My students attend a special education program on the north side of Chicago. They come from diverse cultural and language backgrounds. Many of them are non-verbal and are learning to communicate. They are motivated to tell others things but either don't have the ability to use words or can't use words consistently. They also need significant time to learn new skills.
Since it takes my students an extended time to learn new skills, they need access to communication devices for practice.
Providing access to communication devices from the beginning of the year will lead to success in obtaining their own communication device. The district will provide a device if students demonstrate that they can successfully use it. You can help provide the practice so they have their own personal device!
My Project
The iPads and cases with Word Power Software will give my students a voice. Using the software, they can learn how to build sentences using a combination of words and pictures. Then they can make the device "talk" for them. This will give my students their own voice for the first time in their lives. Students will be able to use this communication device to ask to use the bathroom instead of grabbing a person's hand to walk to the bathroom with them. They will be able to tell about a trip to McDonald's over the weekend to share experiences with staff and students. Ultimately, students will learn how to advocate, converse, and share experiences instead of just getting their basic needs met through sign language, which most people do not understand.
You can make a difference in my student's lives by giving them a voice.
This will increase their independence, confidence, and expand their social worlds beyond familiar adults who teach them daily. Using the iPads and communication software they will be able to interact with anyone who will listen.
Apple iPad 3 Retina Display Tablet 16GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Certified Refurbished)
• Amazon Business
$197.88
6
$1,187.28
TouchChat HD - AAC with WordPower™
• Touch Chat Apps s
$299.00
1
$299.00
Lioeo iPad Cases and Covers for Girls Soft Silicone Dropproof Shockproof Cases with Carry Handle for Apple iPad 2 3 4 9.7 Inch Screen - Not for ipad Air or ipad Mini (Red)
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
Lioeo iPad 2 3 4 Cases Durable Cute Foam Childproof Shock Proof Protective Kids Cover Case with Stand and Carrying Handle for Apple iPad 2 3 4 9.7 Inch Screen - Not for ipad Air or ipad Mini (Purple)
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
Lioeo iPad 2 Case for Girls Pink iPad 3/4 Case Cute 3D Cartoon Design Rubber Cheap Case Skin for Apple iPad 2 3 4 9.7 Inch Screen - Not for ipad Air or ipad Mini(Pink)
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
Lioeo iPad 2 Case Kids iPad 3 Case iPad 4 kid proof case Full Protective Eva Foam Case for Apple iPad 2 / 3 / 4 9.7 Inch Screen - Not for ipad Air or ipad Mini (Green)
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
Lioeo iPad 2 Case Kids iPad 3 Case iPad 4 Kid proof case Full Protective Eva Foam Case for Apple iPad 2 / 3 / 4 9.7 Inch Screen - Not for ipad Air or ipad Mini (Blue)
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
Lioeo iPad 3 Case with Stand iPad 2 Cases Kids iPad 4 Skin Case Durable Siliocne Kids Friendly Child Proof Cases for Apple iPad 2 3 4 9.7 Inch Screen - Not for ipad Air or ipad Mini (Orange)
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
Materials cost
$1,624.22
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$24.36
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$1,678.58
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$296.22
Total project goal
$1,974.80
Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Pakulski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
