Lynda collected and recycling old mobile phones to get an iPad for her son Padraig. She shares the benefits they have seen after a short time using the device.
My son’s name is Padraig and he was 3 years old last Sunday. I just wanted to write a few words on the impact that the iPad has had on Padraig and our family.
Padraig, at 12 months old, had a clear indication of very weak communication and sensory issues. We tried every avenue to understand Padraig’s condition and learn to incorporate our lives in balance with him, but unfortunately we couldn’t and were very saddened by this.
Then 3 weeks ago we got an iPad. I was very apprehensive about it, thinking to myself that, again, another mechanism that Padraig would only communicate with and not us, but honestly it has become the best communication device EVER.
Padraig, on all levels, has operated this device with such skill and intelligence that it has shocked us. Padraig is trying to communicate with different apps and shares this enjoyment with all the family. Padraig has now started to mouth letters with the ALPHABET app and to hear his voice was probably the most emotional day of our lives.
The LUNCH BOX app shows us the massive potential Padraig has with his problem solving and his understanding of colours and fruits.
The ABBY WORDS app is probably the best app in my opinion for Padraig which lets him know that we have recognised his abilities and applauded him on his brilliance. This app has all the letters to make up the name of animals and Padraig drags the correct letters in each box (he is fantastic at it). He is learning to say the letters and what the name of the animals are. In time I know Padraig will be saying all the animals’ name. Early days just yet, but very exciting.
And finally there is a recording video link on the iPad which enables us to record ourselves and other members of the family and all the different voices so he recognises the person by their voice. We also record places we go to and where we need to go so he doesn’t have a meltdown. This is work in progress and he is adapting well to voice and picture which is fantastic.
Thanks to everyone who donated a phone for my son Padraig to get his iPad. Each and everyone of you has helped my son communicate. I will always be very grateful to you all and especially to Geraldine in BPI Telecom and Jen from Irish Autism Action for opening the scheme for everyone to collect phones for iPad.
Keep it up for our children, this is their future.
As of this morning there are 662 people registered to recycle mobile phones and 218 devices already delivered. The recycling scheme is open to everyone, details of other rewards available here and the schools options are here. To get the collection pack phone Geraldine on 01 4279790 or email geraldinep@bpi.ie
