Technology News Zone wants to give the gift of technology to autistic children. If replacing your iPad or other tech equipment, why not donate your old one?

A new Nevada nonprofit corporation, Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc., appeared on the scene last January. Their mission? To give the gift of technology, educational assistance, music, and the arts to autistic individuals and families in need. Run by David J. Berkowitz, a tech-savvy brainiac with Asperger’s Syndrome and father to three children on the spectrum, Berkowitz wants to “pay it forward” by making a difference in the lives of those affected by autism.

Do you have a microphone or DVD player gathering dust in the closet? Are you thinking about replacing your current tablet or laptop? Do you want to update your digital camera to a newer, better model? Why not take a moment and consider how many autistic families can’t afford what you’re not using, or are about to throw away.
Cost of Raising a Child with Autism Hinders Their Future Employment Possibilities

With autism affecting at least 1 in 110 individuals, the direct and indirect costs of raising autistic children in an atmosphere of continued recession here in the United States is hitting Medicaid programs hard. According to The Autism Society, because of declining tax revenues and drained budget reserves, “the vast majority of states are proposing deep and sweeping budget cuts that will hurt families by reducing necessary and proven services.”

Read more at Suite101: Give Your Old Tablet PC to Tech News and Help an Autistic Child | Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/give-your-old-tablet-pc-to-tech-news-and-help-an-autistic-child-a375770#ixzz1POeCkIq2

Here is an interesting article from Biz Journals that talks about a special education software company who won an award.

PCI Education earned a distinguished achievement Award in the Special Education and Intervention, Intellectual Disabilities, Elementary category for the company’s PCI Reading Program Software Levels One and Two.
The computer program offers interactive reading lessons that help students with developmental disabilities, autism and learning disabilities. The award was presented by The Association of Educational Publishers (AEP), an industry association based in Wilmington, Del.

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2011/06/14/pci-education-recognized-for-quality.html

Read more: PCI Education recognized for quality reading software | San Antonio Business Journal

Computers, iPads, and Autism

Computers are particularly useful for those with autism, as they facilitate communication and aid in learning. In recent months, there has been some buzz in education and autism communities about the Apple iPad.

The iPad, like other computers, is an effective tool for many on the autism spectrum. It’s flexibility and portability offer some additional advantages, though, over other laptops or PCs. The touch screen and layout makes it more accessible for some children with coordination or learning difficulties, who may find ‘sliding’ and tapping easier than either typing or writing. Moreover, the iPad can be easily carried, and thus is helpful for calming and focusing children who are on the go.

The iPad can also be used as a communication board or augmentative communication device. Because of the customization options and because the iPad is a ‘cool tech device’ that doesn’t immediately mark a child as different, many see it as a more attractive option than the more traditional ones. Some children have been captivated indeed by the iPad, finding the motivation to master quite a few new skills in a short span of time.

I definitely would stop short of using the phrase I saw in ‘the weekly’ this morning: The iPad isn’t a cure for autism — I’m not sure ‘cure’ is even an appropriate term for a complex learning difference — and there are autistic individuals whose abilities simply won’t allow them to use an iPad or any other computer. Still it looks like Apple may have done something they didn’t necessarily set out to do: provided one of the better adaptive learning technologies on the market.

On this page, I will share some research and resources for those considering using a communication and teaching tool with those on the autism spectrum.

for more info click here–>http://www.squidoo.com/ipad-for-autism

One of the missions of our nonprofit is to give the gift of technology to people on the autism spectrum and educational classrooms, to include tablets such as the ipad. I recently one an Ipad from a trade show event at the NAB show from Harris Communications and love it. It is beneficial for educational purposes as well as communication.

Steve Jobs called it a magical device. For the parents of autistic children, it actually might be.
Experts say the Apple iPad lessens the symptoms of the disorder, helping kids deal with life’s sensory overload — in a sense “curing” the disorder, one parent says.
That’s what Laura Holmquist believes, at least. Her son Hudson was having 8 or 9 violent meltdowns per day. One morning he started screaming in his bedroom — and didn’t stop until late that evening. The family of eight could not go to public events or out to dinner and had a hard time communicating with him.
“The iPad has given us our family back,” Laura told FoxNews.com. “It’s unlocked a new part of our son that we hadn’t seen before, and given us insight into the way he connects with his world.”
Diagnosed with autism about ten months ago, 3-year-old Hudson is built like a Mack truck and has a disarming smile. His brother Zane is about the same age (both are adopted) and can ask for toys and say complete sentences, but Hudson has trouble communicating about basic needs.

It might not be a miracle but is an interesting, compelling device that may be able to help many on the spectrum.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/09/can-apple-ipad-cure-autism/#ixzz1P5SqtRBQ

Here is an article about our website and mission that my College Fraternity Posted with regards to us!!!!

https://aepi.site-ym.com/news/66584/Alumnus-Gives-Back-in-Nevada-to-Support-Autism.htm

My name is David Joseph Berkowitz. I am an alumnus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Nu Sigma Chapter, and
Omicron Pledge Class. I graduated from the University in 1992. I immediately did the typical thing, started a career, got married and had 3 kids. I spent the last 20 years in sales and management. I also spent 8 years in the Nevada Army National Guard, and am an honorably discharged veteran as well. I have also been connected to the tech industry and have been in and around it for the last 30 years.

I have always felt a need to give back to the world and community, but since I had been side tracked by life so it had been delayed.

Since I have high functioning asperger’s I am bit of a brainac, and am the father of 3 kids who are also on the autism spectrum, I finally decided to make a difference. On January 11, 2011, our website went live, https://technewszone.com to make a difference for autistic people.

We are now a state non-profit, as of 4/18/2011 and are now working on our 501c status.

We are a tech focused nonprofit, trying once we get funded to help those on the spectrum via technology-tablets and related computer tech donations to organizations and individuals with autism, the gift of music and the arts to make the lives of autistic people and their families better.

I am trying to start a national organization like the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society to make living on the spectrum better for those with autism related disorders.

We have a unique approach and view point, and ideas. I am smart, different, and am going about it on my own, am not rich, need a break, to get support so that I can help others. My wife and I have experienced interesting times, the last 4 houses that we rented foreclosed, I have been downsized, right-sized, left-sized per se from companies closing or restructuring over the years, and I was dot-commed once, we have lived the life, have struggled quite badly at times and done well at others, and if this dream is realized we will succeed in helping make our lives better but that of others on the spectrum as well. We are trying to make a difference despite not being rich, really knowing anyone and are self made, via 100% of our own efforts, plus the advice and opportunities that I have found through the social media, 10 or so radio appearances and 2 tv appearances so far and networking with people I know, and have now have reached out to.

We need help and support and people that are connected and smart and know people to make our dream a reality.

If anyone wants to help us, please let me know.

We need legal support to achieve our 501c, contributors, and donors. We need the support of people that can get us media exposure on TV, Radio, magazines, news papers, and help us to truly make a difference. We are also looking for board members to help guidance to our nonprofit as well. If anyone can open their heart to us, and help us get the next level that would be great.

We need donations of technology, tickets to events to help autistic people and their families. We are also trying to help with the arts for both autistic individuals, class rooms, schools and their families and are intending to donate musical instruments, and help support bands, choirs, and theater programs to help special needs autistic people and their families. If anyone has connections that can help us in that respect as well that would be great.

Eventually I want to write a book or make a movie with regards to life on the Autism spectrum, and would love to grant scholarships for vocational and educational purposes for those on the spectrum as well.

Sincerely,

David Joseph Berkowitz

President

Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc.(A Nevada Nonprofit Corporation)

[email protected]

Http://technewszone.com

http://twitter.com/#!/itechnewszone

http://www.facebook.com/technewszone

https://aepi.site-ym.com/news/66584/Alumnus-Gives-Back-in-Nevada-to-Support-Autism.htm

I appreciate it a great deal for the opportunity to be mentioned on their site. I have always been a huge fan of AEPi, now even more so.

I would like to thank Shane Kulman for presenting us with the opportunity to be on her. Her positive attitude is truly inspirational. www.yourbeautifulchild.com web radio show.

Here is a link to her radio show as well http://www.yourbeautifulchild.com/yourbeautifulchildradio.php

and the our appearance on the show:

http://contacttalkradio.soundwaves2000.com:8080/ctr/shanekulman060511.mp3

I was referred to this video by http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1081805020

It is quite amazing the talent and unique abilities that some people have.

Here is a new Toshiba Android 3.1 tablet that seems worth taking a look at.

Engadget also had a nice review of it too–>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/toshiba-thrive-hands-on/

At this price it seems very much worth the money. I hope that more special needs Android applications start popping up.

One that I am aware of that seems nice is www.discovermyvoice.com a nice aac application.

I received a link to this video from the Autism Support Network, it is nice and worth taking a look at.

Part of our mission is to spread the understanding and awareness of autism.