In our special-needs school, the app
See. Touch.Learn. Pro (STL Pro) by
Brain Parade is standard issue for
all teachers and clinicians. This app
incorporates instructional methods and
practices typically used in special-education classrooms
and is a great fit for students with autism, developmental
delays, and neurological challenges.
STL Pro provides numerous photo libraries in categories
such as shapes, colors, letters, numbers, emotions, safety
signs, clothing, community helpers, and more. Each photo
library comes with sample lessons designed by Brain
Parade with various instructional levels. I use the photos to
focus on receptive language, categorization, and matching
skills. The STL Pro interface is simple and clear. Prompts
can be delivered via text, spoken, or both, depending on
the needs of your students. You can also customize correct and incorrect feedback.
There are no limits to the versatility of this app. And there
is no more need for paper flashcards—it’s all digital now!
Platforms: iOS
Cost: $34.99 (free version available)
Try See.Touch.Learn. Pro for Assistive Ed
Got an app for that? Email a description of your favorite app to dfingal@iste.org.
Beth Greer is an instructional technologist, assistive technology
specialist, and teacher of special education working at Bancroft
in New Jersey, USA, a private nonprofit serving children and
adults with disabilities. She presents at national and local
conferences; provides workshops for parents, school districts,
and the general public; and works daily to provide Bancroft’s
teachers with technology support.
Here are a few more assistive technology apps that our members recommend:
Articulation Station: Learn how to pronounce the
consonantal sounds in the English language.
iOS; free
Pictello: Create talking photo albums and books with
pictures, text, and recorded sounds.
iOS; $19.99
Behavior Status: Record the daily behavior of a
student or an entire classroom.
Android, iOS; free to 99 cents
Proloquo2Go: Communicate using symbols or typed
text in a natural-sounding voice.
iOS; $219.99
Go Talk Now: This alternative communication tool is
designed for people who have difficulty speaking.
iPad; $79.99
Paperport Notes: Combine docs, web content, audio,
typed text, and handwritten notes into one file.
iPad; free
Panther Writer: Use four innovative keyboards
designed to improve access and efficiency.
iPad; $29.99
Dragon Dictation: Instantly translate spoken
language with this voice-recognition app.
Android, iOS; free
Sonoflex: Turn symbols into clear speech for
nonverbal users.
Android, iOS; $99.99
Co Writer: Help with phonetic/inventive spelling,
grammar, and topic-related vocabulary.
iOS; $17.99
Read2go: Browse, search, download, and read books
directly from Bookshare.
iOS; $19.99
Voice Dream Reader: Control how text sounds in
speech and how text looks on screen.
iOS; $9.99
