Gerald Lynch
Last week, 11 non-verbal students at the Wayi School in Craigieburn received iPads to assist in removing engagement and educational barriers.
The iPads, equipped with heavy duty covers, were provided by non-for-profit State Schools’ Relief (SSR).
Through the provision of a communication device, the iPad program supports non-verbal students to overcome communication barriers within their home and school environment.
SSR is a unique Victorian organisation that provides anonymous assistance through the provision of uniforms, shoes and other essential educational resources, to students who have been identified by teachers and principals as struggling with the impact of material disadvantage.
SSR chief executive Sue Karzis said the program helps kids statewide.
“The iPad program assists students experiencing significant communication barriers within their school environment and home,” she said.
“The iPad gives students a voice – something that is a universal right and helps these young people to have a voice, have agency and to be heard.
“I am so proud that SSR is able to deliver such an impactful program, and it is only possible due to the generosity of our partners, particularly Bank First and ASCA as well as The William Angliss Charitable Fund.”
Research demonstrates that for non-verbal students, iPads can increase their learning potential, improve their ability to communicate and increase their social skills.
The program enables non-verbal students to participate in their learning and increase their ability to communicate.
For many families facing adversity and with a child requiring this support, iPads can be financially unattainable, hindering a child’s education and communication. To access an iPad through this program, allied health providers and school staff identify students within specialist schools who need a device and whose families or carers face barriers to accessing them.
The Wayi School will support its 11 students with individual training sessions on how to use their devices to better enable them in making an impact on the world around them.
