Does anyone have a source for used or refurbished iPads or similar tablets suitable for an Autistic child, at a price point that would not rule out frequent replacement from inevitably being dropped or stepped on?  The only requirement we would have of the device would be to access YouTube Kids, absolutely nothing else.  

I have two nine year-old grandsons, identical twins, with severe Autism.  They are beautiful little boys, but they are non-verbal and will need constant care for the rest of their lives.  They are learning to use speech devices to communicate to some degree, but unfortunately the iPads, because of that software, are very expensive, so the boys are only allowed to use them during therapy sessions or under close supervision so they don't get damaged.  Both boys love to play outside, climbing, swinging and running around, but when they can't play outside, they enjoy watching things they find on YouTube Kids, and it gives their mother (my daughter) some desperately needed break time.  Any suggestions would be great.

Sorry about the grandkids, friend. Hope someone answers your call!

IM me. I have a 7 inch fire tablet you can have. Has a Bluetooth keyboard you can have also. May be decommissioning afire 8 w/keyboard shortly as well. Would love for them to be put to a good cause 🙂👍🌲

Check the refurbished section at Apple.com for WiFi only iPads. Availability is always changing.

Thanks to everyone for the thoughtful responses.  I'll explore all of them!

Just read your post, @CatBacker

Were you able to source an iPad or similar tablet for the boys?

yes I sent him one and he never even reimbursed me for the shipping @Nate19

Did you not read the last note I sent you?  I told you I don't use that payment system you mentioned and that I would send reimbursement by mail to the address on the box, and you did not reply to that note.  Nothing has changed about that intention.  I apologize for being tardy, I admit I'm late.

I'll set up an account in the system you specified and reimburse there.  Again, apologies for the tardiness.

I have purchased them from pawn shops.

Check your IMs

So you gave him an iPad out of the kindness of your heart but eating the shipping was a bridge too far?

And had to bitch about it publicly?

I figured out how to do Zelle this morning and he's been reimbursed.

To answer your question, I think we're ok.  Two members donated their older model iPads and both are in service again.  One will run YouTube Kids, one won't but we found some ways to cope with that.  I hope these two last awhile.  We've tried several options over time, but the boys are just hard on stuff.  It's frustrating, but it's not their fault.  They just don't know any better.  

If you don't have cases for them already, search slamazon for "kid-proof tablet case". Admittedly, our kids don't use tablets often, but those foamy cases have prevented a lot of damage.

For sure!  Those things do a good job protecting against drops.  Getting stepped on is another story, unfortunately.  Things are getting better, though!