Here is a video that was sent to me on twitter.
It promotes friendship, inclusion, disability rights, anti-bullying!!
Author Archives: David Berkowitz, Editor in Chief.
An Autism Education Article–>The Power of Persistence By Carol Olechowski
In 2004, Garrett Butch and his wife, Christy, were concerned when their first child, Collin, then 15 months old, “was not progressing as his peers were.” Despite a pediatrician’s reassurances, the couple took him for testing, and, “after five months, we got the diagnosis we feared: autism,” Garrett recalled.
The diagnosis precipitated a struggle “to find the best way to work with Collin and ensure that he had a bright future. [But] the first month of treatment alone cost $4,000, and insurance covered $0.” The nest egg the couple had put away was soon gone.
Adding to their distress was the realization that “many more families could not afford therapy and were getting no help for their children,” said Garrett. Simultaneously, “Collin was beginning school, and many of his teachers lacked the training to work with him properly.”
The Butches “had learned Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – a science of human behavior using empirically validated principles to change socially significant behaviors – and were spending countless hours working with Collin. We knew that if we could make it work, then we needed to find a way to help others.”
That way was Maximum Potential Kids. In 2007, the Butches “teamed up with a number of Ph.D.-BCBAs (Board-Certified Behavior Analysts) to create a platform that parents, professionals and schools could use to learn best practices in ABA,” Garrett explained.
Maximum Potential’s video-based format offers “valuable information, as well as samples to reinforce the training. Skills are broken down into a series of manageable, easy-to-learn steps. Students are provided multiple opportunities to practice and perfect each step.” Positive reinforcement, goals targeted to the individual learner’s needs, and progress tracking are also key to the program’s success.
Collin Butch takes his bike out for a spin.
Using ABA, “we have helped Collin reduce some behaviors, begin talking, work on basic skills, and verbalize wants and needs,” noted Garrett, a former history teacher. “We progressed into a curriculum that included taking what he learned in the classroom to the outside world and teaching him social skills. Collin is still autistic, but I believe that without ABA and our talented team of therapists, he would not have the life he has.”
Now 11, Collin “loves music and spelling. He dreams of being in the National Spelling Bee and wants to compete on ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’” He enjoys spending time with his parents and brother Ryan, 8, an athlete and “huge Yankees and Giants fan.”
Maximum Potential has helped others, too. The Alpharetta, Ga.-based program is used by more than 250 U.S. school districts, including the Los Angeles Unified, “the largest in the nation, with more than 9,000 students with autism”; Dallas; Little Rock, Ark.; Brevard County, Fla.; Norman, Okla.; and Stillwater, N.Y. “We also have clients in England, China, France, Russia, Australia, South Africa and Peru,” Garrett added.
The education courses Garrett took at UAlbany “really helped when Christy and I were creating Maximum Potential. Without the knowledge of how a classroom operates, or of the goals and needs of a school, I would have struggled to develop a program schools would use.” Garrett, a history major who played Great Danes football until an injury ended his career, also thanked “those who shaped me at the University” for instilling in him the persistence “to get through tough times by seeing long-term possibilities.”
Learn more about Maximum Potential at www.maximumpotentialkids.com.
How to train your dragon 2, a movie my kids want to see, me too!
I really liked the How to train your dragon, and am looking forward to the second movie, as are my 3 autistic kids.
The Grush gaming toothbrush for kids, could be great for autistic people too!
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rush is a smart toothbrush that transforms the tooth brushing chore into a fun and interactive game and allows parents to track the brushing results. Unlike other imitators, Grush is designed for children, by fathers. The Grush has an easy to grab handle for kids, fully waterproof and durable body, replaceable brush heads and separate designs for both boys and girls.
Grush comes with: One Grush Brush, two Grush games and a parental app to track the results. Grush also includes 2 replacement brush heads and a waterproof cell phone holder that securely mounts to the bathroom mirror.
 Grush Games support most Android and iOS smartphones. Kids can borrow their parent’s smartphone when they are brushing. Alternatively parents can reuse a retired smartphone as a dedicated device for Grush. You can ‘Go Grush and Go Green’ by reusing your retired smartphone. |
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Who They Are They are Grush, Inc. a San Francisco based start-up dedicated to improving the oral health of children through innovative technology. We are a member of Wearable World, a highly selective accelerator for wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) devices
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On the autism side of things which we do quite a bit with, I think this could be great for people with autism to encourage them to brush their teeth!!
IK Multimedia and Orange® Amps Announce “Tiny Terror” Giveaway thru April 30th, 2014!
In celebration of the new AmpliTube Orange Models available for iOS;
IK and Orange are giving out $2200 in prizes for musicians!
April 23, 2014 – IK Multimedia, the global leader in digital modeling technology, announced a collaboration with Orange Amplification® to kick off the exciting release of AmpliTube Orange for iPhone/iPad by giving musicians the chance to win over $2200 in hardware and software music creation prizes! Entries will be accepted on the IK Multimedia website through April 30th, 2014!
“We’ve been creating amp-modeling gear for over 12 years now and you have GOT to hear it to believe us when we say: this is the best one yet – AmpliTube Orange is a real-time mobile Orange amplifier and effects studio featuring digital models of 5 classic and modern Orange guitar amplifiers and one Orange bass amplifier. Each amp and cab model has been meticulously recreated, both visually and in sound to deliver spot-on Orange tone any time, everywhere.”
Davide Barbi, CTO IK Multimedia.
Prize package #1, $1400 in value:
- Tiny Terror amp head: The original Lunchbox amplifier, Value: $599.99
- AmpliTube Orange for iPhone/iPod touch or AmpliTube Orange for iPad real-time mobile Orange Amps and Effects, Value: $14.99 each
- AmpliTube Orange: The official Orange amp & cab collection for Mac/PC, Value: $99.99
- iLoud: The first studio-quality portable speaker designed for musicians and audiophiles, Value: $299.99
- iLoud Travel Bag: The gig bag for iLoud, Value: $39.99
- iRig HD: High-quality digital guitar interface for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Mac, Value: $99.99
- iRig BlueBoard: Bluetooth MIDI pedalboard for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Mac, Value: $99.99
- iRig: Guitar & instrument interface adapter for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, Value: $39.99
- iLine: Mobile music cable kit, Value: $59.99
- Book of Orange: A book about the history of Orange Amplification, Value: $49.99
Secondary Prize Package, over $800 in total value:
- AmpliTube Orange for iPhone/iPod touch or iPad
- AmpliTube Orange for Mac/PC
- iLoud
- iLoud Travel Bag
- iRig HD
- iRig BlueBoard
- iRig
- iLine
- Book of Orange
The “Tiny Terror” is an amp for both the studio and the stage; the original “Lunchbox” amp with more than 30,000 units sold. All valve, 15-watt portable guitar head. Featuring a unique two stage preamp which has a massive tonal range using just three controls. When driven, this little amp has almost as much gain as most four stage lead channels! The Tiny Terror puts a lot of high-priced, boutique amps to shame with its clean crunch to full on overdrive sounds. At mid gain settings this valve head has masses of vintage British character; the Tiny Terror has been built to the same rugged specification as the bigger Orange amps and its portability makes it perfect for gigging around town or rehearsing. The Tiny Terror switches from 15 to 7 watts for studio use and recording.
For a chance to win, please visit the IK website entry page. Entries will be accepted no later than April 30, 2014, midnight EST. Winners will randomly be selected on May 2, 2014 and IK Multimedia will notify the winner via email.
www.ikmultimedia.com/orangegiveaway
For more information about AmpliTube Orange, please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/orange
For more information about IK’s range of interfaces and accessories for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac/PC, please visitwww.ikmultimedia.com/interfaces
Please help our friends at Grant A Gift for Autism, a 501c3 with their Autism 5k Walk!!
Please tell all, and help our friends at Grant A Gift For Autism, A 501c3 in Las Vegas with their fundraiser to help people with Autism!!!
RACE DAY – SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014
- 7:00am Registration and Autism Family Resource Fair
- 8:00am Opening Ceremony
- 8:15am KidzRun
- 8:30am 5K Timed Run
- 8:45am 5K Fun Walk
- 9:30am Recognition Ceremony
- 10:00am – noon: Music and Family Entertainment
- Packet pick-up dates TBD
Take part in the Grant a Gift Autism 5K Race for Hope, FunWalk, KidzRun and Autism Family Resource Fair at Town Square Las Vegas on April 26, 2014. There will be many great raffle prizes and children’s activities followed by fun entertainment.
Contact us to volunteer at Volunteer@grantagiftautismfoundation.org
For additional questions contact us at 5k@grantagiftautismfoundation.org or 702.564.2453
Return Home–>home
We are on Youtube too–>Link
SGO Unveils Mistika Colour Grading with Precision
Sleek NEW grading panel option makes Mistika irresistible to Colourists
For Immediate Release: 31 March 2014, NAB Show, Las Vegas, Nevada – SGO reveals that its world-leading Mistika post production system will support the stylish Precision Grading Panel made by Digital Vision.
This landmark cross-vendor agreement means that colourists and post production artists will have an additional option when it comes to choosing the “human interface” to drive Mistika’s powerful colour grading feature-set. Mistika continues to support the Tangent Element panels and now for those who prefer the elegant efficiency, comfort and stature of a larger and prestigious integrated control surface, the Precision panel is the perfect option.
Director of Global Sales and Operations Geoff Mills explains why SGO chose to support the Precision Panel, “We have often been asked for a larger control surface and even looked into designing our own panel, but doing this would simply drive-up costs and take focus away from software development.” He continues, “In all our research, it is the Precision panel that colourists routinely mark as being the very best grading surface out there. So it was an obvious decision to approach Digital Vision about entering into an OEM agreement, and to their credit, they immediately recognised the mutual benefits of working together.”
Peter Charles, Director of OEM Sales at Digital Vision says, “The Precision panel is the result of many years of research and feedback from some of the world’s top colourists. We are very pleased that SGO appreciate the ergonomic design and high quality of the panels and that it will be an appealing option for their customers too.”
SGO’s CEO Miguel Angel Doncel concludes, ”Having good partners and strong collaborations is always a great way to bring added value to our customers and this exciting new alliance will help us provide an alternative option to our users who are passionate about working in colour.”
The Precision Panel combined with Mistika integration will be available to order by existing and new customers in Q3 of 2014.
A Precision Panel will be on display at SGO’s Booth SL9021 at NAB 2014.
To book a demo of Mistika’s colour grading capabilities please email feelthedifference@sgo.es
Preview of the Polaroid XS80 Action Camera at the Las Vegas Bestbuddies Friendship walk!!
We received a Polaroid XS80 to test and review recently. So far it works well, is easy to use and has great video quality. I only wish that it had an external microphone slot, another cool addition would be a screen. I am impressed by it, the included mounting hardware is decent. It offers great quality for the price.
According to Polaroid it offers:
- Professional sensor with low-light performance.
- Very light, weighs just 3.9 oz.
- Vibrates: Confirms functions when visual confirmation isn’t practical.
- G-Sensor (Auto Rotation) for “which end is up” assurance.
- Waterproof up to 30 feet / 10 meters
- Distortion-Free ultra wide angle lens provides 120 degrees of coverage.
- Aerodynamic design and shock-proof exterior minimizes wind noise.
- Single button record that’s easy and ready for action.
- Video options: 1080p, 720p.
- Still image options: 16MP, 5MP, 3MP, 1 x or 3x (burst) Shooting Mode + Time Lapse.
- Full helmet mount included.
Here are a few test videos from the Best Buddies Event recently in Las Vegas, we will post other event videos from it as well as time goes by:
Video #1–>
Here is another–>
Here is the third one–>
The video quality is quite nice!! I would recommend this to anyone who needs a solid easy to use video solution especially for extreme sports!
Here is a link to Polaroid’s site–>http://www.polaroidstore.com/products/sport-and-action-video-cameras/polaroidxs80-hd-1080p-16mp-waterproof-sports-action-video-camera-with-mount.htm
Here is one to Best Buddies in Las Vegas as well–>https://www.facebook.com/bestbuddies.nv
To return to our main page click here–Home>
My Review: Audio-Technica SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones
I ran into the folks from Audio-Technica recently at CES 2014. After a bit of time I finally have the opportunity to test and review 2 of their headphones. This review covers their in-ear model the SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones.
Introduction:
I have been testing some over the ear headphones recently for a variety of manufacturers’s with several more coming down the pipeline. I am all about the music, am working on establishing a foundation for autism and the arts and music if I ever get funding. I am a hyper functioning autistic tech and autism blogger, my 3 kids and I as well as my wife are rather fond of music and the arts.
I like Audio-Technica for the quality of their products and their history in music.
According to Audio technica:
Audio-Technica—Audio pioneer in high-performance sound design
Established in 1962, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of problem-solving audio equipment. Initially known for state-of-the-art phonograph cartridges, A-T now creates high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers and electronic products for home and professional use.
Winner of numerous industry awards, Audio-Technica manufactures products that set quality, durability and price/performance standards for live sound tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate and government facilities, house-of-worship venues, and more. A-T microphones are chosen for critical government installations such as the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Audio-Technica microphones and wireless systems are also selected for major broadcast music events, including the GRAMMY® Awards and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
Design:
In regards to in-ear headphones I am impressed by the design and build quality of the SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones . The one I received are black, but they are available in a variety of colors as seen here–>
They ought to appeal to a variety of users from business folk, to teens to seniors as well.
The headphones are some of the better designed in ear headphones that I have so far had the opportunity to test.
They also have a built in microphone for those of us who have to do the occasional conference call or who want to use them to talk on your smartphone when a blue tooth headset is unavailable.
These fine sonic fuel in ear headphones due to their interesting and innovative connection to ones ears, are likely to be useful while at the gymn, riding a bike, watching a movie or listening to music.
Quality:
As mentioned previously, I like their design quality.
As far as audio quality I tried them and a few of our other people to test them too, as well as one of my teen-agers.
For jazz, blues, light rock, most folk music the sound quality was nice. For my son’s dubstep or rap type music, the bass performance was not as good as some of the over the ear speakers that are going to be reviewed from Audio-Technica soon.
In terms of their usefulness, Audio-Technica provides 4 different sized ear tips and 3 different C-tips (and a pouch to keep it all in) so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one that fits for you.
Personally I have large ears, so the connectors that came with the box work well for me and kelp the headphones in my ears most of the time.
I would agree with Audio Technica in regards to their statement with regards to Sonicfuel headphones:
Music is your energy for life – the fuel for your heart and soul. SonicFuel™ headphones are specifically designed for active, daily use, to power you forward by delivering extraordinary comfort, style and an immersive listening experience that never sounds artificial, processed or filtered. Just pure sonic goodness for the high-octane tempo of your life.
The ATH-CKX5iS SonicFuel in-ear headphones feature stay-in-place fit, providing unique comfort in addition to optimal sound. The C-tip configuration nestles within the ear where it locks in place for extra stability. A 360˚ rotating eartip adjusts to the unique angle of your ear canal for personalized fit and improved sound isolation.
In-line volume and microphone controls (on compatible smartphones) allow you to control music & phone calls without missing a beat.
Wrap Up:
If you are seeking very nice in-ear headphones that sound good, look nice, and stay in your ears, these ought to be near the top of the list. They retail for about $ 50. If these are this nice, I am curious how their higher priced in-ear headphones sound. I would definitely recommend these headphones and found them to be very nice.
I was provided with a set of the Audio-Technica SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iSBK headphones for the purpose of this review and these are the headphones featured in some of the images above, the photo of the different colored headphones is a stock image. As always, this represents my true and honest opinion.
To check out Audio-Technica’s website and products please click <here>!!
Rabbit TV Makes Big Move by Launching Turnkey Content Partnership Program
LONDON, ENGLAND, March 19, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ — Amidst TV Connect in London and just weeks away from NAB in Las Vegas, FreeCast’s Rabbit TV makes a historical announcement – it will now begin enabling content producers to tap into its millions of viewers through a newly branded ‘Rabbit TV Content Partnership Program.’
In an unprecedented move, the company will be taking an ‘all-inclusive’ approach to content sourcing, pulling in producers on all levels and allowing them to incorporate their content into the new web-based platform on all devices, regardless of their current video on-demand or live delivery methods.
While countless ITV vendors are offering software solutions to get producers’ content online for a monthly service fee, they are missing the two main elements: audience and paying advertisers. Rabbit TV’s Content Partnership Program provides both and allows producers to keep 100% of revenue with no startup costs.
The company’s explosive growth in the last 12 months has laid claim to a third-place position in the overall Web TV marketplace behind leaders Netflix, whose model is driven by licensing, and Hulu, which relies on partial revenue share from advertisers. By design, both of these premium distributors limit the amount of content available to the consumer.
Rabbit TV, on the other hand, has spawned a third business model by aggregating ALL the content, including a massive electronic programming guide featuring over 100,000 freely available selections coupled with the latest pay-per-view and premium channel choices, creating a potentially unlimited content offering for consumers.
“We want to deliver a single TV viewing proposition online. Regardless if it’s TV shows in syndication, popular movies that are recycling through the networks, or the consumer’s insatiable appetite for new and interesting content, we continue to build our network of unlimited channels that dwarfs the selection of any cable or satellite system,” says FreeCast CEO William Mobley.
Rabbit TV is sold at 30,000+ major retailers including Walmart, Target, Sears, Office Depot, Walgreens, CVS and many others. The company recently announced that it will begin selling web-based subscriptions to Rabbit TV Plus online in the coming weeks.
More information:
Company – http://freecast.com
Network – http://rabbittvgo.com
