Happy 4th Of July

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!


Here is Junior using his ipad while we work on his 4th of July craft.
Letting me know I am helping too much
Showing off his finished craft

Relaxing with a movie and his toys


Friday afternoon we checked out the app we are reviewing for A4cwsn . This app is called Treasure Kai and Junior was very impressed. It did have some things that could have been improved upon such as interaction. Junior kept wanting help touching the screen to get things to move or make sounds but only a few things did. He also got a bit frustrated when the treasure chests were too small for him to show me the one he wanted. Even with that said the story was great and was totally age appropriate for him even though it was very simple to use and follow. The little boy in the story looks about Junior's age so it was easy for him to get caught up in the story and excited about what was happening. I loved watching Junior's expressions change during each part of the story.
The little boy turned invisible to get where he needed to go. Junior thought this part was absolutely hysterical.
Mr. serious when the skeleton popped out.

Cars

Way back at Christmas Junior had gotten a little kit for making some cars. You put the powder in the mold, dip it in water and then remove the mold and add wheels. The car feels like rubber when it is done.
Yesterday we finally pulled out the kit and made one of the cars.

Ready to fill the mold, Junior decided on an orange car
Hitting his switch to tell me "look at my ipad please".

Getting my attention again with his switch
All done with his car

Story Builder App

Recently A4cwsn started an Appvisory board to review special needs apps and give input to developers. Junior and I are proud to be a part of this and were excited to get our first app this week to try out and review.
When we first looked at Story Builder I really didn't think it would work for Junior because he is non verbal. I set it up on the arm so he could see it and then we just started playing with it.
With this app you are given a picture and then a question is asked about that picture. The child is given the first couple words to start them off on their answer. They can then record their answer. For Junior I would give him several options for answers and let him choose the one he wanted(using his yes/no eye gaze). Then I would record it in my voice. The first picture was this one and though he focused and did answer the questions he made it clear he didn't think it was very exciting.
Then we pulled up the next picture and his whole attitude changed. It was a picture of some pirates and a sinking ship. He loved it and it took us quite awhile to go through the 5 questions because he kept not wanting the answer options I was giving him.
Finally his story was just right and we played it back for him. He thought it was just the funniest thing.

Great app, it encouraged Junior to use his imagination as he built his story.

We Are Home!!!

After a wonderful week at camp we are now back home. We all had an amazing time and are so blessed to have had this experience. It was great to see Junior treated just like every other kid, not a disabled kid but a just a kid. Joni and Friends Retreat was an experience we will never forget.
Please visit Junior's regular blog to hear all about our trip. I will be putting up several post about it over the next few days. Click the picture below to go to his blog.

Off To Camp

I posted this on Junior's regular blog last week so thought I would post it here to share where we will be next week.
Junior spiked a fever this past Saturday and was sick much of the week(the reason we have been MIA on this blog). He is much better now so we have the all clear to still head to camp on Monday. Santa Cruz here we come. Our next post will be next Weekend when we arrive home.

Junior's Got Mail

Our camp packet came this week and inside was a special book just for Junior to tell him all about camp.
It has pictures and symbols(the same as he uses on his ipad) along with the words so he can read it himself. He was so excited to see it and find out about all the neat things we will be doing.
Here are the first few pages from his camp book(there are about 20 pages so I am not posting them all). I am very impressed, this really lets him know exactly what will be happening. It will help avoid stress over a new situation and new people and allow him to be able to relax and have a wonderful time.
The "cabins" are more like hotel rooms so Junior will have plenty or room for all his machines and other things he needs.
We can not express how thankful we are to Mellisa's sister in law for making this trip possible(thank you Carol). She not only raised the funds for it but is volunteering at camp so Junior will have a camp buddy that he knows(and who is aware of his medical needs).
Each child has a buddy that stays with them throughout the camp and helps with the activities. Much of the day is spent in family activities but a few hours each day there are activities for the kids and then separate things for the parents. It will be good for him to feel a little bit of independence(and I will only be a shout away if there are any issues) and get to do something just like other kids his age.

I am of course concerned about his asthma and medical issues while we are at camp but I know how important it is to let him get out and enjoy life. Somethings are worth the risk.

Chilling Out With His Solar System and Ipad

Hanging out in the bed this morning doing a little extra bipap time to try and keep that asthma away. The weather is changing soooo fast.
Nothing like a solar system and story on the ipad for distraction.
Just showing how the ipad arm is attached to his bed.

So Many Uses

While the Ipad is mainly a communication device for Junior during times like this it is a wonderful way to keep him entertained. His asthma has been giving him fits lately and he has been to several doctors appts.
Using the ipad at therapy
While at the doctors(he usually has it on the stand attached to his chair so it is at eye level but he wanted it in his lap this day)
Watching his shows while on the go.
and of course during school time


When I am behind on this blog you can always jump over and visit his regular blog to see what is going on. There will likely be a lack of regular post for the coming 2-3 weeks. On June 13th we will head to camp for a week. This is our first time ever and a once in a life time chance. We will be attending the Joni and Friends Family Camp and are so excited. It is a camp especially for families with a disabled family member and all activities are adapted so everyone can take part.