SALT LAKE CITY – A local non-profit organization runs a program designed to put an iPad in every special-needs classroom in Utah.
iPads 4 Angels is a technology grant program launched by the Orem-based non-profit United Angels Foundation, and it was created to provide technology aides to children with special needs.
iPads are useful learning devices for children of any ability, but for children with special needs the devices can make a significant difference. Thira Christensen is the mother of a special needs child, and she said the devices are ideal.
"The iPads, they work miracles for children with special needs,” she said.
Jill Austin of the United Angels Foundation said the iPads help teachers tailor lessons to individual students.
“If there's different apps that apply to one kid, or they're struggling in this area, then they're able to put that iPad out in front of them with the actual apps that are going to help them, rather than one teacher getting up in front of a whole classroom and teaching the same thing to students that all learn differently,” she said.
iPads 4 Angels was started in 2008, and it began when a parent asked for support to get an iPad into her daughter’s classroom. Now the program hopes to expand, but officials said they need help.
Mark Leck, United Angels Foundation president, said they are looking for sponsors.
"Even right now we are technically underfunded for the program, and we're looking for corporate and community sponsors to help support the program,” he said.
Leck said anyone who donates a used iPad to the program will be able to follow up and find out where there device is being used.
For more information about the program, click here.
