Oxford man promotes iPad apps for special needs students

Oxford, Conn. (WTNH) - A lot of people were pretty excited when the iPad came out. A new toy, a smaller computer for some. But an Oxford man knows first hand the iPad can be an important learning tool for kids with special needs.

Gary James just got back from an East coast trip where he gave away iPads to kids who won a contest on his company's Facebook page. In a few weeks the father of six will set off on a new mission: 50 iPads, loaded with apps, across 50 states, to 50 children with special needs.

"I will personally drive around to every state and deliver them and video it so everyone can see it happening, and the changes it makes."

James' 6 year old son Ben is on the autism spectrum. When Ben started playing with an iPad a year ago it changed the way he learned.

"Problem solving, things we didn't even know he could do; tracing letters, numbers, writing with a stylus on the iPad," Gary said.

James wants to get iPads into schools to teach these special kids the way they learn. He started his company A4cwsn -- Apps for Children with Special Needs -- in January. His website has already had a million hits.

Parents, teachers, and others who realize just because these youngsters can't do things on paper doesn't mean they can't do things at all.

James has reached out to Apple, the maker of the iPad, but they haven't responded. He hopes this new 50 iPads across 50 states campaign will make them and others pay attention and offer support.

"Anything that involves a delay in learning in a child, these people are looking for ways to make that change and the iPad seems to be opening that corridor."

Gary will be in San Diego this weekend. He is a finalist for an award from the Stay Classy foundation. They reward online fundraisers and those who do good things.

For more information visit them at a4cwsn.com or their Facebook page