iPads for Autism! - Olmsted Falls ECC

Objective:  Provide iPads for each of 8 children in the Apple Room at the Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center.

Why:  As you can see in the video above, the iPad can be a powerful communication tool for those affected by autism.  The teachers in this classroom have seen first hand the positive impact the device can be when used in a structured learning environment.  For example, one application completely replaces the traditionally used PECS book.  A PECS book contains a series of "icons" (laminated pictures of objects the individual may use to communicate).  The icons have velcro on the back and stick to velcro strips on the pages.  The icons are constantly being lost and take time to replace.  The children also have varying levels of interest in the book.  One iPad application allows the instructor to use pictures of anything on the internet, record their voice labeling the object, and share the pic's among the class and parents.  The children are always interested and excited to use the device and the new iOS on iPad 2's and up have a feature that locks the application in place.  This, and many other applications make the iPad a terrific teaching and learning tool.

Requirements:  The school currently has one iPad that is stored in an Otter Box case.  The need is for 7 iPad 2's (can't be iPad 1 because the 1 does not support the new iOS with the "guided access" option which can lock the device into one application so the kids can't go out to games etc.), one charging station that will also act as a lockbox for the devices.  

Costs:

Hardware:

iPad 2's - Quantity 7. Unit Cost $400.  Subtotal:  $2,800

Otter Box Cases - Quantity 7.  Unit Cost $60.  Subtotal: $240

Charging Station - Quantity 1.  Unit Cost $360.  Subtotal: $360
Charging adapters - Quantity 6.  Unit Cost $21.54.  Subtotal:  $129.24

Total Hardware Cost:  $3,529.24

How:  We need your help!  If you have a new or used iPad, please consider a donation to a great cause.  To make a financial contribution, please click here.

Progress:
August 5, 2013, this project is fully funded!  We are currently in the process of acquiring the devices and getting them ready for the students to start school.  This post will be updated before the end of August with the final wrap up.

August 29, 2013:  We have the iPads!  The case is now complete and we will be delivering to the school tomorrow.  Pic's and more info. to come!

September 3, 2013:  The iPads have been delivered!  Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this initiative.  Thanks to your contribution, the 8 children in the Apple room now have an amazing tool to help them learn, grow, and communicate.  Teacher, Mrs. Doick, expressed her sincere gratitude for this opportunity and can't wait to start utilizing the devices in the classroom.  We're looking forward to updating this page with more pic's and videos of the children using the devices.

Special Thanks:  Joceyln Webber for the big financial contribution that put us over the top. An anonymous donor from Boston for donating one of the iPads, Limelight Impressions for their continued financial contributions.  Finally, all of the Pearl Jam fans who attended the Wishlist fundraiser at Wrigley field. 25% of the proceeds from that event covered about half of this project.  You all have the undying gratitude of the parents and children who's lives have been affected by this project.  Thank You!

Parent Testimonial:  "Words can't express how grateful Bill and I for The Five Horizons Foundation most generous donation of iPads for the Apple room. You have given our children a gift more precious than the device itself, but the ability to communicate and learn in a manner which they can thrive." -Gen Bauer

To see our current projects, click here.