The lives of another 18 children with autism or intellectual disability have been changed thanks to the idea of one Ballan teen.
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At their annual Christmas celebration on Saturday, the Keeley’s Cause charity gave iPads to 18 children to help with their communication and schooling.
Keeley Murphy, 14, the charity’s founder, received her own iPad more than a year after starting the cause when Creswick Lions Club president Peter Cowie heard Keeley did not actually have her own device.
“Even though she created the organisation she had not had her own iPad because she created it not for herself but to take care of everyone else,” mum Sharon Murphy said.
“Creswick Lions Club found out and sponsored her to receive her own iPad.”
Ms Murphy said iPads were a game changer for children with autism and intellectual disability who often learned better using technology than current teaching methods.
Keeley, who has always struggled academically at school, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at a young age and was recently diagnosed with an intellectual disability. The struggle to keep up in the classroom during primary school heightened her social anxiety and she fell further behind.
Teachers and parents noticed Keeley learned better using technology, and Keeley decided to help others in her situation with the first iPads bought and distributed with funds raised from two sausage sizzles.
This weekend’s Keeley’s Cause Christmas celebration at Ballan Racecourse Recreation Reserve was also a fundraiser to bring in more money to buy iPads for more children who need them.
“The kids had the best day and that’s what means the most. It’s not just about making money but making these kids smile when they normally might not,” she said.
The day featured rides, 45 market stalls, entertainment, a petting zoo, train ride, crafts and more. “The environment was made for them to enjoy so they could free range and parents didn’t have to worry about other people and being judged.”
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