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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Carpenter from Simi Valley, CA is requesting technology through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Carpenter is requesting

Modern Technology for Special Needs

My students need an iPad so they can communicate in the classroom.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Carpenter's classroom raised $691

This project is fully funded

My Students

Can you imagine spending your entire life unable to speak? Unable to communicate even the most basic wants and needs in a way that people understand? My students have gone through school that way and deserve a way to express themselves as they head toward adulthood.

My students all have moderate to severe disabilities and attend a public high school where typical peers all around them are socializing, expressing themselves, and becoming more independent each day.

Meanwhile, the majority of my students remain contained in a single classroom, unable to have a voice as they become adults. Many of them will require assistance and care for their entire lives. They learn what they can through lessons, pictures, and computer support, but many continue to struggle with communication. A few have picture systems with which to express their wants and needs, but the majority are limited to gestures, pointing, and grunting to get their points across. My students try their best to navigate a world that is difficult to understand for the most typical adolescents. Yet, they are doing it without the skills most typical adolescents possess, making life even more confusing and difficult.

My Project

The iPad is an essential item for a classroom for students who are nonverbal. Applications have been developed over the years and made available for the iPad that allow individuals with special needs such as autism, Down Syndrome, and cerebral palsy to communicate through voice output software that combines the use of a touch screen with picture support so that students can participate more fully in lessons, school, and community life. In addition, applications are available which use applied behavior analysis in order to teach skills such as picture recognition, reading, and mathematics. Students can access these applications independently and work on developing their skills without constant supervision from a teacher or instructional assistant. Finally, in addition to academic and communication applications, the iPad can be configured to include some of my students favorite activities so that following work sessions, they can seek reinforcement in an age-appropriate way.

Technology like this is rarely seen in classrooms in the area in which I teach.

Funding is constantly being cut from schools and especially special education. This technology will help my students gain a voice and get their needs met.

Ms. Carpenter Simi Valley High School Grades 9-12

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Simi Valley, CA View local requests

More than half 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

19 students impacted 1donor

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Carpenter is requesting.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
iPad 2 • Apple $499.00 1 $499.00

Materials cost

$499.00

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $45.66

3rd party payment processing fee

$7.48

Fulfillment labor & materials

$35.00

Total project cost

$587.14

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$103.61

Total project goal

$690.75

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $690.75

1 Donor

-$690.75

Donations toward project cost

-$587.14

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$103.61

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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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. Carpenter and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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