What Autism Professionals Are Saying

This note from the parent of a recipient just made our day!:
"We have some money we would like to donate to iPads for Autism. It is money from my grandfathers memorial. After he passed away my family decided to give some of the money received to the Autism charity of our choosing. We chose yours because it has helped us directly, it is an immediate part of our community and we want to help others receive this gift as well! Let me know how to get it to you. Thanks, Sam"

I am thrilled beyond words that the Kiwanis Autism project will benefit our local family and student. You cannot imagine how delighted her teacher is nor how important this will be in her daily life needs. We have accessed new avenues of communication, thought and emotions from Riley through the iPad apps at school. To know that this will now be a part of his life out of school hours is truly amazing. Thank you, Lynn, for the opportunities being provided to kids like Riley and their families; your passion, vision and hard work with the Kiwanis Autism Project are making an incredibly positive difference.  – Ann Roy, Director of Special Education, School District of Sheboygan Falls

I am very excited that my young student's application was accepted. I really do think that this will make a difference in his learning of academic and social communication skills. His mom could not have done this for him on her own but I know she will use it at home with him and we plan that he will use it at school as well. Although an alternative learner and probably not grasping that he will be receiving an IPad, it was fun to see how excited he was to have the chance to select a green case. He will be very excited to play with his new IPad, but I know that he will be using it to learn lots this year and for many years to come. Many thanks to the Ripon Kiwanis Clubs.  – Debbi Konecny, Early Childhood Teacher, Ripon Area School District

iPads have opened the door to communication and learning for children with autism as no other device ever has. It is truly a voice for children who have too long been silent. With the iPad, children can interact with family and friends, can show what they know using the plethora of available apps and most importantly they gain social status as peers love to see what's on their iPad and communicate, play and learn together. iPads have opened our minds and hearts to a new understanding of autism. Every child with autism deserves the opportunity to use an iPad and have the ability to communicate, learn and participate fully in social experiences that enrich their quality of life.Thank you to the Kiwanis for undertaking this meaningful initiative. The ripple effect will be very rewarding for individuals, families and communities. – Dr. Maxine Towle, Special Education Director, Mukwonago Area Schools