When DD had her AT eval - very detailed, very long - the AT specialist included a multiple page long list of apps that should/could be tried. Many of them were free. 3 1/2 years later AT is central to her program and we continue to use many free apps. The AT person, if they know what they are doing, should be able to guide the selection, implementation and training on appropriate apps.
DD is at an OOD spec Ed school and we have found that the young special Ed teachers there are very interested in remaining up to speed on any available apps. We sent in a $20 iTunes gift card with instructions that they could load any and all apps they think might be helpful. Since the district owns the iPad DD uses at school they have to approve before anything is loaded. I think we are now on our second or third iTunes card (finishing her 3rd year there). The AT specialists still consults about an hour a month and is constantly trying new things with her. If she recommends an app that costs more than a couple dollars she informs the district and they eventually approve it and pay for it. Free apps can be very good. And there are some free or very inexpensive apps that have worked better for DD than some expensive ones. Apps change and so do our kids - it's important to remain flexible and allow their program to grow with them,
Make sure you have *good* AT specialist. I have seen some really bad, incomplete reports that provided no useful information. Yes there are outside AT specialists. I'm not sure it that would count as IEE if you don't think the distinct's evaluator is up to the job. You may have to pay out of pocket if it's not IEE eligible.
DD is finishing 5th grade (dyslexia , dysgraphia, dyspraxia, math disability, dysarthria plus every possible processing issue...) and AT is the single most important thing we have to make sure is in place and will grow with her. I would advise against asking for a specific program and ask instead for a really good evaluation and ongoing services to make sure that AT remains appropriate as he grows and his needs change.
