By Ava Cashmore
Clyde Creek Primary School (Specialist campus) has received five iPads from charity organisation State Schools Relief (SSR).
SSR has provided more than 500 iPads to non-verbal students across the state.
For non-verbal students, communication is a daily challenge, often causing a loss of sense of belonging, and restricted access to learning and education. Some struggle to communicate basic needs to guardians. SSR’s broad range of programs and initiatives aim to transform education for non-verbal students and promote inclusivity across state schools in Victoria.
Five students at Clyde Creek Primary School received an iPad each, which they can take home.
“A lot of our families don’t have the financial capacity or NDIS funding to purchase devices,“ the wellbeing/disability inclusion team leader at the school Kristy Panayiotou said.
“If families have just arrived in Australia, they may not yet have access to therapy support or NDIS funding, and cannot financially afford therapy support for children, let alone buy devices to establish a form of connection or functional communication at school and home.”
SSR charity also provides free uniforms, footwear, uniform vouchers, glasses, and other essentials.
Schools can apply online for the resources they require, and with funding from the State Government and private donations, disadvantaged students will be 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 all of our families and the wider community, through these discussions and connections we are able to support families in need.”
In 2022-23, 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 of essential items.
“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,” chief executive officer of SSR Sue Karzis said.
“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 the Australian Schools Canteen Association.
