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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
MSI Launches Successful “18 iPADS in 18 DAYS” Initiative
Children learning to use iPads at Mailman Segal Institute
NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute (MSI) launched a new initiative recently – 18 iPads in 18 Days – to help facilitate communication for children with autism at MSI’s Baudhuin Preschool. The preschool provides services to children with autism through a contract with the School Board of Broward County and is recognized internationally for their innovative programs for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Technology continues to revolutionize the manner in which teachers meet the needs of children with Autism spectrum disorders. Referred to as ASDs, the disorders are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that on average, about 1 in 110 children are identified with ASD. Children with ASD can exhibit problems with social, emotional, and communication skills.
iPads are now being used with children who have communication challenges. They provide an alternative means of communication between children with autism who have difficulty speaking, and the teacher. Thanks to the generosity of several donors, MSI will be able to place an iPad in each of the Baudhuin Preschool’s 18 classrooms.
Donors contributing to the “18 iPads in 18 Days” initiative include:
- James A. Scott
- A.L. Mailman Family Foundation
- Roni Leiderman and Philip Klein
- On My Own-Sylvia’s Place Boutique
- Joel and Jamie Mayersohn
- Malin, Haley, DiMaggio, Bowen & Lhota, P.A.
- Panza Maurer
Each iPad is equipped with applications like Proloquo2Go, which is designed specifically for children and individuals with special needs. The touch pad is user friendly, features colorful symbols, natural sounding text-to-speech voices, and an extensive vocabulary.