The Connected Child: Using Technology to Rise Above Disabilities

Original article on Mother Nature Network

London was born with a rare genetic condition, but with the help of everyday consumer technologies - from tablets, smart phones, apps and social media - she's learning new skills at a rapid rate. An experimental concept called The Connected Child enables London's caregivers to ensure that they're all on the same page with everything that she does, tracking her learning approaches to see what works and what doesn't.

At nine years old, London is developmentally similar to a three-year-old. Tetrasomy 18p is so rare that there hasn't been enough research to determine the best approaches to help her learn basic academic and independent living skills. The Connected Child is an experimental program using video models, a blog, Facebookand a web app that keeps each caregiver - from her parents, teachers, therapists and even her school principal - in the loop on her progress.

The technology that we use is a key to her success, says Lee, London'