Recommendations - Easy to use Tablet

[Runragged2000]

Hi, there is so much help available online but I can't find any tablet that is easy for my 62 year old LD brother, Michael, to use. Does anyone have a recommendation?.

I have tried Kindle Fire and iPad10. My brother can't read or write. He needs a very simple device that will have a Homepage with Youtube, Facetime/What'sApp, Games. He can't cope with any more than this. He is very heavy handed and needs a strong robust tablet, even touch screen can be a bit hit & miss. He can't speak clearly so can't use a voice control device.

Unfortunately, due to poor sight, Michael found connecting the charger to the Kindle Fire too difficult and damaged this on first use.

I purchased the iPad as I was told that this was easy use and instinctive, instead he gets frustrated as the screen goes blank and he can't refresh it. I also found that instead of only having the few shows that I had added from YouTube, there were masses of inappropriate shows showing as he just keeps pressing on any image that he finds.

My brother lives on his own, usually with care at home support. Support has been reduced during pandemic, he spends most days on his own all day. At present it is very difficult for me to visit due to the virus risks. Normally, I take him walking but as he can't walk without holding on to me for support and we can't keep two metres apart, I can't do this at present. I communicate with him via Echo Show which I control from my end.

I need to be able to give him something to do and a way of communicating with others. I thought that if I could find a very simple tablet I could download some You Tube videos, Mencap excercise videos and some simple games.

As, Michael, has to be able to operate the tablet without support it has to be very simple and instinctive to use.

Will it be impossible to find what I need?

Any help would be much appreciated.

[Emma_Mencap Community friend]

Hey Runragged,

I hope someone has practical advice on better devices to use for you.

But in the meantime I just did some Googling and was wondering if you'd already come across this info?: mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/impa...

This lists improvements you can make to devices to make them simpler/more intuitive to use (though it might be easier to use if it listed all the possible improvements device by device...).

And I believe the brand Targus also has good sturdy cases, and they are well reviewed on John Lewis.

Lastly on the YouTube part, I believe you can add certain controls that stop 'restricted' videos showing, and disable the 'autoplay' feature which means videos don't just run and run. There is some info here: youtube.com/watch/8Nf8GTIV4so

These are just a few ideas if you wanted to try and continue with the iPad - but I hope someone can jump in with more advice on different devices soon!

Thank you,

Emma

[Runragged2000 in reply to Emma_Mencap]

Hi Emma,

Thank you for responding to my post. Unfortunately, the issues dealt with at mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/impa...

are mostly dealing with font size and style, vision issues. This is not relevant to Michael as he cannot read. I really need a tablet that just has images of the You tube videos or games that I have downloaded for him to use and the What's App or Facetime shortcut for him to use to communicate with family. Basically, I just need a screen with pictures that he can press and play.

[Bluey203]

Hi runragged,

I recently came across this device on the techsilver uk website, i dont know if its suitable, i was actually looking for a tracker device for my son who wanders if given an opportunity.

Here's the link :

techsilver.co.uk/product/gr...

[Runragged2000 in reply to Bluey203]

So sorry that I haven't replied sooner. This looks great and will be perfect for many. I have spoken with a representative of the company and, unfortunately, you can't add the Youtube icon and the screen size isn't as large as I would like. To access Youtube, this is where most of the videos that he would use are found, he would have to access internet and then Youtube. I am trying to avoid a two step process to access his videos.

I would prefer a 10" screen, there are no plans for a larger screen.

I have asked if I could buy the Grandpad outright without the data sim, my brother is already in an 18 month broadband and phone contract. This is not possible.

This is a great device. I haven't ruled it out. I particularly like the 3rd party contact access so that I can control what is downloaded. I'm investigating further but this is the best option so far.

Once again thanks for thinking of me when you found this. Hope that you found a suitable tracker device.

Take care, keep safe.

Anne