Imagine the frustration of having a voice at school, but being unable to communicate at home.
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That's been the reality for many non-verbal pupils at Ballarat Specialist School who use iPads to communicate at school but don't have access to a device at home.
For nine junior pupils and their families that burden has been lifted after they were given iPads loaded with the app Words for Life through State Schools' Relief in partnership with Bank First and Gandel Philanthropy.
One mother said the new iPad would be "life changing" and alter the family dynamics and relationships both inside and outside the home.
Ballarat Specialist School leading teacher for digital technologies Caitriona Ferrer said the prep and grade one students who received the iPads were pre-verbal.
"Some don't have any words at all," she said. "At school they have access to voice but by the time they get home they don't have a voice at home so they are unable to communicate about their day, what they've done at school or their needs and wants.
"To be able to facilitate a stronger link between school and home really is life changing."
The accessibility features of the app mean students who need can control the app through eye gaze or a head switch.
"If we can catch them at the right age, we know early intervention really provides the best set up for rest of their lives. Our students will be able to take them as they move through school. It brings down a barrier for them."
State Schools Relief chief executive Sue Karzis said the iPads would empower the children to have a say over their lives.
She was originally told there was no demand for the iPads because they were funded by NDIS, but teachers said many parents were unable to secure the necessary funding and Ms Karzis decided to implement a pilot program.
After sourcing private funding, 180 iPads were made available through 30 specialist schools. They were snapped up within a week.
"This was a pilot program to see what was needed, and given 180 went in a week we are looking for someone to jump on board as a corporate sponsor, she said.
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