Good Karma Applications, Inc Ventures Into The Android Market with a New Visual Schedule Application

Feb. 21, 2012 - PRLog -- Good Karma Applications, an already well known provider of applications for individuals with Special Needs on the Apple iTunes Store has now released their first application on the Android platform. The “app” provides positive behavior support through the use of “visual schedules”. First-Then was designed for individuals with communication needs, developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorders or anyone who would benefit from a structured environment. The “app” allows schedules to be created “on the go” and can be completely customized to meet the needs of the individual user. “First-Then Visual Schedule” is an affordable and convenient visual and audio-prompting tool, available now through the Android Market for $9.99 and compatible with most Android tablet devices.

Visual schedules have been shown to be an effective intervention for persons with Autism. The schedules provide positive behavioral support through the use of images that show daily events, such as morning routine activities like eating breakfast and brushing teeth. First-Then Visual Schedule is unique in that it is completely customizable to each user’s individual needs. Users can add personal voice recordings and contextually relevant images to create a custom schedule unique to the user. Schedules can be created to show daily events or steps need to complete a specific activity. This enables caregivers and individuals with special needs a way to view upcoming activities and scheduled events, in order to lower anxiety and increase independence.

Good Karma Applications is a company dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with Special Needs. Many of these families with children with Autism already enjoy the use of these schedules on the iPod Touch and iPhone. However, this application is wonderful for all persons with communication needs or developmental delays. Now, Good Karma Applications is making the "First-Then Visual Schedule" available on the Android Marketplace. “We have had an increasing amount of requests from our customers to create our apps for the Android Market. With our mission of creating affordable, adaptive applications for all, we felt that it was now an appropriate time to venture into this market,” said Janine Boleda, president and founder of Good Karma Applications. “We not only replicated the functionality of our original “First Then Visual Schedule” app, we also added some amazing new features unique to this platform. The app has the added options of visual timers, an extensive symbol library from Smarty Symbols™, ability to share schedules via email, and improved usability”.

Many children with autism have auditory processing problems, arranging schedules and routines in a visual way helps children see exactly what the expectations are of them. "My children have a hard time understanding what they need to do when I just tell them," says Melissa, mother of two children on the Autism Spectrum. "We use visual schedules everyday in our home. It makes the difference between a screaming and tantrumming child, or getting our shoes on and out the door to make an appointment. I have used 'First-Then Visual Schedule' with my children, with great success. This app is exceptional because everything I need to create a schedule is right there on the iPod. I can quickly modify a schedule as situations arise. Traditional paper schedules were not as flexible or portable. We are really excited about the app being available on other mobile platforms because my husband will now be able to have our children’s schedules on his phone too."

First-Then Visual Schedule is available in the Android Market $9.99. It is currently offered in English, and is compatible with all current Android Tablet devices. First Then Visual Schedule requires Android 2.2 and up and is 7.6 M in size. To purchase the First-Then Visual Schedule application, you can download directly to your device via the Android Market place on your Android tablet or mobile phone or via the Internet.

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About Good Karma Applications
Good Karma Applications was founded on a mission to provide low-cost, effective technology applications to individuals with special needs. The founders have an intimate understanding of the needs of those affected with communication and spectrum disorders, and hopes that the company’s products will enhance the lives of those exceptional individuals, and in doing so provide support for those who love and care for them. Good Karma Applications believes that all children, regardless of disability, deserve a purposeful and joyful life. For more information please visit www.GoodKarmaApps.com.