New Year, New Browser for Kids with Autism

I was introduced to a free browser by a school librarian back in the fall. I was presenting TAP∙it™ at a technology conference in Pennsylvania and she immediately envisioned using ZAC Browser on it.  She explained that it can be used with a mouse, but is great with a touch screen.  So, when I got back to the office, I downloaded the browser and started exploring.  I can see why this is a great program for children with autism but also preschool and kindergarten-aged children.  I also saw why she thought it would be great on TAP∙it – the large 42” touch screen is perfect.

ZAC stands for Zone for Autistic Children and it is a nice self-enclosed browser that was developed by a grandfather for his grandson in 2008.  ZAC Browser allows children to access games, puzzles, music, etc. on the Internet all from one site making it a safe environment for playing on the internet.  The applications that can be accessed are popular ones from PBS Kids, Nick Jr., Playhouse Disney, Starfall, Story Place, Whiz Kids Games, and many more.

The initial homepage of the browser is an aquarium with large icons that link to six activity areas:

-    Television: watch video clips from movies and shows such as Sesame Street, Toy Story, Muppets, Bob the Builder, etc.

-    Games: play games from many different sites including PBS Kids and Nick Jr.

-    Music: listen to songs from sites such as Playhouse Disney, Fisher Price and PBS Kids

-    Stories: listen to stories on Starfall.com and Story Place

-    Daily Item: watch a video or complete a puzzle that changes everyday

-    Draw: have fun in the drawing zone with built-in googly eyes for making funny faces, three pencil width options, several color options and “Windex” for cleaning up the mess

The mouse also gets in on the act. On the Aquarium or homepage, the mouse is a submarine; in Games, a butterfly flutters right behind the cursor; in Music, there are bears that you can click on to create music (Do, Re, Mi);  in Draw, you can choose to make your drawing with a Smiley face; and in Television, create star fireworks on the theater curtains.

ZAC browser is all around fun, but most importantly, a safe Internet browser for children.  Go to www.zacbrowser.com to download and start using today.