Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Communication apps for students who are deaf or hard of hearing


"Learning sign language" by daveynin, Flickr (via Wylio), license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
As we know students who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate in a variety of ways: verbally, use of sign language (cued speech, ASL, manual), lip reading, and writing. Below are some apps that can be used on the iPad to help students develop or maintain their communication skills in and out of the classroom. 

 App name      Website      Description  Cost
 IP - Relay
http://itunes.apple.com/app/ip-relay/id351385414?ign-mpt=uo%3D6&mt=8  IP-Relay allows individuals to use their device to call people who are able to hear. It acts like an instant message system.  The individual who is deaf or hard of hearing type out their message and IP relay operator speaks the message to the individual who is hearing. Then relays what the individual who could hear says to the individual who is deaf through text.   Free
 Dragon Dictation

http://itunes.apple.com/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764?ign-mpt=uo%3D6&mt=8 Dragon dictation allows users to speak directly into the microphone, the words that they spoke appear in text on the screen.   Free
 Face Time
 
Pre-downloaded on device FaceTime is a phone calling app that features video and works through a Wi-Fi internet connection. It is very similar to Skype as it uses video to relay messages. FaceTime is ideal for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing because a user can easily observe facial expressions, gesture, and communicate using American Sign Language or lip reading.    Pre-downloaded on device
 Signing time Lite ASL       http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/signing-time-lite-asl-sign/id306355760?mt=8 The lite version includes six flash cards and three shortened music videos.  Free but full version is $2.99
ABA Flash Cards & Games - Emotions http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aba-flash-cards-games-emotions/id446105144?mt=8  Identifying, understanding, and responding appropriately to emotions.   Free
**All ABA apps are free during the month of April!!**    
Baby sign and sing    http://www.babysignandlearn.com/baby-sign-and-learn-asl-for-iphone-and-ipad           Learn sign language to a children's song. Great for young learners.  Free but you can buy additional songs
PCS Sign language flash cards http://www.mayer-johnson.com/pcs-sign-language-flash-cards/   Learn signs, picture representations, and text all in the same app!  Free
ASL Dictionary for iPad   http://www.asl-dictionary.com/ A great reference for signs and phrases   $6.49
 My Smarty hands    http://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id366804871?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 Learn and practice 300 ASL signs Lite - free full is $4.99
SparkleFish   http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sparklefish/id432462341?mt=8&ls=1  This app allows users to record word in their voice. It is similar to madlibs and comes with four free stories. 

 Free
Splingo's Language Universe    http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/splingos-language-universe/id457526530?mt=8&ls=J Helps students learn and practice listening skills    $2.99
Learn American Sign Language   http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/learn-american-sign-language/id435624458?mt=8  Learn American Sign Language is a simple and fun way to learn signing, covering such useful topics as Greetings, Emergency Situations and more.   $2.99


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