Good Karma Applications Debuts Iphone™ And Ipod Touch™ Application For Special Needs Individuals

Feb. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- SAN DIEGO, CALIF. (February 25, 2010) – Good Karma Applications, a new technology company that provides effective, low-cost tools for special needs individuals and their caregivers, has launched its first application for Apple’s iPhone™ and iPod Touch™. “First-Then Visual Schedule” is an affordable and convenient visual and audio-prompting tool, available now through the App Store for $9.99 and compatible with both the iPhone ™ and iPod Touch™.
   
First-Then Visual Schedule is based on the concept that a visual schedule of upcoming events and activities will increase independence and lower anxiety for individuals with communication needs as they transition through various activities throughout the day. Visual 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, or the steps needed to complete a specific activity such as using the restroom.

“As the mother of a special needs child with communication needs I was initially excited by my son’s reaction to the ease of use of the Apple platform, but discouraged by the lack of applications that can directly benefit his unique situation,” said Janine Boleda, president and founder of Good Karma Applications. “Encouraged by recent studies of visual schedules I decided to create my own application to help my son and so many others. I have seen firsthand the difference it has made for him and other children, and look forward to developing more affordable applications like this.”

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 images directly from their computer or iPhone camera (in addition to the images in the application’s stock library) to create a schedule. This personalization allows for schedules to be created and updated on the go, helping transition through unexpected changes in a daily routine.

Visual schedules have been shown be to be extremely effective for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Recently, the National Autism Center released the “National Standards Project” that evaluated current treatments for use with those with Autism.  Visual schedules were given the distinction of being one of the 11 established effective treatments for Autism.  Effective treatments were those that “produce beneficial outcomes and are known to be effective to individuals on the Autism Spectrum’s National Standards Project report.

First-Then Visual Schedule is available at the App Store for $9.99. It is currently offered in English, and is compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch. First Then Visual Schedule requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later and is 15.5 MB in size. To purchase the First-Then Visual Schedule application, go to the App Store at store.apple.com.

# # #

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