A real game-changer for children with autism
by Jim
Easter Seals Capper Foundation received a generous gift of five iPads from the Downtown Topeka Rotary Club Foundation on February 16th. The iPads can be loaded with special applications for communication that will assist nonverbal children with autism or other disabilities to communicate with audible sentences. Children will be able to select images on the iPad screen, and the images translate into words to form sentences, allowing the children to audibly express their thoughts.
This is a real game-changer for children with autism, and their families are amazed at the abilities that can be demonstrated via the iPad. The kids are able to communicate. They are able to express understanding, emotions and preferences in a way that wasn’t possible before.
Research from the National Center on Educational Outcomes shows that when kids with significant cognitive disabilities have access to appropriate assistive technology they are often able to demonstrate abilities that might have otherwise been lost or unseen. We are very grateful to the Rotary for bringing up-to-date assistive technology to children and their families who might otherwise not have access. Thank you.