I feel privileged to be a part of my students' lives and to see the progress they make each day. Every one of them works so hard to do things most of us take for granted, yet when it comes down to it they are children who want the same opportunities as their peers. This includes access to technology.
My classroom is a Special Day Class for students with severe disabilities.
There are 10 students in my classroom whose grade levels range from Kindergarten through 8th grade. My students have various physical and cognitive disabilities which could include Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Intellectual Disabilities, as well as various other disabilities that require alternative placement and supports to access their curriculum. All of my students are non-verbal and have communication deficits. They all require alternative means of communication, and most communication is assisted at this time.
My Project
Students in my classroom have diverse needs and abilities and require specialized equipment that will allow them to access technology in the classroom.
All of my students use the classroom iPads in some way throughout the day, but for many of our students using the iPad is difficult due to motor delays or vision issues.
We use iPads in the classroom for communication, academic and and pre-academic activities, to access assessments, and to enhance our lessons throughout the day. Even students with the most significant needs enjoy using the iPad for learning. iPad's allow us to create lessons, access our curriculum and related activities, and provide means for students to communicate in a meaningful way.
Unfortunately, the size of the screen on the iPad makes it difficult for some of our students to access materials effectively. We are asking for an iPad and touch screen monitor that will allow all of our students to have equal access to lessons, assessment, and other materials that are accessible through the iPad. By attaching an iPad to the larger touch monitor students who need a larger screen will be able to access the same materials as their peers. Currently, students who are not able to manipulate the iPad on its own have their materials printed out and placed on a 17 inch light box to replicate what the other students are doing on the iPad. With an iPad that can be attached to the touch monitor students would no longer have to have printed out materials and would be able to enjoy the same special effects, sounds, and videos that their peers enjoy on the iPad but on a larger screen.
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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. P. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.