Power of touch helps students
THINK only a magician can turn an old, unwanted mobile phone into a shiny new iPad?
Wrong.
The Caboolture Special School wants you to do just that.
The school has found a way to turn unused phones, regardless of condition, into a valued educational resource.
Caboolture Special School P and C president Jenny Butler is behind the phone drive.
Ms Butler has seen first-hand the value of interactive technology for children with a disability.
Her nine-year-old son Gabriel has difficulty in the classroom due to his autism.
However the introduction of electronics such as the iPad has allowed kids like Gabriel to communicate effectively without the need to be verbal.
For every 250 phones donated, the school will receive one iPad.
Ms Butler said the target was 8000 phones, to cater for all 31 classrooms at the school.
"I'd like to see one in every classroom," Ms Butler said.
"It can be any phone - broken or cracked, it still counts."
Donations are being accepted at Caboolture businesses including Fitness N Motion, Caboolture Commercial, Drakes IGA and the school.
"It's important for kids at the special school, the iPad is a powerful learning tool and is great for kids who have trouble communicating," Ms Butler said.
"A lot of kids at the school cannot write but they can touch."
While Ms Butler was aware 8000 phones was ambitious she said she would be pleased with any amount.
"Even if I get 10 iPads I'd be happy and so would the school."
"It's good for non-verbal students because they access literacy and numeracy programs," Ms Butler said.
"There are many communication applications that are great for non-verbal students."
Visit the school at: cabooltuspecs.eq.edu.au
To donate call Jenny Butler 0404020517.
