Breakaway's iPad Project

Breakaway has been successful with grant applications to purchase 20 x iPad2. The iPads come loaded with an impressive list of Apps. To download a comprehensive list of these Apps, Click here (Acrobat version).

Thanks to the following generous sponsors:
(Click on their Logo to go to their sites)

Breakaway launched their new and exciting iPad project on Sunday 30th October, 2011 at 4pm in San Remo at a respite camp for adults with disabilities.

John Craven was a perfectly happy and healthy 12 year old boy when he was hit by a 4WDrive with a bullbar in Sydney. John sustained a brain injury. That was 28 years ago. Staggeringly, for the past 28 years the main form of communication for John was a QWERTY alphabet board. He points to every letter of every word that he wishes to say. See what happens when a complete stranger gives John an iPad. A short film, aptly named ‘QWERTY’, was produced documenting this amazing story. To view ‘QWERTY’, just click the Youtube window below:

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As technologies develop, so too do the opportunities for people with disabilities to communicate with others and engage in social networking and entertaining activities. The development of the iPad has particular significance in that its size, construction and capabilities allow people with limited or no functioning speech, and/or restricted physical movement a means whereby they can interact without frustration and with great success with the world around them. It must be remembered that in many cases it’s only the physical disability that is cutting off access to a normal, intelligent, thinking brain.

Project Objectives: Introduce a new activity to our camp programs. These will provide all campers (adults, children, siblings, young carers and parents) with a new and exciting activity. Show campers with communication difficulties what is possible with new technology Improve communication between camper and volunteer Highlight the difficulties faced by people with disabilities Showcasing Breakaway's willingness to embrace new technology and innovative projects. Breakaway is very grateful to Club Toukley, Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club, Network of Caring, Halekulani Bowling Club, and the Wyong Rugby Leagues Club for their wonderful support of this exciting project.

Resource List:

• Apple iPad iOS4 User Guide iPad Manual 181 pages in .PDF format
• iTunes iPad2 Starter Guide  iTunes Starter Guide web page link
• Autism Applications (Adobe Acrobat file) Fifty applications iPhone/iPad/iPod for learning, speech etc from Autism Queensland
• 10 Revolutionary apps to help autistic children (Adobe Acrobat file) A detailed look at ten apps for autistic children
• The iPad as an inclusive device in Education (Adobe Acrobat file) A close look at the Apple iPad and how it can help with Special Education
• Apps for iPhone,iPod Touch, iPad, for Special Education  Link to website for downloading Apps
• Top 100 Apps - The Definitive Guide 2011   Links to Sydney Morning Herald website review of 100 best Apps for iPhones or iPads
• AppAnnie List of top paid and free educational apps from Australian iTunes store
• Apps for Children With Special Needs Site produces videos that demonstrate how products designed to educate children and build their life skills really work from a user perspective
• Atlas's Assistive Technology Blog Assistive Technology of Alaska connects people with disabilities to the tools they need to learn, work, play and participate in community life safely and independently
• Babies with iPads Blog designed to document infants/toddlers with disabilities using an iPad to promote their development
• Fun Educational Apps Discover the best iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad apps for kids
• iAutism Blog related to to the use of visual and tactile technology such as the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad for people with ASD
• iPad Academy Tutorials, tips, training and how to articles on the iPad
• iPossibilities for Those with significant Special Needs and their Teams blog post of special needs apps
• One Place for Special Needs Complete guide to educational and special needs apps
• The Accessibility Features of the iPad Article from Disability Blog
• There's a Special App For That Blog series on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad apps for students with special needs
• iPads for education List of useful apps from Victorian Dept Education and Early Childhood Development

If you are interested in discussing this project further, please contact Jodie Davis on
4390 7624 or 0414 521935 or email Jodie at jdavis@breakaway.org.au