In a move to give voice to many who never had one, the iTaalk Autism Foundation is granting free iPads to individuals with a diagnosis of Autism.
The iPad-a-day program, which began in July and continues though Dec. 31 gives an iPad-away during one random week of each month to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder “ASD”make gains in their communication skills, social skills, organizational skills, and over all life skills.
There is still time to apply for the December grant.
The Foundations goal is to give away 500 devices before the end of 2011. If you have not yet applied, there is still time to apply for December’s grants!
iTaalks program was developed in January 2010 when Brooke Olson’s (the current president of iTaalk),child received an iPod touch and his language skills began to develop. Olson became passionate about helping other children with ASD get these iOS devices.
Recently, there have been many testimonials from parents and caregivers explaining how the iPad and other iOS devices have helped people with ASD. The television show 60 Minutesrecently aired a segment on how iOS devices are helping many with ASD improve communications skills..
Children also benefit from the iPad by the cool factor. iOS devices can help kids with ASD fit in with their peer group, rather than setting them apart as other tools do.
The November grant applications must have been received before the end of October. If you want to be eligible for the December grant, you must submit your completed application before the end of November.
The iPad-a-day grant guidelines require:
The individual must have a Medical Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis and have supporting documentation available at the time of applying. Acceptable documentation includes: 1) Letter of diagnosis from a Medical Doctor, Neuropsychologist and/or Neurologist on office letterhead that includes current address and phone for the office, or 2) A current IEP.
Required also, a letter of support in implementing the device on letterhead from a current Speech and Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, BCBA, Special Education Teacher, Behavioral Consultant, Psychologist and/or Classroom Aide (Co-signed by Teacher or Principal).
All supporting documents must be received by iTaalk within 24 hours of completing the online application. Documents should be scanned or photographed and be less than 1MB and emailed after the online application is complete. The address will be given at that time.
Once an application and all supporting documents have been successfully submitted, the applicant does not have to reapply to be eligible for the next month. [sic]
ITaalks mission is to not only distribute the devices, but to also educate parents and educators on how to successfully use the devices. In support of this mission, iTaalk is conducting workshops at the University of Bowling Green on Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13 on using iPads and other iOS Devices with individuals with special needs. Both of these workshops are free to parents of children with ASD.
Both workshops will be held at Bowling Green State University at the College of Education and Human Development, 115 Jenson Auditorium, Bowling Green. The first workshop will discuss the benefits of iPads for individuals with special needs, the latest interactive tablets, and choosing the right products for your child.
The Sunday workshop will discuss using iOS devices to help with change and transition. Some of the topics to be discussed are: transitioning into mainstream classrooms; transitioning to new schools; moving to independent living situations; and teaching life skills. This event will run from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm To register for one or both events, go to iTaalk’s website.
If you are unable to attend these live events or in addition to the live events, the Family Information Network of Ohio (FINofOhio), a statewide organization of parent consultants whose children have a disability, is presenting a webinar on To Tech or Not To Tech: Pros and Cons of Using Technology with Young Children with Autism. This webinar is targeted towards families of children birth through five years old with special needs. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. To register for this event go to FIN of Ohio website.
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iTaalk Autism Foundation grants free iPads to those with Autism.
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