April 11, 2008
Zac Browser Targets Children with Autism
TMCnet Editor
After his grandson was diagnosed with autism, the president of People CD was inspired to create a Web browser for children with the disorder and name it in his honor.
The Zac Browser is the first Web browser developed specifically for children with autism and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, which are pervasive developmental disorders.
People CD - the creators of Kidz CD: Web 2.0 Safe Web Browsing for Children and Teenagers - made this browser for the enjoyment, enrichment and freedom of autistic children. They can touch it, play it, interact with it, and experience independence through the program.
“Zac Browser was inspired out of a deeply felt need of our own,” said John LeSieur, president and CEO of People CD.
In 2002, LeSieur says, he was blessed with a “beautiful grandson,” Zackary. At an early age, Zackary began displaying classic signs of a pervasive development disorder and was diagnosed as severely autistic in 2005.
“We have the deepest love for our daughter and grandson and it is out of this heartfelt emotion that we used our talent to tailor a Web browser specifically for Zackary and children facing similar development disorders of the brain,” LeSieur said.
According to LeSieur, the Zac Browser is the only place that your autistic child can safely, easily and independently surf the Web and successfully interact with many different Web applications.
On the browser, children will interact directly with games and activities that cater specifically to those who display characteristics of autism spectrum disorders, such as impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, restricted interest and repetitive behavior. Zac has been an effective tool for children with low, medium and high functioning autism, the company claims.
The Zac Browser provides a parent or caregiver forum to enable them to learn from experiences, share human stories and be connected with others who intimately understand their situations. The browser also provides a ‘useful links’ area to guide them to important commercial websites that may enhance their child’s quality of life.
Eve Sullivan is a TMCnet contributing editor.
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