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Year-Round Resources for Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) leads to developmental challenges that affect social, behavioral, and communication skills. The latest statistics say that about one in 45 children are affected by some form of ASD. Thankfully, technology has offered us groundbreaking tools for improving the lives of those with autism through augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps — software that helps people with autism and communication difficulties express themselves (one of their main challenges). There are cool tools and creative educational games that can extend the development of communication, behavior skills, and social-emotional wellness, and help deliver learning in a non-threatening manner. Research shows that two out of three people feel uncomfortable when talking to a person with disabilities. While this awkwardness stems from ignorance and fear, other studies indicate that being around people who are different from us can make us more tolerant, more creative, work harder, and possibly even become smarter.

Heroes and Companions
April is National Autism Awareness Month and the perfect time to share some invaluable resources that may not be so well known in the mainstream. It’s also the perfect time to work with your own students or children and use some of these tools and concepts to help promote understanding, mindfulness, and acceptance of ASD.

Geek Club Books
Jodi Murphy is a dedicated mom and founder of Geek Club Books with a mission to help educate parents, teachers, and children about what autism is. She has developed an incredible website chock full of insightful, interactive, and inspiring tools that approach this topic in a compassionate way. Her main undertaking is to change people’s preconceived perceptions and end the stigma that surrounds autism. These products tell the stories of autism through apps, digital media, curriculum, and webisodes. The creative nonprofit is focused on innovative autism awareness education. A team of adults with autism is involved in everything Geek Club Books produces.

The educators’ page Autism Edu provides access to the Mighty League autistic hero modules that include:

Three different ways to access the multimedia stories (PowerPoint, video, and app versions)
Student handouts with journal entries
Curriculum and activity guides with oodles of graphic organizers and suggested activities
A CCSS project-based learning unit
A printable ambassador of kindness certificate
Additionally, there are essential questions, vocabulary lists, writing prompts, personal space suggestions, role-playing components, and so much more. Make sure to read the background information, which is based on a true story of one young man’s life growing up on the autism spectrum.

Jodi Murphy states:

We want to make the topics of autism approachable through children’s stories and pop culture-style webisodes. The companion curriculum and activity guides make it easy for educators to integrate into their lesson plans.
Bluebee Pals
Laura Jiencke of Kayle Concepts and her Bluetooth-enabled Bluebee Pals discovered that her product was making inroads not only with the general population, but also with many children experiencing communication difficulties. These adorable plush animals interact with kids in a nonthreatening way and urge them to take a risk. The product supports both expressive and receptive language skills and has been amazingly successful for children on the autism spectrum and other children with special needs. The mouths of these stuffed animals move in sync with both Apple and Android devices. They are able to connect with any app — music, stories, and sound-driven educational games. These huggable “smart” companions can sing, read, and answer phone calls. Recently, this socially-conscious company added a line of Bluebee Pals Pro. Their short video about how to operate the Bluebee Pals gives a succinct overview of all the new features and how to work with these tech companions.

A year ago Jodi and Laura were introduced, and a collaboration between the two resulted in the production of Bluebee TeeVee: The Autism Information Station. The webisode series teaches kids all about autism in a friendly, accurate, and respectful manner, with comedy and some pop culture references thrown in for entertainment. It’s an original program that helps children see past differences, learn acceptance and understanding, and discover that we’re all pretty much the same at heart. Host James Sullivan is also the scriptwriter, filmmaker, and editor. Jonathan Murphy performs the character voices for the Bluebee Pal co-hosts. Both of these talented young men are on the autism spectrum.

Following are links for the first three episodes, a great way to help children with autism understand themselves while bringing all children awareness and acceptance, altering their preconceived perceptions of autism:

What Is Autism?
What Are People With Autism Like?
Let’s Talk!

Companion episode guides contain suggested resources for parents and educators along with classroom activities.

Jayne Clare
Special Education Teacher, Educational App Curator, Consultant

Link to: Edutopia.org

Bluebee Pals is a recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards

New York – The Mom’s Choice Awards® has named Bluebee Pals as among the best in family-friendly media, products and services. The MCA evaluation process uses a propriety methodology in which entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal, and cost.

 Link to : Mom’s Choice Awards Store

Geek Club Books Launches Autism EDU Educational Tools for April Autism Awareness Month to Bring Topics of Autism into Classrooms
By Geek Club Books Inc. | Thu, 17 Mar 2016, 15:53:18 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 17, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Geek Club Books, Inc., an autism nonprofit, today announced Autism EDU, a collection of free educational tools for educators and parents to teach autism topics in inclusive classrooms. Video files, e-books, apps, student handouts and curriculum guides are downloadable via Geek Club Books website.

Autism EDU consists of three modules: 1) “Mighty League: The Terrible Taunting” has themes about bullying, friendship and understanding autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, 2) “Mighty League: The Horrible Hug” has themes regarding social and emotional learning (SEL), and self- and peer acceptance, and 3) “Bluebee TeeVee Autism Information Station” dispels the myths surrounding autism through entertaining, educational pop-culture webisodes.

Each module includes curriculum guides developed in collaboration with clinical partners and educational specialists.

“The tools were developed to capture and engage students’ attention, ignite their curiosities and inspire discussions,” said the organization’s spokesperson and President, Jodi Murphy. “We want to make the topics of autism approachable through children’s stories and pop culture-style webisodes. The companion curriculum and activity guides make it easy for educators to integrate into their lesson plans.”

“When I was growing up, I knew very little about my autism,” said Autism EDU contributor, James Sullivan. “Neither did my teachers and especially not the other children my age. Autism EDU videos and stories will help them understand some of their peers who are different.”

Access to Geek Club Books’ Autism EDU tools at http://geekclubbooks.com/autism-edu/.

Video of Autism EDU – Horrible Hug: https://youtu.be/7t7gzy5Y5gQ.

The originating wire service for this story and content is Copr. © 2016 Geek Club Books Inc. with newswire version Copr. © 2016 Send2Press (a service of Neotrope). All trademarks acknowledged.

Kayle Concepts Introduces The Bluebee Pals Pro®

Bluebee Pals Pro® is a plush toy companion that combines the learning aspect of assistive technology & fun. Bluebee Pals Pro® can be used as a talking educational accessory to any Bluetooth enabled device including smart phones, tablets, laptops and more.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Feb. 18, 2016 – Introducing Bluebee Pals Pro®.

Bluebee Pals Pro® is an exciting new educational & interactive plush that is a perfect companion to any developing child. Bluebee Pals Pro® is a strategic combination of assistive technology & fun and can be used as an accessory to any Bluetooth enabled device including smart phones, tablets, laptops and more.

What sets Bluebee Pals Pro® apart from any other products available on the market today is their ability to pair with any app accessible through both iOS or Android equipped devices.

Our innovative technology includes lip synchronization that allows the animal’s “mouth” to move while you’re reading storybooks, engaging in learning apps or singing songs. Children can entertain family and friends when using Bluebee Pals as a wireless speaker phone.

Bluebee Pals and Apps are a marriage of today’s advanced technology and a perfect educational accessory to all tablets and laptop computers. Their exciting wide range of compatibilities provide enhanced educational opportunities for all main stream and special needs children. The built in Bluetooth Wireless feature allow easy connection to “all” APPS by pairing to any Apple or Android Devices:Smart Phone, Tablet or Laptop.

Bluebee Pals Earns a Fall 2015 Academics’ Choice Brain Toy Award

Kayle Concepts is pleased to announce that The Bluebee Pals has been honored with a Fall 2015 Academics’ Choice Brain Toy Award for Mind Building Excellence, a prestigious seal of educational quality, reserved only for the best mind-building media and toys. The independent Academics’ Choice Awards program and its seal of excellence are recognized worldwide by consumers and educational institutions as a mark of genuinely effective learning tools that stimulate the mind, and provide potential for the student to fully develop higher order thinking skills.

Academics’ Choice Awards™ help parents and educators validate claims such as “critical thinking” and “educational toy” with a qualified, scientific and objective approach to evaluation. Academics’ Choice Awards™ bring recognition to the best thinking-based products in the industry.
Our mission: to help buyers find the best brain-boosting material on the market. We help parents and teachers distinguish between “class-time fillers” and genuinely effective learning tools that stimulate the mind, and provide potential for the student to fully develop higher order thinking skills.

“This Assistive Technology Tool provides a great opportunity for both fun and learning! It’s engaging for young students of all learning types. The Bluebee Pals can enhance learning in a variety riveting ways. Any song, app, or story (in any language) can be read by one of the plush characters. The cuddly animals are relateable to kids, which makes the teaching become more meaningful as kids view the Pals as their peer more than an adult. The depth of understanding and retention increases as a result. The creative play and serious learning possiblities are endless.” – Academics Choice

http://www.academicschoice.com/toys/bluebee-pals.php

Link to academicschoice website

Creative Child Magazine’s December 2015 issue

2015 Tillywig Toy and Media Holiday Gift Guide

The Bluebee Pals are featured in the 2015 Tillywig Toy and Media Holiday Gift Guide. Please click on the article to  see the entire gift guide.

National Parenting Publication Awards Guide to Holiday Gifts

Introducing a New Revolutionary Interactive Bluetooth Enabled Plush Companion and Learning Tool

Available for $59.99. Learn more.

For in-depth articles, webinars and up-to-date product information and strategies, check out Closing The Gap Solutions. Contact hours available. Learn more

http://www.closingthegap.com/2015/10/introducing-a-new-revolutionary-interactive-bluetooth-enabled-plush-companion-and-learning-tool/

Tillywig Toy Award Winner

Bluebee Pals has been chosen as a “Brain Child” Tillywig Toy Award Winner

Bluebee Pals are adorable plush animals that can connect to any smart device through the wonders of Bluetooth technology, allowing them to speak, sing, read, even answer phone calls. All the while, their mouth moves in sync with the words, a bit of magic children never seem to tire of. Pairing a Bluebee Pal with a smart device takes just a minute or two. Once done, pretty much anything you can play on your device – apps, music, educational software, story books – can be streamed via the Bluebee Pal. Incoming calls to your smart phone can be answered with the touch of a button, turning Bluebee Pal into a wireless speaker phone whose lips move with the caller’s words. The tactile, visual, and emotional elements Bluebee Pals brings to these activities enhance children’s attention and recall, making for vivid, memorable play and learning experiences. Blubee Pals are currently available in five cuddly animals – lion, dog, lamb, zebra, and teddy bear.

Bluebee Pals is a 2015 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Silver Award Winner

Bluebee Pals is a 2015 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Silver Award Winner

The National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) is one of the longest running and most respected awards programs in the country. With 25 years of experience in the industry, we have been continuously celebrated as the “go-to” source for parents and professionals seeking the best products for their children and families.

“With so many products on the market, it’s sometimes hard for moms and dads to find time to separate the truly great from the rest of the pack,” says Julie Kertes, NAPPA General Manager. “Our testers save them that legwork by carefully evaluating hundreds of products and awarding only the best of the best.”

Click on the logo to find out more about The NPPA

Creative Play Retailer Magazine

Creative Play Retailer Magazine has chosen Bluebee Pals as one if its “Editor’s Choice” Products as well as naming Bluebee Pals a “Whats Hot” Product in their August 2015 issue.

Creative Play Retailer Magazine is a nationwide monthly magazine that covers children’s products such as those in the toy, game and hobby industries. Their goal is to bring retailers and buyers the latest products from top manufacturers. Creative Play Retailer Magazine is a trade magazine covering the children’s retail industry. What makes Creative Play Retailer stand alone is its ability to provide the specialty store market with top rated reviews of products that are endorsed by Creative Child Magazine, parents and educators.

Parenting Special Needs Magazine

Bluebee Pals are featured in the current issue of Parenting Special Needs Magazine.

Parenting Special Needs Magazine, are making it their mission to provide parents of children with special needs of all ages and stages of life, both information and inspiration. Through Parenting Special Needs On Line Magazine, they have created a world that provides practical tips, shares life’s lessons, tackles the challenges and celebrates the joys, of one of life’s greatest gifts.

Bluebee TeeVee will debut Fall 2015

PRESS RELEASE

For more information:
Jodi Murphy Geek Club Books: geekclubbooks@gmail.com
Images available upon request

Aspergers Duo Creates Entertaining, Educational Video Shorts for Autistic Kids and their Peers

Kayle Concepts announces their innovative ‘Bluebee TeeVee’ autism education initiative in partnership with Geek Club Books autism storytelling nonprofit and QSAC (Quality Services for the Autism Community).

NEW YORK – Schools are entering into the era of the inclusion model, where all students—even those with disabilities—learn and participate in the classroom together. And yet, there is still a high percentage of autistic students who are bullied (source) due to the stigmas surrounding autism and public’s lack of understanding. CEO Laura Jiencke of Kayle Concepts, and creator of the Bluetooth®-enabled Bluebee Pals plush toy companions, announced the company’s innovative autism education initiative: Bluebee TeeVee.

Bluebee TeeVee is a series of entertaining video shorts to empower autistic children and educate their non-autistic peers about autism. The videos will focus on friendship, bullying, communication, safety and other important autism-related topics.

“What’s most exciting about this initiative,” said Jiencke, “Bluebee TeeVee will be written, performed and filmed by James Sullivan and Jonathan Murphy, two young men with Aspergers Syndrome. I can’t think of a better way for children to learn about autism than from those who are on the autism spectrum.”

Both Sullivan and Murphy are a part of Geek Club Books, a creative nonprofit that uses storytelling and engaging technologies to educate about autism. Jodi Murphy, the founder and president, will be overseeing Bluebee TeeVee production.

“Each episode will feature James having a chat with a Bluebee Pal—Sammy the bear, Leo the Lion, Lily the Lamb, Winston the dog, or Riley the Zebra—think quirky Mr. Rogers with his Bluebee Pal,” said Murphy. “Jonathan will be performing the voices for each character. Both James and Jonathan are so talented and funny. Bluebee TeeVee is going to be a great way to captivate kids’ attention and learn that—autism or not—they’re not so different from one another.”
The New York City and Long Island-based nonprofit QSAC (Quality Services for the Autism Community) will act as content advisors for each script. The organization is also developing episode guides so parents and educators may delve deeper into each topic.

“QSAC has a long and rewarding history of collaborating with others on the development of resources to support the autism community. We are very pleased to be working with Kayle Concepts and Geek Club Books on Bluebee TeeVee as we’re confident it will be a valuable free educational video series for families affected by autism,” said Gary Maffei, QSAC’s Executive Director.

Bluebee TeeVee begins production in July and the first episodes will be released early fall 2015.

 Teachers with Apps

Recently I had my first post in the much-esteemed publication, Edutopia, called Tech Toys (and Tools) for Learning, they received a comment about an app that someone felt needed to be in this particular blog. My original article was almost twice the size and did include other companies that are forging ahead in this digital space. Surprisingly I had gone way beyond the recommended number of words and rather than rewrite the entire thing I saved the second half for a follow up. Edutopia told me Part Two’s don’t usually fare well, so since I had already written this and wanted to give recognition to other groundbreaking tech teams that are pushing the envelope, I am publishing this as a second part of the article here at Teachers With Apps.

For the special education child, the mobile devices have been breaking new ground since their inception, enabling students to communicate and learn in ways we never thought possible. Now that we have the ability to incorporate physical objects that can interact with educational apps, struggling learners will without question, be able to grasp new concepts and retain them in novel ways. The physical component of this technology provides a critical experience for these children and will allow them to immerse more deeply and directly in their learning process. (Oh, and by the way, all students will benefit from these hands-on learning experiences!)

One such product that is making inroads with the special education as well as the gen ed population is Bluebee Pals by Kayle Concepts LLC. They are adorable stuffed animals that are Bluetooth enabled and synch with both Apple and Android devices. They are able to play anything from music to stories to any educational game driven by sound. Using the Bluebee Plush Pals in conjunction with a device results in the Bluebee lip synching to what is playing. Kids that are apraxic, autistic. or sedentary may need a non-threatening friend to urge them to take a risk…be it singing a song or moving. By decreasing anxiety, and putting it in a playful realm, kids are more willing to take risks and experiment with what is presented. Which is endless, as Bluebee Pals work with any app which a parent chooses for their child. Speech Pathologists will love Bluebee Pals, both as an input for modeling conversation, and a direct resource for practicing conversation and/or social skills. Recommended for parents and kids everywhere. Read the TWA review HERE.

QSAC’s Annual Gala – Believe

Bluebee Pals were donated to the QSAC Believe annual gala.  The Bluebee Pals were auctioned off during the event with all proceeds going to support autism services in New York City and Long Island.

QSAC’s annual gala, Believe, raises funds to support our programs and services for children and adults with autism living throughout New York City and Long Island. Each year, QSAC honors individuals and companies who have made a commitment to supporting children and adults with autism achieve greater independence enabling them to contribute to their communities in a meaningful way.

This year, QSAC will honor Accenture, Microsoft, and Samsung at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City on Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Guests will also enjoy performances by Micheal Castaldo and A Taste of Magic.

Bluebee Pals has been awarded a Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award

Designed to help parents and caregivers of all achievements and backgrounds make informed decisions about which new products are right for their children, the Parents’ Choice Awards is the nation’s oldest nonprofit program created to recognize quality children’s media. The Parents’ Choice Awards program honors the best material for children: books, toys, music and storytelling, magazines, software, videogames, television and websites. Parents’ Choice Foundation’s panels of educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents and, yes, kids themselves, identify the very best products for children of different ages and backgrounds, and of varied skill and interest levels.

http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=33327&StepNum=1&award=aw

Bluebee Pals introduces The Bluebee Pals Project!

Following our E.E.C. concept of Entertain, Educate and Communicate, Bluebee Pals Project is a program that Kayle Concepts has developed to put Bluebee Pals into the hands of therapists, educators and families of special needs children.

Bluebee Pals has partnered with various therapists, teachers, app developers and organizations to develop an educational program that incorporates Bluebee Pals cutting edge technology, touch pad devices and the best learning apps available. Bluebee Pals has donated hundreds of our huggable plush educational toys to special needs groups and families in order to collect data and feedback on the positive effects of using Bluebee Pals as a learning tool.

Teachers With Apps

Bluebee Pals by Kayle Concepts LLC are adorable stuffed animals that are Bluetooth enabled and synch with both Apple and Android devices. They are able to play anything from music to stories to any educational game driven by sound. Using the Bluebee Plush Pals in conjunction with a device results in the Bluebee lip synching to what is playing. The Bluebee Pal can even act as a phone speaker if synched to a phone! There are 5 different Bluebees – a bear (Sammy), a zebra (Riley), a lion (Leo), a lambie (Lily) -my fave, and a puppy (Winston) who will be sold through Toys R Us. The other animals can be found onwww.bluebeepals.com as well as any technical information that you may need for either setting your Bluebee Pal up or getting ideas on how to start playing with your new pal. I received the Lion for review and was quite impressed with its construction. As a stuffed animal it is very well made and should hold up to even the biggest squeezes. The technology within is sound, and it delivers without any glitches or interruption in play. All the components are well cushioned on the inside, and that makes Bluebee Pals durable and worth the investment.

http://www.teacherswithapps.com/bluebee-pals-blue-tooth-enabled-plush-animals/

Children’s Technology Review

You sync (or pair) your car to your phone with bluetooth. So why not a stuffed animal? That’s the idea behind Bluebee Pals, bluetooth-enabled plush toy animals that can be synced to Apple or Android phones and tablets. Why? So the animals can “mouth” along with stories or other learning apps.

The animals look like they’re singing along to music or story narration. They can also act like a hands free phone extension, because they have a built in speaker and microphone. Think of them as a plush bluetooth headset and you get the idea. They come with an internal rechargeable battery, and a USB micro-charge cable is also included (adapter wire not included).
http://reviews.childrenstech.com/ctr/review.php?id=18501

Pregnancy and Newborn
April 2015

Bluebee Pals are featured on page 16 of The April 2015 issue of Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.

Bluebee Pals are now AblePlay ™ rated and approved!

AblePlay^™ is a toy rating system and website that provides comprehensive information on toys for children with special needs. AblePlay ™ was created so parents, special educators, therapists and others can make the best decisions when purchasing products for children in their lives with disabilities.

Product Description

Appearing as any one of a variety of friendly stuffed animals (zebra, lion, lamb, bear and dog), Bluebee Pals provide kids with huggable pretend-play fun. The secret to these plush is that they include a Bluetooth receiver and microphone that allows kids to interact with smart devices. Blubee Pals can act as a speaker for kids to listen to music and hear stories from downloaded Android and Apple apps, and Bluebee Pals even take phone calls! The plush can act as a hands free device for taking calls from Grandma or Aunt Susie and Bluebee Pals mouth even moves when the person is talking on the other line.

Click on the AblePlay™ images to read the entire press release.

Smart Apps For Kids

The Simple Moms

“Bluebee Pals are a perfect combination of technology and good old fashioned stuffed animals!” – The Simple Moms
Read the entire article: http://www.thesimplemoms.com/2015/02/connect-with-bluebee-pals-review.html

Entertain, Educate, Communicate
Real Moms Real Views talks about The Bluebee Pals!

” He wanted to try every song he likes and every YouTube video he watches. Then his Aunt called. Magic all over again. We pressed the button in Sammy’s ear to answer the phone and Beckham was head over heels to hear his aunt’s voice coming out of Sammy’s mouth. He picked Sammy up and was yelling “Hello!” into his mouth. It was such a great memory to watch unfold. “

http://realmomsrealviews.com/entertain-educate-communicate/

TTPM Reviews The Bluebee Pals: Leo the Lion

The best independent reviews, videos, live prices and in-stock status for toys, baby gear, kids electronics and sporting goods.
http://ttpm.com/p/12818/kayle-concept/bluebee-pals–leo-the-lion/

TTPM is the #1 source for all things play.

Babyelan daily.com

” Lily the Lamb answers your calls, she reads you stories, she interacts with app after app. And of course, she’s a beautiful stuffed animal to be your child’s best friend! This couldn’t be more perfect for a holiday gift! Technology amazes me, and this tops the cake for 2014!”

Check out Lily singing for the camera!
MomTV’s Maria Bailey and The 10 Days of Holidays Giveaways

Leo the Lion is on the News!  Bluebee Pals as featured on Fox News 6 Studio A.

Maureen Alexander of WisconsinMommy.com features the Bluebee Pals as
“One of The Hottest Holiday Toys for 2014”

Bluebee Pals Interactive Plush Toys featured on The Giz Wiz.Biz –  December 4, 2014

Watch Dick DeBartolo, MAD’s Maddest Writer, host of The Giz Wiz on TWiT, The Giz Wiz on ABC’s World News Now and on Computer America talk about the Bluebee Pals!