For the 2015 - 2016 school year, a local school district hired me via my own agency to provide SLP services at two different elementary schools. Prior to starting at the schools, I thought I should explore tools for tracking driving mileage and work hours. I have used spreadsheets and paper-based solutions in the past for these tasks, but I really wanted iOS apps I could easily implement wherever on my iPhone. After searching on the App Store, I decided to purchase MileTracker and OfficeTime. Since I started work this week, I already used the apps and have info to share about each. MileTracker is an iOS app (currently $2.99) used primarily for tracking driving mileage. It’s also possible to record expenses for tolls, parking, and fuel. When I was ready to begin using the app, I added [...]

Raffleway version 1.1 is now available. Here’s a list of what's new: ◦ Reset to default background image on entry screen ◦ Add and subtract multiple entries via Steppers ◦ Configurable option to show/hide the Steppers ◦ Pull down on a Raffleway table to search participants by first name or last name ◦ Edit to remove entries for all participants in a Raffleway with multiple entries ◦ Option to rate Raffleway ◦ Re-organized the Options ◦ Stylistic enhancements ◦ Updated Help ◦ Bug fixes If you like the new features, please leave a comment on the iOS App Store listing for Raffleway. If you have feedback, please email support@expressive-solutions.com.

Our giveaway app, Raffleway, is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. We are very excited for users to have the opportunity to run in-person giveaways with Raffleway. Raffleway requires iOS 8.2 and is optimized for iPhone 5, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. In order to use the Apple Watch app for Raffleway, you will need an iPhone 5 or later in close proximity. Raffleway allows anyone to easily run in-person giveaways at conventions, schools, presentations, and other events. Simply collect names and email addresses of participants, then pick the winners. Participant information can be exported for email marketing, and winners can be shared via social media. With Raffleway, there’s no need for Internet connectivity, tickets, or paper slips; just run your giveaway simply in Rafflew[...]

At Expressive Solutions, we create apps for children with speech-language and special needs. We also attend conventions and do presentations on our apps as well as others. At these events, we enjoy doing giveaways for promotion and to increase participation. After hosting several giveaways with raffle tickets and paper slips, we realized we needed to develop our own iOS app. So, we created Raffleway, an iPhone and iPad app with Apple Watch support for raffles and giveaways. Since we think businesses, presenters, and consumers will also appreciate using the app, Raffleway will be coming soon to the App Store. To promote Raffleway in conjunction with Better Hearing and Speech Month (#BHSM), we are pleased to announce a giveaway for (1) Apple Watch* with Raffleway app. You heard it right -[...]

For the last few years, we have been known to host giveaways at various events including presentations and conventions. After hosting the giveaways by using raffle tickets or paper slips (because the raffle apps weren’t sufficient), we decided to develop our own iOS app. As a result, we created Raffleway, an iPhone and iPad app with Apple Watch support for raffles and giveaways. Currently, we are in the final stage of testing Raffleway, and we hope to submit the app to Apple this week. We plan to offer the app at $4.99, which we feel is a very reasonable price, given the features it has. For more information about Raffleway, check out the Raffleway webpage.

I pre-ordered an Apple Watch - the 38mm aluminum case in silver with a white band - at the first possible time, which was on April 10 at midnight. Since I preordered it immediately, I was hoping I would receive it on April 24, the first day for Apple Watch deliveries. Unfortunately, until yesterday, the shipment information stated that my watch would be delivered between April 24 and May 8. Then, I was notified yesterday that my watch would arrive today. I was ecstatic to say the least, but I was worried about receiving it. Apple won’t deliver a device without being present or without pre-signing. Since today was a work day for me at my school, I pre-signed for it. I also asked my mom to stay at my house to ensure the watch was delivered. Thanks mom. The watch was delivered to my mom[...]

Recently, I have been receiving requests to do AAC presentations, including requests for implementing evidence-based practices with Proloquo2Go. To prepare for these presentations, I spent a great deal of time looking for evidence-based practices in books, journal articles and websites such as PrAACtical AAC, Everyday AAC, Teaching Learners With Multiple Special Needs, AssistiveWare, AAC Institute, UNC Center for Literacy and Disability Studies, Gail Van Tatenhove, AAC-RERC, One Kids Place, and more. The resources were incredibly helpful for me to create a slideshow regarding the implementation of Proloquo2Go (using evidence-based practices) for students with AAC needs. I really appreciate all of the amazing AAC information the articles and websites offered, and I made sure to mention them[...]

Although it's hard to believe, ArtikPix was released 5 years ago in March, 2010. To celebrate its 5th anniversary, ArtikPix - Full and ArtikPix Levels Plus will be 25% off during the entire month of March. Additionally, the ES Articulation Bundle that includes the two apps will be $5 USD off. Click on the links below to access the following sale prices: ArtikPix Levels Plus : $29.99 USD ArtikPix - Full : $29.99 USD ES Articulation Bundle : $49.99 USD *Anniversary image from Rory MacLeod

As in years past, I am presenting full-day sessions on the topic of iPads for children with special needs. After working with the same slideshow style for the last year or so, I decided to refresh the design of my slides. I wanted something that looked like the current style of iOS. So, I included transparent rectangles for titles, tables for lists, and circles for sections, among other features. I also updated the content of my slides to be current. The slideshow covers the latest information regarding iPads for children with special needs. iOS 8 and accessibility are highlighted as well as free, paid, and specialized apps that span reading, writing, math, communication, social skills, organization, and more. Several implementation ideas are provided with best practices to effectively [...]

Apple has said that Apple Watch would be coming in early 2015. And lately there have been rumors about the device shipping in March. As a developer, speech-language pathologist (SLP), and a presenter of iOS apps for special needs, I need to anticipate the device’s impact on our profession. Recently, I have been researching the platform more, so I’d like to share what I know and how an SLP may use Apple Watch. For the initial rollout of Apple Watch, 3rd party apps will be extensions of iOS apps; that is, the apps will be part of existing apps for iPhone/iPad, as opposed to standalone apps that function without an iOS app counterpart. In fact, developers create a Watch app as a target of an existing Xcode project, similarly to how an app may have free and paid versions as targets in the s[...]

ArtikPix Levels and ArtikPix Levels Plus version 1.0.2 were updated. Here’s a list of what's new: ◦ Export scores to pdf ◦ Export scores to print ◦ The Information screen now includes the following sections: Getting Started, Help, FAQ, Sound Development Chart, Sound Production Tips, About, Videos, and Our Apps ◦ Increased minimum iOS to 7.1 ◦ Minor bug fixes If you like the new features, please leave a comment on the iOS App Store listing for ArtikPix Levels and/or ArtikPix Levels Plus. If you have feedback, please email support@expressive-solutions.com.

Thank you for your support of our company, Expressive Solutions. In 2014, we introduced two new iOS apps, Percentally Pro and ArtikPix Levels. We also formed a non-public agency to contract speech-language services with schools. Oh, and we had a baby! It was a great year and we're looking forward to more great things in 2015. Happy Holidays from our family to yours! *Happy Holidays image from Chris Hartman