iTaalk AUTISM FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW SOUTH FLORIDA OUTREACH PROGRAM TO HELP NON--VERBAL CHILDREN COMMUNICATE WITH iPADS
The iTaalk Autism Foundation is pleased to announce a regional outreach program that will benefit children and families of South Florida . The South Florida iTaalk Outreach hopes to educate these families on the beneficial uses of interactive technology for children with Autism and varying other special needs. It will provide qualified training to make the augmentative communication, such as iPads, iPhones, and iPods, more effective and functional in the home and classroom.
iTaalk will provide this training for little or NO cost to families, caretakers, and service providers in order to assure the success of implementing this amazing technology. The augmentative communication applications that are downloadable on the devices are designed for children with non--verbal communication disabilities, who cannot speak, or have language delays. The interactive programs can be used on the mobile devices or tablets to help these children learn to handle social situations and even develop reading, math and communicative skills.
Marlene Sickles of Parkland , Florida adopted her daughter, Shira, from an orphanage in Romania at the age of two. Her condition prevents her from speaking; leaving her unable to convey what she wants and needs. However, the iTaalk program will provide her with the iPad and a uniquely designed case, allowing her to make an incredible breakthrough. Shira, now 14 years old, will be able to communicate her needs for the first time by building sentences from relevant images, that teach by photo vocabulary, flashcards, storyboards, and routine.
Not only, does this technological advancement enhance education, but also improves the quality of life for entire families. The portability of the iPad will allow Shira to travel everywhere with it. Which will eliminate her feeling of isolation and frustration by building independence and helping her learn to reinforce associations between objects, people, and places. As well as, doing away with the family’s constant struggle of charades that lead to unmanageable behaviors and public meltdowns.
Sickles, witnessed the results of her daughter’s success using a school’s issued iPad and joined forces with the iTaalk Founder and President, Brooke Olson, to expand the opportunities this program and the training sessions have to offer to the South Florida community. With the proper funding, the goal is to give all children with communication disabilities a chance to access this wonderful new and innovative technology.
South Florida iTaalk Outreach will be hosting its very first educational seminar on Saturday, April 21st, 2012. The training will take place at The Marriott Ft Lauderdale -- Coral Springs ( 11775 Heron Bay Boulevard Coral Springs , FL ) at 9am--2pm. The Cost: $20
*Scholarships available -- must be able to demonstrate financial need. All participants must confirm their attendance online at www.itaalk.org/southflorida.html.
“Please help us to make the South Florida community aware that iTaalk is now here to allow our children to be heard. All donations will help our children help themselves live a meaningful and productive life.
Visit www.itaalk.org/southflorida.html for grant deadlines and application details. We expect the first grant cycle to open June 2012 which is based upon expected financial donations. You can also donate used iOS devices and all financial donations to the South Florida iTaalk Outreach by visiting the Florida extension of the iTaalk website at: www.itaalk.org/southflorida.html. Itaalk is a 501©3 organization accepting financial donations to reach our goal for the children.