Nate

A bright 7-year-old boy from Damascus, Maryland, Nate has Asperger’s syndrome, dyslexia and ADHD. He is looking forward to an assistive technology grant from The Eric Fund to help him expand learning opportunities at school and communicate more easily with family and friends. His parents’ request to The Eric Fund for electronic aids such as an iPad, plus a special adaptive chair and desk, is an outgrowth of recommendations from his school and Children’s Hospital where he works with therapists. Nate has access to some of the equipment that assists him in learning and improving his communication skills at these locations, but needed the supports at home as well.

The school Nate attends focuses on supporting children with disabilities; however, the technology that is available to him at school and in his occupational therapy is not provided for his use away from the school or hospital environment. Because he experiences social and academic challenges, his teachers and doctors recommend that he use technology to enhance his education program and better communicate his thoughts by writing his assignments on a computer. According to Nate’s mother, the family is hopeful that The Eric Fund award of an iPad Air2® will help build his confidence and allow Nate to develop life-long strategies he will use in school and once he graduates.

The Eric Fund is pleased to provide Nate with some of the assistance he needs to help him advance as he meets the challenges of each new level of school. A 2-year warranty will accompany the iPad.