Tablet Devices Shown to Assist Children with Disabilities, Meep Pad Comments on Development
As the creator of a tablet specifically geared toward children, Meep Pad developers comment on tablet use by children with disabilities.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 16, 2013
The developers of the Meep Pad created a tablet specifically for children. A recent article delivered by the ABC in Des Moines, Iowa, sheds lights on how these devices are useful for children with disabilities. The company is confident in its product and its features.For children with disabilities, communication is often a struggle. Those who are non-verbal have even more difficulty expressing themselves. This is where products like the tablet come in handy. The article discusses the experiences of Chloe Orban, a six-year-old with Autism. At one time she used to say "mom," but has since ceased talking. Her common methods of communication were pointing or walking to something she wanted. For her, a tablet is much more than a device to read books or watch videos. It has allowed her access to a new form of communicating.
With just the touch of a button, Chloe can now introduce herself. She doesn't have to say a word. Through applications like "Proloquo 2 Go," she has a voice. She uses this and other applications to answer questions, practice identifying animals, and learn routines. Her parents are thrilled. Previously Chloe could only access this technology at school. She was issued a school-funded tablet, but she wasn't allowed to take it home.
Her hometown of Le Mars, Iowa, pulled together to help her out. The Floyd Valley Foundation and Le Mars Kiwanis Club provided the funds for her to get a tablet for home, along with some specialized applications. Now Chloe can communicate wherever she goes. The tablet and applications have allowed her to access a new world of opportunity.
Creators of the Meep Pad are excited about these new developments. They have confidence in the abilities of their children's tablet. "We're at an exciting time with the advent of tablet technology specially geared toward children," confirms a Meep Pad representative. "With Meep, our goal was to provide all of the terrific things you do with a tablet, along with the durability and fun that goes along with one designed especially for kids. Quite a bit of thought went into the interface alone, by watching how kids interact with tablets. How they hold them and use their thumbs to navigate, to using a light-based touch screen so kids can use the tablet with gloves on if they are in the car in a cold climate. For kids with disabilities, tablets can be a real boon to their education and ability to interact with others."
The Meep Pad's design is catered toward children ages 6 and up. Its colorful, durable silicon sleeve allows children to have a better grip. The seven inch screen features zForce touch screen technology. Unlike other products, it responds to light-based touch rather than heat-based touch. It has built-in Wi-Fi for internet access and a camera for taking pictures and videos. The tablet comes with 50 pre-installed games and applications. Hundreds more are available for download through the Meep Store. The company offers a wide variety of educational and learning activities and games, as well as e-books. Parental controls allow parents to choose how their children interact, what they play, and how long they play. The Meep Pad opens up a world of opportunity to young users.
ABOUT:
The Meep Pad is an Android-based tablet designed for children ages six to eleven. Accessories such as a steering wheel, microphone, headphones, joystick, drum pad, and piano allow for even more interaction. Hundreds of games and applications are compatible with the tablet and appeal to all ages and interests.