iPad Light Box

On Monday I wrote about the Baby Finger app. While working with a kiddo with a visual impairment (who is very drawn to light and her light box), I thought, "I wonder if I could use my iPad like a light box?"

Using the blank screen on the Baby Finger app, this is what I came up with:

In a dark room, I placed two rings on the iPad screen. Check out that contrast! Now it is much easier for a child with a visual impairment to see the rings and reach out for them.

The only problem is, the Baby Finger app will display an image and a sound if the screen is touched. So, I searched the app store for light box apps and this is what I found:

ILoveFilm - This app is designed to look like an old light box that is used to view images from photography film. Remember, cameras use to have film in them? There is a small border as you can see in the screenshot below, but overall it works well as a light box. I would prefer it without the border, but for a free app, I really can't complain.

Light Pad HD - I haven't tried this app, but it has consistently positive reviews in the app store. The Light Pad HD app is designed to view photo film or x-rays, and provides an option to light up the entire iPad screen, without any border. If you really don't want the border that the ILoveFilm app has, this app is probably a good option for only $1.99.


Have you ever used your iPad as a light box? If so, how did it work? What apps do you use with children with visual impairments? Please share your experiences in the comments below!