iBooks Update 1.1.1 Allows Audio and Video

On July 19, 2010, Apple updated iBooks to version 1.1.1. This update adds a key feature, “the ability to experience books that...

iBooks Update 1.1.1 Allows Audio and Video

Back to the lab again…

I have learned so much in the 13 or so years in this field. The learning has grown exponentially, especially since I first envisioned an AAC app for...

Back to the lab again...

Sennott to Focus on Research, Sells Share in Proloquo2Go

Sennott to Focus on Research, Sells Share in Proloquo2Go June 3, 2010 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; State College, PA Dear...

Sennott to Focus on Research, Sells Share in Proloquo2Go

Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2010

I am very excited to be attending the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference this year. Things kick off with the keynote tomorrow morning...

Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2010

Emotiv, a Brain Computer Interface, Commercially Available

Emotiv is a much fabled consumer brain computer interface that seems to finally have a shipping date. I ordered today...

Emotiv, a Brain Computer Interface, Commercially Available

Proloquo2Go is Available

Proloquo2Go is available on the iPhone App Store. Late last night, we recieved the acceptance email.  We all have been waiting patiently.  The emails...

Proloquo2Go is Available

New Website for Proloquo2Go

Proloquo2Go is the new augmentative and alternative communication solution for the iPhone and iPod touch.   www.proloquo2go.com has just been updated...

New Website for Proloquo2Go

iBooks Update 1.1.1 Allows Audio and Video

iBooks

iBooks


On July 19, 2010, Apple updated iBooks to version 1.1.1. This update adds a key feature, “the ability to experience books that include audio and video.” This is terrific for a wide variety of learners from individuals just learning to read to experienced readers. The key component is the expanded interactive nature of digital books. This is important because iBooks is a mainstream application, not just a special education focused tool. This certainly looks to be a step in the right direction towards the goal of more universally designed literacy resources. Researchers at Penn State will be pleased about this ability, as it will empower them to start to use more interactive books on the iPad. You can see some of the work they do on this terrific website, aacliteracy.psu.edu.

Here is what the update brings:
• The ability to double-tap an image within a book in order to view it in greater detail.
• The ability to experience books that include audio and video.
• Look up definitions to English words inside books without a specified language.
• An answer to an issue that may have caused some book downloads to not complete.
• The addition of many stability and performance improvements.

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Drummer Reinvents His Way to Rock

Look how Origin Instruments helps this drummer reinvent his way to rock. This is one of the best assistive technology stories of the year. This is a must read/watch and share.
Disabled musician reinvents the drum
By Chris Welch, CNN

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Back to the lab again…

Beakers

Beakers

I have learned so much in the 13 or so years in this field. The learning has grown exponentially, especially since I first envisioned an AAC app for the iPhone, which turned into Proloquo2Go, and as I started the PhD program at PSU. Yet, as much as I am seeing, experiencing, and learning from reading, meeting people, attending conferences, classes, researching, and more, I am realizing there is so much more to learn. There is so much to learn about how to assist the people with disabilities I work to serve. The fields of education and universal design are endless, for sure. I now believe that it is going to take more than I thought to truly make a holistic difference in the lives of these people I care deeply about. During this time of reflection in my work and life, I am again asking the question, “What will it take?”.

So with that being said, it is “back to the lab again”, where I will be working on that question systematically over time. What a gift to be here at Penn State! The people here are simply terrific. I look forward to sharing the fruits of our research work with you over the coming months and years.

This blog is very important to me and while the posts have been infrequent recently, look for them to pick up shortly.
photo credit

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Sennott to Focus on Research, Sells Share in Proloquo2Go

Sennott to Focus on Research, Sells Share in Proloquo2Go
Samuel Sennott

June 3, 2010
Amsterdam, The Netherlands; State College, PA

Dear Proloquo2Go user, community member, and/or Proloquo2Go partner,

Samuel Sennott, co-creator of Proloquo2Go, is selling his share in Proloquo2Go to AssistiveWare in order to focus his research and development efforts on his PhD at The Pennsylvania State University and on his new company, Sennott Technologies, LLC.

Proloquo2Go has made a large impact on the AAC world over the two years of the collaboration between AssistiveWare and Sennott Consulting. When they came together almost two years ago, they believed they could make a difference by creating a new AAC solution that was powerful, affordable, and cool. From the amazing user community, to a front-page feature in the NY Times, Proloquo2Go has had a profound impact.

While Sennott will not continue to be a part of Proloquo2Go, he will remain fully committed to the AAC community, serving through his research and future endeavors. He has full confidence that AssistiveWare will continue to provide great service as well as many further enhancements to Proloquo2Go that will benefit the Proloquo2Go community.

David and AssistiveWare would like to use this occasion to thank Sam for the important contributions he has made to Proloquo2Go and, not in the least, his success in drawing public attention to the needs of AAC users. With his ongoing research, he will be able to make even more contributions to the field of AAC in the future. Let us all give Sam a big thank you and wish him well in his further pursuits.

Samuel Sennott would like to specially thank David Niemeijer for the amazing work we did together. He would also like to thank his father, mother, family, Deirdre, Joseph Barnick, Pam H., Sue M., Mads, the Penn State community, The DC Crew, TLC, Origin Instruments, Apple Inc. and the whole Proloquo2Go community for their support.

Best wishes,

David and Sam

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Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2010

I am very excited to be attending the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference this year. Things kick off with the keynote tomorrow morning 10:00 AM Pacific. If you want to follow along with the keynote live, try Macrumors.
Peace at the WWDC

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ABC News

It was terrific speaking with ABC news about Proloquo2Go on the iPad. Here is the link to the full story. You can see the video below.
The Conversation: iPad Gives Voice to the Autisti

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Fox News: Autism, There’s an App for That (about Proloquo2Go)

Fox News Video: Girl with autism using Proloquo2Go

Autism: there’s an app for help. Monday March 29, 2010 Fox News in Tampa reports on a young girl using Proloquo2Go at home and at school. Click here to read the story.

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The Language Stealers

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A Moving Video

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Switch Accessible YouTube: SWAY

Hello Everyone. Check out this holiday treat: Switch Accessible YouTube. It’s called SWAY and it is another simple jem from Gary Bishop’s lab. SWAY seems to stand for Switch Accessible YouTube! Click below to go to a playlist about Proloquo2Go, the AAC app for the iPhone and iPod touch.

What other holiday treats have you found lately?

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