I teach students in grades 9-12 with significant disabilities. My students face more challenges than the typical high school would. Some of my students are non-verbal, have physical disabilities, social skill deficits, and medical needs that create difficulties for them on a daily basis. All of my students struggle with one main area......COMMUNICATION.
Communication is a fundamental need and impacts every aspect of their lives.
Some of them cannot communicate verbally, and are unable to learn sign language. Some of my students are unsure of how to say things, or what to say. Communicating needs and wants, as well as in social settings, will benefit them for many years to come.
My Project
My students will utilize the iPad for communication in many ways. To begin, there are many apps recommended for nonverbal students such as Proloquo that have shown to be beneficial to them. Also, some of my students, with communication issues, socially are able to use the tablet to video themselves and incorporate it into role playing with social situations. Some of my students have difficulty with expressing themselves in writing, and the accessibility features will allow those students to speak into different apps so they may communicate in that way as well.
The most important way the iPad will benefit my students is the portability of the device in order to communicate in all settings.
We take community outings, have many inclusion opportunities, attend football games, school dances, maintain a garden, and practice job skills in authentic job settings. Learning ways to communicate in all areas of life is detrimental, and the portability of this device allows students to transfer these skills to all areas. This will help them foster independence for the post-secondary setting.
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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 Mrs. McMahon and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.