iPod Touch as a Vocational Support for People with Autism

Re-posted from OT's with Apps (originally posted October 1, 2012)

Are you familiar with the Accessible Technology Coalition (ATC)?

The ATC provides numerous resources including free membership, monthly online webinars and a newsletter on AT topics. Their October 2012 newsletter features a link to the full research article from the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation entitled “iPod Touch as a Vocational Support for People with Autism“.  Authored by Tony Gentry, Stephanie Lau, Alissa Molinelli from the Virginia Commonwealth University OT Department, Amy Fallen from the Career Support Services in Richmond, VA and Richard Kriner from VA Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services, this article provides three case studies on the tools, apps and procedures used to provide successful AT interventions using iPods to people on the autism spectrum within a work environment.

This is an inspiring read providing mobile device intervention ideas and tools as they relate to individuals needing organizational and task management supports in a work environment. Interestingly, the apps they used within the case studies were primarily the OEM/Apple iOS apps such as iCal, Clock app, Notes app, Camera and Contacts app for their interventions. Purchased apps were low-cost or free including VoCal app, iReward app, and StoryKit app.

I encourage you to become inspired by the use of mobile devices to improve functional and vocational skills as presented in this research article. It also reminds me that even just a few basic mobile apps utilized for the right task can improve independence with good intervention models and creative application. Be inspired by this research article and check out ATC’s wonderful website resources!
- Carol