The Deepwood Foundation in Lake County has received a generous donation of 24 new iPads from the Willoughby Rotary Club to support individuals with developmental disabilities. The devices were provided through the organization’s Willoughby Rotary Autism Project program, known as WRAP, and are allocated to offer critical communication where needed most.
Executive Director Rikke Coach expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that the iPads are more than just technology – they are tools for empowerment. Program Administrator Tana Habat also emphasized the impact of the donation, noting that the foundation has received a record number of grant requests for iPads this year.
The iPads will open up new avenues of communication and support for nonverbal individuals, helping them to connect with others. The devices come equipped with speech software such as Proloquo2Go and TouchChat, which are expensive and cost-prohibitive for many families.
The collaboration between the Willoughby Rotary and Deepwood Foundation is breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity for individuals with developmental disabilities. The foundation has received over 100 iPads from WRAP to date, and the impact of these devices on speech and communication development is significant.
For more information about the Willoughby Rotary, visit WilloughbyRotary.org. To learn more about the Deepwood Foundation and its services, visit DeepwoodFoundation.org or email LeeAnn Mullen at leeann.mullen@lakebdd.org. The partnership between these organizations continues to create meaningful change and improve the lives of individuals in the community.
