Father's App Lets Disabled Son 'Speak' Thru IPad

RALEIGH, N.C.  — A young North Carolina boy with a severe disability got his Christmas present early: the ability to communicate, thanks to his father.

Paul Pauca, a professor at Wake Forest University, worked with his students this year to designed a computer app for the iPhone and other devices that will allow his son, Victor, to communicate.

Victor, who has a rare disease called Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, can now point to pictures on the iPhone or iPad that play recorded messages indicating what he wants to do.

Software for people with disabilities has surged with the popularity of smart phones and tablet computers. Apple Inc. now has a section of its App Store devoted to the software.