Give Them a Voice: Communication Devices and Adaptive Play
Help me give my students adapted toys and voice output devices, which will help them communicate with the world around them.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Chavez's classroom raised $747
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Project
This is the first year that my school has an Intensive Early Childhood program. The majority of our students are students with Autism who are non-verbal. Our amazing Early Childhood team has been working hard to provide them a safe and enriching environment. Since this program is new, we are in need of many resources for this population.
As a speech and language pathologist working with this population, I am witnessing daily the frustration and challenges faced by our non-verbal students who are unable to express their needs and emotions.
Communication is a vital part of learning and connecting, but many of my students need additional tools to develop this essential skill.
I’m requesting funding for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices and adaptive toy switches to help my non-verbal students find their voices. AAC devices provide a way for students to communicate by activating voice outputs, allowing them to share their thoughts and needs effectively. Adaptive toy switches engage students in play while teaching them critical cause-and-effect skills, a foundational step toward communication.
These tools are essential for building communication skills. AAC devices help students express themselves, reduce frustration, and empower them to interact with others. They encourage social interaction through play. The adapted toys create opportunities for students to connect with peers and build relationships.
With these resources, my students can begin to bridge the gap between their thoughts and words, opening the door to meaningful communication and independence.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
AbleNet iTalk2 - Portable AAC Speech-Generating Device for Nonverbal Communication with Two Message Buttons - Dual-Message AAC Communication Device - Product Number: 10000045
• Amazon Business
$215.00
1
$215.00
AbleNet BIGmack AAC Communication Device - Speech Therapy Communication Aid for Nonverbal Kids & Adults - Product Number #10000041
• Amazon Business
$151.92
1
$151.92
Switch Adapted Fun Gears | Adaptive Device | Special Needs Device | Switch Device
• Amazon Business
$73.71
1
$73.71
Switch Adapted Bubble Machine | Adaptive Device | Special Needs Device | Switch Device
• Amazon Business
$52.37
1
$52.37
Switch Adapted Walking, Tail Wagging, Barking and Somersault Puppy | Adaptive Device | Special Needs Device | Switch Device
• Amazon Business
$51.40
1
$51.40
LDK Adapted Toys Switch Adapted Beaver| Adaptive Device | Special Needs Device | Switch Device
• Amazon Business
$51.40
1
$51.40
Materials cost
$595.80
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$8.94
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$634.74
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$112.01
Total project goal
$746.75
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$746.75
5 Donors
-$534.01
Donations toward project cost
-$482.63
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$51.38
Matching donations from our partners
-$178.96
Match offers toward project cost
-$152.12
Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. Chavez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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