Kiwanis unlock communication barrier for children with autism via iPad program
Through the iPads for Autism Project of the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Kiwanis District, the Prairie du Chien Kiwanis Club recently provided one iPad with a Big Grips protective case and $50 of apps designed for people with Autism to a local high school student and $50 in apps to another high school student. This was the first presentation of its kind in the community and an emotional and heartfelt appreciation was evident from the students, parents and the staff of these students. Kiwanis members and the students are pictured (from left) Arnie Mezera, Drew Van de Creek, Seth Sanders, Dave Parks and Jason Knapp. (Submitted photo)
By Correne Martin
The Kiwanis Club of Prairie du Chien is helping to unlock the communication barrier for children with autism.
A symptom of autism is verbal and nonverbal communication problems. According to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (ASDF), the gamut of issues runs from mild to severe. Regardless, 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 ASDF website explains.
Now, thanks to iPads and their apps designed for people with autism, that barrier is diminishing. The apps are promoted as easy-to-use and allow for children to put words and symbols together, creating sentences using the images. Of course, these electronic tablets are mobile, meaning the children can use their voice anywhere and everywhere.
The Prairie du Chien Kiwanis Club was made aware of the iPads for Autism program, which started about four years ago, through the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Kiwanis District, according to Brad Smock, the club’s secretary. Since its inception, around 850 children have been accommodated.
Smock said parents or school counselors can fill out a grant application. Then, the district notifies the local club of the application and its members determine whether the club has the funds to provide the iPad or the autism apps.
“We deal through Apple and many of these iPads are refurbished. Some are new, but we also get them the Big Grips (protective) case,” he said. “If they already have an iPad, we can get them the apps they need.”
Recently, two high school students in Prairie du Chien, Drew Van de Creek and Seth Sanders, received assistance through this iPads for Autism and the local club. The Prairie du Chien Kiwanis spent about $500 to fully support these two students.
Smock explained that, for each kid, the apps are a little different. Basically, through the program, funds are utilized to obtain the iPads and then gift cards are used toward the apps.
“This is something new to what we do but it’s the type of work we do,” Smock added. “We’re here to serve children.”
The Kiwanis Club has three main fundraisers each year to sustain its efforts: a pancake supper in March, a corn and brat feed in August and a golf outing in October. “We return all the money we raise to the community,” he said.
To complete a grant application, visit kiwanisautismproject.com.
