pair it with a Samsung Galaxy 8 or Note 7 (or above) then you can access this app. Please note that because this is a Samsung app, only Samsung smartphones are compatible. But, any model Samsung VR Gear will work, so you might be able to find an older headset for next to no cost.

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Today we are joined by digital literacy and assistive technology trainer Erin LeBlanc. In this episode, we explore some of our favorite mainstream technologies and apps that can also function as AT. We talk UDL, barriers to bringing technology into the classroom, and more.

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We’ve looked at learning apps such as IXL or Khan Academy in the past, but today we are going to look at a learning app that address a subject area that other learning apps tend not to touch on. Where the apps mentioned above are ideal for core subjects such as math or reading, the app that we are looking at today puts a lot of emphasis on social and emotional learning, creativity, and thinking.

Homer Learning App is a highly rated (and frequently downloaded) app that is accessible via iOS, Android, PC, and Mac. The app offers a free trial, and monthly memberships starts at $9.99 CDN. Each account includes four customizable profiles, so parents with multiple children will get even more value out of this app.

The app uses illustrated stories to model a variety of day-to-day social interactions. The stories are centered around learning empathy and building perspective of the outside world. There is also an emphasis put on friendships, and the skills required to build and maintain them. The illustrations are well-drawn and interesting, something that is often lacking in similar apps.

Homer also puts a lot of emphasis on fostering creativity in children, and it does so using unique, well-designed lessons. One activity has users creating art in response to prompts, and another has them creating their own stories. Not only is this emphasizing creative expression, but it provides children with an alternative output for the stresses of their daily lives. Looking at these activities, it is clear that a great deal of thought was put into Homer Learning.

Critical thinking skills are taught through games and activities that teach children cause and effect, resourcefulness, following instructions, and linking learning to every day life. These activities tend to give users a high level of control, and independent learning is heavily emphasized.

Memory building activities are also offered through Homer, with a variety of activities being available. Not only does the app offer tried and tested matching games, but it also builds memory through stories and songs that encourage memorization and repetition.

Overall, the app is well-designed, the animations and stories are engaging, and the variety of activities is hard to beat. For children who struggle with learning, (especially in the area of social and emotional learning), Homer Learning is definitely an app worth considering. To learn more about the app, click here.

This post originally appeared on the AT Help Desk website.

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Math can be difficult enough for many of us (this author included), but imagine what it’s like for children with disabilities who ALSO struggle with basic math concepts? Imagine you are trying to learn the fundamentals of math in grade 1, and you cannot fully see the equations that you are being asked to solve. Today, we’re going to look at an app that seeks to solve that very problem, and it does so for free!

Math Melodies is a free app for iPad that uses audio cues to introduce and practice math concepts that are traditionally taught and tested on paper. Users can choose between a ten-chapter story mode, or they can choose between a variety of exercises that cover concepts learned between 1st and 5th grade. Each exercise also gives the option of choosing between base and advanced level lessons.

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In case you aren’t aware, our AT Help Desk posts a variety of informative resources for teachers, students, and persons with disabilities underneath of the “Resources” section of the AT Help Desk website.

This week we wanted to quickly throw a spotlight on our “One-Pagers” section. One-pagers are short, informational documents that provide step by step instructions to a variety of digital tasks related to assistive technology.

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On today’s episode of “We Have Solutions,” we’re joined by Occupational Therapist Alain Desir. Tune in as we explore all things OT, including case studies, tips for good ergonomics, success stories, and more.

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We’ve looked at quite a few reading apps in the past, and most of the apps that we’ve looked at provide users with an impressive suite of useful reading options from highlighting text to reading it out loud. And while those apps are incredibly useful, especially for learners who already understand how to read, they’re not usually designed to dive too far into the fundamentals of writing. The app that we are looking at today is designed for learners who are just starting to read, and don’t yet require the additional features that we’ve mentioned above.

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AAC apps and devices tend to be highly specialized and expensive pieces of hardware, which is probably why we haven’t spent that much time talking about them. These devices also tend to be recommended by speech language pathologists, so we would always recommend first meeting with a member of the New Brunswick Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists if you or someone you know might benefit from this type of technology.

However, the app that we are looking at today is a fraction of the cost of a typical piece of AAC hardware, and rather than having to buy a new piece of standalone technology, TD Snap harnesses the power of iOS to transform an iPad into an AAC device. This also means that persons with disabilities have even more customization and accessibility options due to iOS’s built-in features. Thanks to those built-in accessibility features, the app can be accessed via touch, voice commands, eye gaze, and switch.

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Word processing apps have evolved dramatically since the advent of the internet. In the early days of computing, word processing apps were expensive, tedious, and often required extensive training to use. Then, Microsoft Word streamlined the genre and made it more accessible and easier to use. Then, with the popularity of smartphones came a flood of mobile-based word processing and grammar apps designed to help users write while on the go.

Today we are going to look at one of the most popular (certainly the most widely known) app in that category, Grammarly. The app is free, but there is also a premium version with even more features. We’re going to take a closer look at those features today and do a bit of comparing between the two versions of the app.

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