Autism Society gets iPads

IGT donated five iPads complete with software, screen protectors and hard cases to the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT) in 2012.

“By using the iPads, members of staff have found them to be an effective and engaging learning tool, which is used to improve motivation, engagement and learning outcomes for persons with autism,” said Amoy Boodoo, manager of Autism Place, of the gift.

“The impact the iPads have had on improving the lives of children with autism has been immense,” she said upon receiving the second batch of the devices.

These donations were made possible through IGT’s After School Advantage (ASA) Programme, a long-standing initiative which provides non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with new computer equipment and specialised educational software to help children as young as five years old become more computer literate.

This philanthropic initiative is meant to provide an otherwise unavailable educational experience and bridge the digital divide among educational institutions and the community.

“The reality is that autism does not discriminate since it affects children around the world. IGT’s donation of these iPads to the Autism Place is an acknowledgement that we must all do our part in creating an environment that aids communication among those affected by autism,” said Ann- Dawn Young Sang, IGT’s Regional Vice President for the Caribbean.

President of ASTT, Teresina Sieunarine, said, “I am very thankful for the support and interest that the IGT family has given to the ASTT.

They have shown that they are committed to helping children with autism through the use of technology, by providing iPads for use in our centres. It has been proven that technology is quite effective in assisting children on the autism spectrum, as the iPad can be used as a visual support to facilitate learning, improve communication, increase independence, reduce anxiety and improve behaviours.” She added, “Technological aids like iPads are expensive and the ASTT would not be able to finance this wonderful initiative, so thanks again to IGT.”