Nonverbal students at Northern School for Autism will be able to communicate with their families, teachers, carers and friends more easily, after the school received iPads from State Schools’ relief.
The not-for-profit established a partnership with Bank First and the Australian Schools Canteen Association, who donated $90,000 to provide 423 iPads nonverbal students at more than 90 specialist schools in Victoria.
State Schools’ Relief chief executive Sue Karzis said providing nonverbal children with an iPad enables them to have their own voice at all times.
“The iPads for nonverbal students is one of the most impactful programs that we run at State Schools’ Relief; to be able to provide a young person with the means to communicate their wants and needs is transformational,” she said.
“iPads give these students a voice, something that many of us take for granted. We are so very proud of this initiative.”
Bank First chief executive Michelle Bagnall said the organisation was proud to support students by removing barriers to their participation in school and encouraging their success in education.
ASCA chief executive David Edwards said: “Not only will the Ipads assist the communications of nonverbal students at school, but they will contribute greatly to improving their overall educational experiences and outcomes”.
