Launching the Ipad Initiative June 8, 2013

I am excited to announce our Ipad Initiative for The Mission Project.  As a result of attaining two grants, one from the McGowan Fund Program and one from The Westerman Foundation, we are able to launch a program that allows all of our participants to utilize iPads to increase their independence in their daily lives. As an assistive technology specialist and an occupational therapist, it is a dream for me to design and manage this project because I know firsthand how technology can impact the daily functioning of adults and children with disabilities.  Through this project, our participants will not only gain technology skills by learning how to navigate an iPad, but they will learn how to use the iPads to increase their skills in communication, social interaction, community access, health management, organization and scheduling, and daily life skills such as meal planning and grocery shopping.  This project is also a powerful way for our participants to connect with the world around them through learning about people and places on the internet, connecting with others safely through social media, and learning and using communication tools such as email and Skype. Our project launches in June with four consecutive trainings on Saturdays.  Volunteers are being integrated in the project to serve as tech mentors to provide one-on-one support that allows each participant to have a training experience that is just-right for his or her level of learning.  Stay tuned for project details, photos, and  testimonials.