IT’S all about voice, not just the kind that is produced when air passes through the vocal cords causing them to vibrate creating sound, but the indelible right to communicate and be heard.
From poets to politicians, the power and significance of an individual’s voice has been well recognised, so when CEO of State Schools’ Relief, Sue Karzis recently donated seven iPads to nonverbal students at Verney Road School, it was more than just the handing over of an educational resource.
A Victorian not-for-profit organisation, State Schools’ Relief in partnership with Bank First and Australian Schools Canteen Association have raised funds to provide 423 iPads to nonverbal students across the state over the past three years.
Presenting seven of these iPads to students at Verney Road school, Sue describes the sheer delight on the student’s faces as they received their devices last Monday as being, ‘simply incredible.’
In an earlier statement Sue said, “The iPad for non-verbal students is one of the most impactful programs that we run at States Schools’ Relief; to be able to provide a young person with the means to communicate their wants and needs is transformational.”
Using specialised apps with clear and colourful icons, students use their iPads to vocalise specific emotions and wants while also giving allied health professionals and teachers a greater insight into their specific needs.
Providing over 72,000 students across Victoria, in the last financial year alone with educational resources, uniforms and shoes, State Schools’ Relief can be contacted via their website, http://stateschoolsrelief.org.au for any family experiencing financial difficulties.
