Tablets Are Game-Changers For Special Needs Kids

theodp writes "The rise of mainstream tablets is proving to have unforeseen benefits for children with speech and communication problems and may disrupt a business where specialized devices can cost thousands of dollars. iPad apps like Proloquo2Go ($189) aim to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, down syndrome, developmental disabilities, ALS, traumatic brain injury, aphasia, apraxia, and more. Even Steve Jobs didn't see this one coming: 'We take no credit for this, and that's not our intention,' said Jobs, who's been touched by email he gets from parents of special needs kids for whom the iPad is proving to be a life-changer. 'Our intention is to say something is going on here,' Jobs added, suggesting that researchers should 'take a look at this.' Even though they might cost significantly less than dedicated devices, SUNY speech pathologist Andrea Abramovich explained Medicare doesn't cover consumer tablets because they could be used for non-medical purposes."

Comments

Re:Ha your great medicare

[ChrisMaple]

The surface problem that the bureaucracy faces is the obvious opportunity for widespread fraud. Want an iPad? Get a cooperative doctor to fraudulently document a learning disablility, and bingo! the gov't pays for your new toy.

The deeper problem is that the gov't takes the money in the first place. Have you any idea how rich the average person would be if everyone who got money acquired it through productive work? An appropriate tablet computer and associated software would cost less than a day's wages.