' IPADS CAN HELP THE DISABLED! iPads may seem like a luxury item , but for the physically and mentally disabled kids at ALEH, iPads have become a window into the outside world – giving them a real chance to communicate, to interact, and to grow beyond the boundaries of their limitations. (Please read the story below) ALEH is Israel’s largest network of care for severely disabled children and young adults. For over 30 years, they have been providing residents with cutting edge rehabilitative, therapeutic, medical and social opportunities, resulting in amazing advances. Even the most physically and cognitively disabled are able to use the iPads – to draw, to hear music, to take pictures, to communicate directly with their families via video and Skye, to interact with staff and with friends – all things they would not have been able to do otherwise. And the iPads enable them to do it all in real time, with one simple device! The amazing breakthrough story of how the iPads have helped residents advance has been picked up in local Israeli press and online. ALEH is now looking to purchase more iPads so all the residents can benefit. I hope you will join me in helping to raise money for the iPad project. Our goal is to purchase 5 iPADS for the residents of ALEH Moriah, young adults with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities. PLEASE JOIN US! Make a donation and/or pledge and help Israel’s disabled population have every opportunity for a better future. ________________________________________________________________________ iPADS at ALEH MUCH MORE THAN SIMPLE ENTERTAINMENT When Gila, an occupational therapist at Aleh Moriah, brought her iPad to work, she never dreamed what the ramifications would be for Einat, a special-needs resident. But this amazing gadget is now providing Einat and her disabled friends with an entirely new window of opportunity for development and communication! Gila had downloaded a picture application onto her iPad for her own young daughter. She decided to show it to Einat, in the hopes of provoking a reaction. Einat had never shown much motivation, or demonstrated any ability or understanding of colors and shapes, so Gila was amazed when Einat was able to ‘copy’ a picture of a house – down to the exact roof and number of windows. What made the moment more significant – Gila sent the picture to Einat’s father via email on the iPad, and Einat’s father was able to express his joy and pride on the spot, directly through Skype! Since that breakthrough moment, Einat has been able to communicate regularly with her parents in Tzfat (northern Israel), sending them photos and video messages in real time. Because they are located so far away, Einat’s parents could only travel to see her occasionally; with this newfound way of interacting via iPad the family connection has grown much stronger – and Einat has simply blossomed! Because iPads work with a simple touch screen, even the most disabled people are able to use the specialized applications and games. But beyond providing entertainment, the iPads have helped our residents uncover hidden abilities! They have shown themselves capable of drawing, interacting, choosing music, actively participating in cognitive skills-building, and independently engaging in sensory stimulation – all things they would not have been able to do otherwise.'
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