Abilipad, previously known as Intellipad, is a set of writing tools that, as described by the developer, “combines the functionality of a noteopad with word predication, text-to-speech and a customizable keyboard.” A comprehensive review of this app is available on the Apps for Special Needs Children website. There is also a video supporting the review of the app on this page.
A series of two video tutorials have been posted on YouTube. They can be viewed below.
Requirements: Compatible with iPad.Requires iOS 4.3 or later.
App Writer US is a new app from a programming studio in Denmark. It is a text editor for the iPad with word prediction, text-to-speech, OCR, and a special font for people who are Dyslexic. The developers have put together a short video to introduce the product.
I learned about this app in a QIAT listserv posting made by Karen Jankowski, an AT specialist. Here is what she said on 3/14/12:
Everyone needs to know about this great free app which supports struggling writers, the ones who have great ideas but can’t get them down on paper for a number of different reasons.
It’s an amazing app which allows you to import pictures, documents, items from dropbox, etc and then either type, write or use speech recognition into text boxes. After the document is completed, there are a number of ways to share it.
So many uses. But some of the most important include:
1. import a test or quiz, add text boxes into which students record their answers using speech recognition and then share with teacher 2. Create a graphic organizer in another app or take a picture of a graphic organizer, import into Notes and then use speech recognition to complete the organizer. Share
3. Complete writing prompts using speech recognition to complete paragraph writing more independently.
Many more but this one is essential for our struggling writers as it promotes independence and negates a need for a scribe.
Have fun!
The developers describe their product as a digital note taking tool, allowing the user to combine documents, web content, audio, typed text, and handwritten notes into a single document that can be shared.
Requirements: Compatible with iPad.Requires iOS 4.2 or later.
Dragon Dictation, from Nuance, is a voice recognition application powered by Dragon® NaturallySpeaking®. The app allows the user to speak and instantly see text or email messages. The editing featureof the program provides a list of suggested words. Watch a review of the app by clicking on the video below.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later. Dragon Dictation requires network connectivity (WiFi or 3G/EDGE).
App-Zoo has created a series of apps, available in lite and for-pay versions, that provide instruction in letter tracing in large print and cursive . Versions for the iPad was released on November, 2010. One app in this series - ABC Tracer – Letters, Numbers, Words, Phonics - allows the user to trace words, and includes an ABC song. The apps incorporate animation, color-coded visual instruction about how to make correct strokes when writing, and feedback for both correct and incorrect tracing.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 2.2.1 or later
Alpha Writer, an app developed by the Montessori educators at Montessorium, is based on the Montesorri Moveable Alphabet. The moveable alphabet was created for children who have the ability and interest to start writing and reading, but don’t quite have the fine motor skills needed to hold a pencil and draw the letters.
This app is designed to help children learn to read, write and spell phonetically to compose words and create stories. As described by the developers, writing comes before reading in a Montesorri instructional environment. This is because writing is the expression of one’s own thoughts, whereas in reading, the child must identify the letters placed in formation to decode a word of someone elses choosing. At this stage of development, Montessori believes that spelling is not essential. Thus, the app places an emphasis on the phonetic sounds used to build a word.
Zen Tap Pro is a word prediction apps that allows you to complete words simply typing the first letters. It can increase writing speed and reduce spelling errors. You can create and save text templates for reuse, and assign shortcuts to your templates for rapid access. The video below demonstrates this app.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later
WritePad, and its more sopistated version called WritePadPro, are apps that use handwriting recognition technology to allow users to write with their fingers on the surface of an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Check out the video tutorial below to see what this app does.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.
Typ-O is described as an app that is useful for people who are dyslexic or just poor spellers. Key features include word prediction, text to speech, and a sophisticated error spelling model that helps to support the writing process. The text to speech function allows you to inspect the word predictions before selecting them, and check your text before emailing or pasting it into other applications. Support and frequently asked questions can be found on the developer’s website.
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later
This FREE app by Gee Wiz Stuff allows you to actually write on your iPad or iPod without having to use the popup keyboard. A more complete version (Use Your Handwriting Gold) is available for .99. This looks like a handy tool for “to do” lists or short entries. With a black background and different colors available for the text, you can select settings that address a user’s preferences and vision. One user commented that you can have up to six lists going at the same time.
You can view a demo video below to get an idea of how it works. Other videos of the Gold version are also available on the developers website.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later