I frequently get emails from people who ask for an iPad, iPhone, or an iPod Touch for their family member who has a communication disorder. Having to say “no” to these worthy families really sucks and I haven’t had any decent list to point them at until now. So here’s a comprehensive list of groups that I know of who are currently accepting applications as of April 2011. Please read the notes at the bottom of the list, and use your common sense when contacting anybody or giving them your details.
This list is for groups specifically distributing iPads, iPhones and iPod touches for communication purposes.
Also please remember, iPads and iPhones and iTouches are great but they are not the right solution for everybody. If you are not already working with a speech pathologist (SLP) and perhaps an occupational therapist as well then the first thing you need to do is consult these people (if your child is at school then ask your special education department about this). A speech therapist can evaluate your child’s abilities and needs and can often organise trials of different devices for your child. Blindly spending a lot of money on an iPad – which might not be usable or helpful to your child – is a gamble which might backfire badly, so I definitely recommend that you consult the experts on this one.
iPads can be wonderful communication tool
The blog Apps 4 Children With Special Needs is giving an iPad away to a family in need every time $500 is raised.
Who can apply: No information specified
Program’s history: One iPad distributed (March 2011), published waiting list lists 50+ people.
Program location: Location unknown
Further information: iPads 4U
Babies with iPads is granting iPads as funds allow.
Who can apply: Applicants must be residents of western virginia, USA, with a child under 60 months old. Further details on website.
Program’s history: One iPad distributed
Program location: Western Virginia, USA
Further information: Babies with iPads grant application eligibility requirements
The Conover Company is a software development company, focussing on assessment and training software for both companies and the educational area. One of their product areas is iPhone and iPad apps for special education, including life skills, literacy skills, social skills and work skills. The company has established the Conover Mobile Technology Grant to promote the use of mobile technology and Conover Company apps to improve individuals’ ability to function independently in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities
Who can apply: Website specifies “Individuals, parents, caretakers, teachers, counselors, religious leaders, private organizations and public organizations.” Application form implies but doesn’t specify that applicants are USA-based.
Program’s history: No history known
Program location: Wisconsin, USA
Further information: Conover Mobile Technology Grant
Danny’s Wish is committed to providing life enhancing resources and experiences for children and families dealing with autism and autism spectrum disorders. Their goal for this campaign is to raise $50,000 to supply approximately 100 iPads to those children affected and in need the most.
Who can apply: Recipient must be a USA resident with an official autism spectrum diagnosis and be nonverbal or minimally verbal. Gross income of family below US$100k.
Program’s history: No history known
Program location: New York, USA
Further information: Danny’s Wish
The HollyRod Foundation introduced the “Give the Gift of Voice” campaign in 2010 to provide iPads to give a voice to those without. To date, HollyRod has given away more iPads for communication for Autism than any other organization. Over 100 individuals ranging in age from 3 to 32 across 27 states can now make their voice heard. It is our commitment to continue this program so that every individual with Autism has a voice.
Who can apply: Not currently accepting applications
Program location: USA
Program’s history: Over 100 iPads distributed
Further information: The HollyRod Foundation
iHelp for Special Needs is dedicated to help raise funds for children with special needs to receive iPads and relevant apps to assist with communication, life skills, and social skills. The group helps parents and groups to raise funds for themselves, and supplements these funds.
Who can apply: No information specified
Program location: Texas, USA
Program’s history: One iPad distributed (December 2010)
Further information: iHelp for Special Needs
iPads4irishautism (previously “I Want My iPhone For Autism”) refurbish and redistribute used iPads, iPhones and iPod Touches. This program is run by Lisa Domican, who also develops the Grace AAC app.
Who can apply: No information specified
Program’s history: No history known
Program location: Ireland
Further information: iPads4irishautism
The iTaalk Autism Foundation refurbishes used iPhones and similar devices and distributes these to children with Autism.
Who can apply: No information specified
Program’s history: No history known
Program location: Ohio, USA
Further information: iTaalk Autism Foundation
Loud Mommy Ministries is specifically designed to provide support for mothers who have to be advocates for their autistic children. One of our goals as a not for profit ministry is to raise money for iPads for non-verbal children, autistic or apraxic.
Who can apply: No information specified
Program’s history: No devices distributed yet
Program location: Illinois, USA
Further information: Loud Mommy iPad Application
The Puzzling Piece are running an iPad challenge. You sell 60 pieces of their puzzle-piece autism jewellery (at US$20 each) and they will send you a brand new iPad. The Puzzling Piece is run by a couple who have an autistic son.
Who can apply: Site implies parents and teachers, but no limits specified
Program’s history: No history known
Program location: Florida, USA
Further information: The Puzzling Piece iPad Challenge
Small Steps In Speech has a mission to help children with speech and/or language disorders take the steps needed to be better communicators. This is achieved through grants and donations to service providers and qualifying charitable organisations.
Who can apply: Applicant must be USA based and under 22 years of age.
Program’s history: No history known
Program location: New Jersey, USA
Further information: Small Steps In Speech Grant Application
Turning Views Foundation’s Gift a Voice Project also goes by the wonderful moniker “Different Iz Good”. Their mission is to provide speech generating devices (SGD) to children and adults with communication disabilities for communication purposes, to guide affected individuals in making a career or entrepreneur path and to advocate for those that are different due to disabilities.
Who can apply: Applicant must be USA based. No restrictions based on age or diagnosis but must have financial need. Priority given to applicants based in Nevada.
Program’s history: Two devices have been distributed, four more are about to be.
Program location: Nevada, USA
Further information: Turning Views Foundation’s Gift a Voice Project
Note that Apple themselves do not donate devices to anybody, to the best of my knowledge, and are very unlikely to start doing so.
I think that if you need a device for somebody and can’t afford it, your best bet is probably not to apply to these sites – their waiting lists are already very long. In my opinion, you’re most likely to have luck with raising money on your own – suggestions on Squidilicious’ How To Get Your Kid With Autism That Wonderful iPad and On A Tight Budget: 7 Ways To Get An iPad For Your Child With Special Needs.
If you have further information please leave me a comment.
- Ricky Buchanan
Camilla Downs April 9, 2011 at 12:15 am
Hey Ricky! Here’s another – Turning Views Foundation’s Gift a Voice Project. We are a 501(c)3 based in Reno, Nevada and serve recipients NATIONALLY. We have gifted to two recipients and are about to gift to the next four grants applicants due to a fundraiser. We DO NOT have restrictions regarding age or diagnosis. If you or your loved one has a communication disability we want to assist you.
Learn more here – http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/ – We are also the only organization I know of that hosts Gift a Voice Cell Phone Recycling Drives to serve several purposes with one of them being to raise funds for our Gift a Voice Project. These are happening across the United States at elementary and middle schools, colleges, local business and in collaboration with other nonprofits.
Thanks for putting this list together Ricky!
Ricky Buchanan May 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@Camilla: I’m so sorry I left you off initially! I’ve now updated the page properly, please let me know if there’s anything else I need to change.
Camilla Downs May 4, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Thanks Ricky!! So much appreciate you putting this list together!
Ricky Buchanan May 18, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@Camilla: You’re very welcome, thanks for doing such great stuff with your charity!!
Mary May 15, 2011 at 1:20 pm
I am volunteer, working with a 29 year old non verbal woman with autism. I would love to have an I Pad to see if it would be beneficial for her. If anyone has one to donate, please let me know.
Tara April 9, 2011 at 6:16 am
LoudMommy is small but we are strong! We are also on a mission to help families get iPads for their nonverbal child! They can apply through our website. We have fundraisers going year round to help give families a chance to “speak” with their child!
Ricky Buchanan May 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@Tara: Thanks for letting me know. Sorry for the delay but I’ve now added you to the list – let me know if there are any other changes I should make.
Bridget Bailey April 9, 2011 at 9:55 am
Just want to update the eligibility criteria for the Babies with iPads grant changes. I live in WV and the current application is for WV only but after that it will be for all of US residents but there will be age requirements. Thanks for the shout out.
Ricky Buchanan May 4, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@Bridget: Thanks, I updated your listing a while back but forgot to let you know! This should be up to date now.
Pam Dean May 18, 2011 at 9:01 am
I was recently informed about this website and the impact that an ipad could do for my Autistic daughter. My daughter is almost 21years old and does not communicate. As I read the post about how an ipad has helped other children and adults, I am excited to know that having an ipad could help me to understand what my child wants or doesnt want and what may be hurting her. I would so love to have an ipad for my child.
Ricky Buchanan May 18, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@Pam: I highly recommend that you contact a speech pathologist and an OT who are used to working with non-verbal autistic people to have your daughter evaluated. Just buying an iPad without an evaluation is not a “magic” answer and these devices aren’t appropriate for every person – it could be a lot of money spent that has no positive effect on your daughter and causes a lot of disappointment to you. If you need help finding SLPs and OTs who are familiar with the technology, I suggest you start with the Proloquo2Go Resource Centers list which is appropriate to your country – these places have therapists who are familiar with the iPad’s use as a communication device. Best of luck.
freespirit September 18, 2011 at 8:04 am
please can you give me any information as to where i can get funding to help get an iphone 4 or ipad with voice control as my mother inlaw is blind due to a 3 brain haemorages and is struggling with coming to terms and struggling communicatinng with family and friends and listening to her music and reading books.Any help would be much appreciated thank you. we live in the uk.
D October 5, 2011 at 4:09 pm
Hello, You can also include Project Endeavor for the Deaf in your list. Deaf people can buy an Ipad 2 for half off the price and also get assistance with internet service. There is an application process. This is through a government grant.
Shannon Connaughton October 6, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Hey
I am a graduate student In Speech language pathology at a graduate program in boston. We are trying to get an IPAD for our clinic on a gran or something? does anyone know how to do this?
Jennifer Boyd November 26, 2011 at 7:35 am
Hello!
A4cwsn.com (Apps for Children With Special Needs) is listed at the top of the group! Very exciting! You need to know that Gary James, who founded A4cwsn.com has delivered over 80 iPads, some iPods, some cases, and hundreds of apps, just this year. And! The year is not over yet!!
Check out the A4cwsn.com website, and you must check them out on facebook, as well!! We are an entire community dedicated to special needs of all kinds!
Thank you for including A4cwsn on your list!
Amy Vinson Taylor November 26, 2011 at 9:52 am
I love A4cwsn and am happy to see many other sources for help listed above as well. I am posting this on my apps and info page for children with disabilities- Special Apps, Special Kids – thanks!