Abstract:

The contribution presents a part of research implemented in one of Czech centres specialized on services for pupils with severe disability and multiple handicap. The iPad tablet had been repeatedly used in education of these pupils in 2016 year. The pupils regularly practised some selected activities with iPad during the individual education with their teacher, while we were recording pupils' response simultaneously. Each lesson was recorded on digital video and then analyzed by teacher, teacher's assistant, special pedagogue and edTech specialist. The response of pupils was evaluated also in context of recorded interactions before and after the lesson, including the information about last night and morning obtained from each pupil's parents.

In the contribution a case study will be introduced, which shows the research results on one observed pupil in details. Her diagnosis include the Cerebral visual impairment (CVI), Hypoplasia disci, Astigmatism, severe psychomotor retardation, secondary epilepsy, congenital defect of CNS, and also visual and neurological deseases. During the activites with iPad there could be observed some typical communication efforts in her behaviour based on the concept of basal stimulation by Dr. Andreas Fröhlich, especially in her respiration, muscle tension, head, eyes, hands and legs movements, and also in secretion.

Videorecordings analyses demonstrated a significant changes toward position of pleasure in her response, especially in following parameters: head and eyes movements, palm grips, partial open of mouth, changes in muscle tension and depth of a breath, frequently also increase of salvation. The results indicate significant effect of usage the applications based on "cause and effect" together with the influence of room darkening on pupil's concentration. As very significant we can see the opportunity to use iPad together with Apple TV, when projection dictinctly affects the atmosphere in the room. The existing results show that tablet (iPad) significantly expands possibilities of work with the pupils with severe disability and multiple handicap, and it is effective tool in activities and services leading to the respect of human dignity of people with severe disability as well.

Keywords:

IPad, education, disability, multiple handicap, basal stimulation.