April 25, 2010

Just a note on the iPad and DSPD

The least blurry of the "Bertrand using iPad" photos. Look at him tap away!

The past few days have been busy with all the yard and house work that spring time always seems to bring. The list of questions for Bertrand's neurologist is set for tomorrow's appointment, which is sandwiched between preschool and hippotherapy.

But what was Bertrand up to this weekend? Playing with his new iPad, of course! Bertrand watched Elmo videos, listened to music, played baby piano, drew pictures, flipped baby flashcards, read ebooks, and played videogames (the last two with help from Mama and Dada).

The device is so sensitive that Bertrand gets instant feedback from the slightest glance of his fingers--this ensures that he is fascinated by it! The iPad seems to have given Bertrand a new awareness of what his hands are capable of, and he has since been caught touching his own feet and playing with his Mama's hair!

We're looking into a picture communication program (either purchased or custom programed) for the iPad as well.

One sour note this weekend was receiving notice that Bertrand had been denied a spot on the waiting list for services by the Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD). Mind you, this waiting list is 4 to 7 years long, but for Bertrand to be denied a spot on the list was the ultimate in stupidity. I plan on appealing the decision and, if that doesn't work, seeking assistance from the Disability Law Center, the Protection and Advocacy agency for the state of Utah.

5 comments :

  1. Wow, that's so cool with the iPad! Jade loves playing games on our computers, so if she got one of those, I know we'd have to set timers to ensure she would actually interact with the real world.

    And regarding the waiting list: good Lord! What the heck were they thinking???

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  2. That is so cool. I discovered that Ava loved reaching and smacking my computer keys so I googled virtual piano and it turned my keyboard into a piano. Ava loved banging the keys. I found another game through fisher price where when you press any key someone will jump out and yell peek a boo! The only problem is that the computer is not drool proof. I bet Ava would love the iPad. I was thinking Meggie when they first came out but both could really benefit. Mmmmm, now if only I could convince Craig.

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  3. Okay, THIS is so very cool! When we get resettled, you will have to give me the lowdown on what programs B has really gotten into -- this would be great for Hannah!

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  4. What was their reason for denying Bertrand??!!

    Is it just a regular iPad or a special iPad for developmental therapy? I want one for John!

    Ashley

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  5. What can I say...
    If B was rejected for the WAITING LIST, what hope is there for anyone else getting on? Oh, this state! I have a love/hate relationship with it right now; especially its insurance program. All I can tell you is to appeal; have your doctor and therapists write letters and ask to meet one of the intake officers in person. Take B with you and then we'll really see what they think! Keep on hanging in there. Excited/nervous about the new therapies!

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