By Ava Cashmore
Charity organisation State Schools Relief (SSR) has provided more than 500 iPads to non-verbal students across the state, including five at Clyde Creek Primary School (Specialist campus).
For non-verbal students, communication is a challenge faced daily, often causing a loss of sense of belonging, restricted access to learning and education. Some even struggle to communicate basic needs to guardians.
Thankfully, SSR’s broad range of programs and initiatives are transforming education for non-verbal students and promoting inclusivity across state schools in Victoria.
The five students at Clyde Creek Primary School received an iPad each, which they can also take home.
“A lot of our families don’t have the capacity or NDIS funding to purchase devices,“ Kristy Panayiotou, the wellbeing/disability inclusion team leader at Clyde Creek Primary School said.
“If they’ve just arrived in Australia, they don’t have access to therapy support, and cannot financially afford therapy support for little people, let alone buy devices to establish a form of connection or functional communication at school and at home.”
Not only does the SSR charity provide iPads for “little people” in need, but they also provide free uniforms, footwear, uniform vouchers, glasses and other essentials.
Schools are able to apply online for the resources they require, and with funding from the State Government and generous private donations, disadvantaged students are supplied with the resources they require.
“Every morning at Clyde Creek Primary School, students and families are greeted at the gate,” Ms Panayiotou said.
“That way we develop a connection with families and are able to find out which families need more support.”
In the 2022-23 period alone, SSR distributed $7.1 million worth of essential items, including iPads which benefited 452 students. Since 2016, the not-for-profit has distributed over $45 million worth of essential items, highlighting its significant impact on Victorian communities.
“The iPad program assists students experiencing significant communication barriers within their school environment and home. The iPad gives students a voice – something that is a universal right and helps these young people to have a voice, have agency and to be heard,” said Sue Karzis, CEO of State Schools’ Relief.
“I am so proud that SSR is able to deliver such an impactful program, and it is only possible due to the generosity of our partners, particularly Bank First and ASCA as well as The William Angliss Charitable Fund.”
The iPads program is also supported by Bank First and Australian Schools Canteen Association.
