Because of funding, we regrettably are not able to help all of the children and families who have applied for 2019.
Please check back on Oct. 1, 2020, when we reopen applications for our programs.
A symptom of autism is verbal and nonverbal communication problems. While the gamut runs from mild to severe, individuals with autism have a difficult time expressing their feelings, forming words, and communicating in general. A traditional approach to help break the communication barrier was for therapists or caregivers to use hand-laminated picture cards, which did not work well outside of that circle. Equipment was also developed to assist an autistic child in communicating, but was only beneficial at therapy because the equipment was bulky, heavy and expensive.
The iPad For Kids Program revolutionized and unlocked the communication barrier for children on the spectrum. The iPad gives a voice to the voiceless. The iPad apps for autism are easy-to-use, and allow for children to put words and symbols together and eventually create sentences using images. They are also extremely mobile. ACA has donated iPads to individuals and special education classrooms to help nonverbal autistic children with communication and learning.
Your Gift Today can help unlock the communication barrier for children on the spectrum.
What others are saying about ACA’s iPad For Kids Program…
“Our grandson Aidan is 4 years old and he is on the Autism Spectrum. Communicating his wants and needs continues to be a roadblock for him. When I heard of the (your foundation) and their program to help children on the spectrum by supplying iPads. I contacted the foundation but was told that the year’s allotment of iPads had already been distributed. Several weeks later I received an email from the foundation informing me that a new supply of iPad mini’s was expected and I would be able to apply for one by sending Aidan’s diagnosis. I immediately responded and within 10 days Aidan had his iPad mini. It is hard to express in words the difference this is making in Aidan’s learning. Aidan’s vocabulary and his ability to express his wants, needs, and feelings is improving already. Thank you to the ACA and its generous donors for providing this learning tool for our child and other children on the spectrum. It is truly a great blessing to see your child make the connections necessary to have a future. We are very grateful for this opportunity for our grandson. I will be donating the money I saved for Aidan’s iPad to the foundation to benefit other children.”
~Denise Myers, grandparent of autistic child;
Rochester, PA
“Dear Michael,
There is an incredible world out there for therapy style apps. Heather is having a fabulous time reviewing her loaded ipad. She is coming out of her shell. She has found an app for Charades. (truly as shocker) She is talking and acting out the Disney characters-once with a stranger in the doctor’s office waiting room. I never dreamed she would open up like this. Thanks so much.”
~Dawn, mother of an autistic child
“Dear Michael,
I am so grateful to ACA for choosing my daughter Sai as an iPad recipient. Sai is autistic with very minimal speech. With her new iPad, she now has unlimited resources at her fingertips that will not only help her with her communication needs but also help her understand and visualize everyday activities that she comes across at school and home. Thank you so much for taking interest in the lives of so many special people. Your organization is making a difference in the lives of many. Will keep you posted on Sai’s progress.”
~Yatta Sallah, parent of an autistic child
“Hi Mr. Slutsky,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Micah received his iPad today and he was really excited. This is going to help his world open up, and you and your foundation are such a blessing to children like mine. I will keep you informed about his progress. Thank you for being a blessing for my son.”
~Tabitha D., mother of an autistic child
Visit our testimonials page to read more, or submit your own story here.