Kido'z Browser

There's another interesting browser that just release for kids, it's called Kido'z.  The browser was created and is moderated by a group of parents and professionals.  The browser displays a picture of a website and allows the students to access the website, they have created scripts that keeps kids from leaving a site and heading to something else.  Since the browser is controlled, there is no way to add your own bookmarks, but most of the common kids websites are included.   It would be a great browser for a classroom or home.   The information and site are updated on a regular basis, in fact they have just added video support from YouTube and games from other sites.

Take a look at the browser here: Kido'z Browser


Patrick

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PHOTOsyms

Kate on TLWMSN posted an interesting program today called PHOTOsyms. This is a simple program designed to allow you to create communication boards using digital photos. Kate has several links to places that provide pictograms and such in her post if you need symbols.

I downloaded the program and tried it out. Make sure you take a look at the suggestions that Kate has, they help. I am using a Mac so I didn't need to copy my files to the My PHOTOsyms folder. It worked exactly as advertised, you can put photos into it, adjust their size, then add to a board. The board size is from 2 pictures up to 54 pictures. They can only be created in a grid format. The program is designed to run on Windows and Mac, and is a nice, free alternative for creating communication grids.

Patrick

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PRC Pictures

For those students using a Vantage or a Vanguard communication device this is the post for you. Prentke-Romich has provided a copy of all the icons available in their picture set as a download. These photos can be loaded into your computer and be used in Boardmaker. Here's a description from PRC:

Download the current PRC icons. These icons are the same for all PRC devices. They are available in BMP, GIF, and JPEG format and contained within a single ZIP file. If you need an icon for a device or for use in a PC, then use the bitmap (bmp) file. MAC users will need to use the gif or jpeg files. The files include a page of instructions for using the PRC icons.

Here's the link to download the file:

PRC Pictures

For those of you using a Mac, the pictures can be imported into iPhoto, if you are using windows you will need to copy and paste the photos into word or Boardmaker. If you have questions doing this please feel free to e-mail and ask!

ZAC Browser

There is a new browser out, designed for students with Autism in mind.  Here is a description from the website:

ZAC is the first web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and PDD-NOS. We have made this browser for the children - for their enjoyment, enrichment, and freedom. Children touch it, use it, play it, interact with it, and experience independence through ZAC.

ZAC is the zone that will permit your child to interact directly with games (a LOT of games) and activities (focused on MANY interests) that cater specifically to kids who display the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders, like impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. ZAC has been an effective tool for kids with low, medium and high functioning autism.

ZAC focuses on the children and their interaction - But we also provide an excellent forum for parents, caretakers, teachers, and others to share their experiences, tools and resources and to unite as a caring, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable community. It is said that "it takes a village to raise a child", and that is exponentially true for raising a child with autistic spectrum disorders. The power of your experience yesterday is going to be instrumental in helping someone successfully tackle the circumstances of today.

This browser allows a child to have access to the computer, but keeps them from going to harmful sites. It only allows them to access what is currently programmed into it. There are many learning games, videos, and audio clips programmed in. Take a look at the browser here: Zac Browswer