Federal law now requires students with an IEP plan Transition Goals starting at age 14. Goals for transition range from career/employment pre-vocational skills to levels of independence. Each year, a student’s transition goals change based upon his or her needs.
Quick Cues (opens in new tab) $4.99 for each module. Quick Cues is listed for the Autistic Community but it meets the transitional needs for any student who needs to work on listening skills or talking on the phone. Promotes good habits to stay organized, maintain personal hygiene, taking turns, and more.
Chore Pad HD (opens in new tab) $4.99 This app is great for students still in school and for those moving to group homes. Chore Chart can be used in the classroom as well as home. You can customize the chore to fit the IEP goal, such as "student will hang up jacket independently."
Grocery Gadget (opens in new tab) Free Helps students organize grocery lists, pharmacy needs, errands, and more. In addition, students can scan prices and use ecoupons.
Menu Planner (opens in new tab) $1.99 Create meal plans, import and store recipes, keep track of what you have in your pantry, and integrate it all into your shopping list in one single application.
Medication Reminder (opens in new tab) Free This app helps users remember to take medications at the right time of day.
Check Book HD (opens in new tab) $1.99 An e-checkbook app. Users keep track of accounts and stay aware of how much money is left on each.
Ace Budget (opens in new tab) $.99 Personal finance app to track spending and keep to a budget. Users create daily, weekly, monthly, semimonthly, quarterly, and yearly budgets for an unlimited number of categories.
Compass Map (opens in new tab) Free Switch map types between Street, Satellite, Hybrid, and Terrain. Show current location with latitude/longitude and accuracy information.
City Maps 2Go (opens in new tab) $.99 7000 maps for travelers and people on the move. Ideal for iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone, with no or bad network coverage, or when abroad. No network or WiFi required.
White and Yellow Pages (opens in new tab) Free Search for people or businesses by name or land-line phone number. Includes GPS driving directions, add contacts, save favorites, track history, and when available, the business' websites.
Employment Information (opens in new tab) $.99 The Employment Information Signs and Words application is designed to teach and reinforce basic signs and words critical for independence in the workplace. For some, going on a shopping trip, using basic literacy skills, or understanding what to do when seeing a warning sign are very difficult tasks.
Vicki Windman is a special education teacher at Clarkstown High School South.