Toddlers Thrive with Tech for Tykes
CIDE's Early Childhood Programs
Feb 14, 2024
Tech for Tykes is changing the lives of children under age three with disabilities using assistive technology (AT)! Children with developmental delays or disabilities often have difficulty playing and interacting with the world around them. AT provides them with opportunities to be active participants in life rather than passive bystanders.
Here are just a few of our recent success stories featuring Colorado children using AT borrowed from the Tech for Tykes loan library:
Childhood apraxia of speech kept this two-year-old from sharing his ideas or making requests using vocal communication. With a loan from Tech for Tykes, he started using an iPad Mini with a ChatWrap keyguard and the Proloquo2Go app to name colors, request farm animals to play with, and communicate his personal information such as his age, his dog’s name, and where he will be going to preschool. His mother originally programmed the phrase, “My favorite toys are farm animals and tractors,” but he responded, “No. Bulls.” He was so excited to use the device to tell his uncle and grandmother the new phrase, “My favorite toys are bulls and tractors.” .jpg?sfvrsn=a707f4bb_4)
This 20-month-old has been benefitting from the Tech for Tykes loan library for a few months. She started by trialing a BigMack communication aid then progressed to using two BigMacks to make choices. She is now starting to trial a GoTalk 4+ using pictures. Thanks to the loan library, her providers can test different items and find the right fit for her!Caption: This little one is excited to start using the GoTalk 4+!
Alt text: 20-month old wearing glasses and sitting on an adult’s lap while holding a GoTalk 4+
This two-year-old has significant sensitivities and a fear of movement or changes in body position. Cushions and pillows were used to challenge her balance, but they allowed for too much movement and were not successful. The Balance Pad provided the “just right” challenge. The family reported that they couldn’t believe how willing their child was to stand on it while she did activities at the coffee table and while dancing to her favorite Minnie Mouse songs!
Check out even more success stories on the Tech for Tykes website!