"Autism Speaks" Donates iPads to Vista for the Holidays

Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, distributed 19 iPads to organizations who serve the needs of adults on the autism spectrum throughout parts of New England, including 2 organizations in Connecticut. Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center was one of the proud recipients.

“With these donated iPads, we are supporting important service providers who are on the frontlines of addressing the underserved adult segment in our autism communities throughout New England,” said Russ Kenn, Executive Director of the New England Chapter of Autism Speaks. “In this holiday season of giving, it is also a tangible way to support adults on the spectrum, and allows our chapter to showcase the gifts inside people with autism, helping them reach their full potential.” The goal at Autism Speaks is to provide individuals with autism and their families with all the tools they need throughout the lifespan.  Adults living with autism often have difficulty finding information about programs and supports that would allow them to live as independently as possible. Therefore, Autism Speaks’ Adult Services initiatives focus on resources that impact all facets of adult life including employment, housing, community life and post-secondary education.

“iPads and the Apple system are great for teaching and training students, through learning how to download and utilize their user friendly apps, which is very important for our students and members,” said Bobbi Guercia, Director of Admissions & External Relations for Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center. With the diversity in needs and programming for adults on the autism spectrum, these donated iPads will serve a variety of uses. Vista, an organization in which roughly half of the students and members are on the autism spectrum, will use the iPads to enhance communication, support job training, and provide virtual support, among other uses.

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visitwww.autismspeaks.org.

Based in Madison and Westbrook, CT, Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a 501©3 nonprofit organization.  Vista’s mission is to provide services and resources on an individualized basis to assist adults with disabilities to live independent and successful lives. For more information regarding Vista, please visithttp://www.vistavocational.org