For students with autism, the world can be a confusing place to navigate and understand. Technology opens up exciting new possibilities for their world. A touchscreen would open up whole new worlds of exploration and communication for those that cannot manipulate a mouse.
Just this week, a student connected with the computer for the first time.
Alex began pointing and touching the monitor in an attempt to manipulate the game on the screen. With a touchscreen he would have been independent for the first time in my classroom.
Our ethnically diverse school of over 300 students houses many students with autism like Alex. These students function at varying developmental levels, from Pre-Kindergarten to those successfully being integrated into the general education program. In class we use various programs to assist in Reading and Math, as well as Social Skills, a critical component of any successful program for students with autism. Some of my students are unable to utilize all of the possibilities open to them as they do not respond to using the mouse. A touchscreen would allow those that are more responsive to tactical stimuli to interact with the technology in a meaningful manner.
My Project
Lower-functioning students will be able to interact with programs while successfully growing towards reaching their IEP goals and independence. I am excited that students like Alex will begin to open their world. The touchscreen will find new ways to communicate.
I am excited by the progress that students like Alex are making.
Adding this accommodation of the adaptive technology will allow for them to grow and explore in new ways. The touchscreen could open up whole new avenues for students like Alex to connect to the world around them communicate their learning. Thank you for supporting our school.
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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. Lehman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.