My students need an Epson wireless printer and ink cartridges so we can print projects, photos to aid in communication, and homework for carryover therapy.
Imagine if you had difficulty understanding your teacher as she read an exciting new book during circle time?! Imagine if you couldn't tell someone how you felt or what new, fun idea you had?! Well, these are real problems that my students experience everyday!
I am a speech language pathologist and I work in a New York City public school in Forest Hills, Queens.
My students all have a passion and eagerness to learn- academically, socially, and emotionally. Ranging in age from 4 to 12 years old, my students are placed in self-contained special education and Integrated co-teaching classes.
Each of my students has the desire to showcase the vivid ideas they have in their imagination, but struggle to do so, due to difficulties processing, understanding, formulating and using language required in their classroom and home environments. These speech and language difficulties are associated with diagnoses of Autism, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, learning disabilities, and intellectual disabilities.
My Project
Over the past few years, NYC schools have suffered from massive federal and state budget cuts. Our schools do not have the resources to provide the necessary materials, such as copies, color printers and ink, to all their teachers. As a speech language pathologist, I need a printer every day, in order to print the materials and pictures required to help facilitate my students' communication skills. Several of my students with Autism need communication boards and other visual supports to aid in their ability to understand and share their thoughts, wants, and needs. I create these boards using a picture exchange program. The pictures are more realistic and distinguishable when printed in color. Additionally, numerous other students have difficulty with vocabulary, grammar, and producing specific sounds such as /s/, /r/, /th/, and /l/ in the appropriate manner. These students all benefit from daily practice to quicken their progress and help with carryover.
By donating to this project, you are not only supporting me, you are helping my students find their VOICE!
My students feel very proud of themselves when they have finally been able to understand a concept or express their ideas effectively. Something as simple as a color printer would help my students feel successful in their ability to communicate! Please help me help them gain the power of communication!
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. Bulavinetz and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
