By NICOLE VALICEK
TECHNOLOGY has the ability to improve the quality of life for young people with cognitive and sensory disabilities but it’s not cheap.
Interact Australia has been awarded $10,000 from Telstra’s Everyone Connected program to help young people better access technology.
Interact manager of service development, Stephanie Worsteling said the grant would be used to purchase technology including interactive whiteboards and iPads that will help people with a disability overcome the additional challenges they face in communication and learning.
“The iPads are a great tool for people with a disability that are non-verbal or have limited vocabularies to interact and communicate effectively with others, while building confidence and self-esteem,” Ms Worsteling said.
Ms Worsteling said the new technology will be a key tool in delivering their learning, literacy and numeracy programs and help people with a disability develop their social skills and be leaders in their own life.
The not-for-profit organisation is based out of the Youth Resource Centre in Hoppers Crossing and has helped people with a disability to maximise their health, wellbeing and life opportunities for more than 20 years.
“We’re really excited to get the grant obviously there was a huge number of applicants. The technology is a necessary tool for learning and connecting with others,” Ms Worsteling said.
For more information contact about Interact contact Stephanie Worsteling on 0409 654 668 or visit www.interactaust.com.au.
