Centre for Autism Launches eLearning Initiatives
Toronto (CA), February 2008 - Palm Canada has announced a Palm Foundation cash grant and the donation of 100 Palm(R) handhelds and accessories to kick-start a new eLearning program at the Geneva Centre for Autism. The resources are being used for training and technical-support costs associated with transferring paper-based visual cues and reminders onto Palm handheld devices. The handheld's design, portability, ease of use, and ability to support visuals has proven to be a valuable learning tool for individuals with autism.
The announcement represents Phase II of Palm's commitment to the Geneva Centre for Autism. In Phase I, Palm worked with the Centre to create an eLearning pilot program that involved training a small group of teens and young adults with autism to use Palm Z22 handhelds.
As part of Phase II, the centre is receiving 100 new Palm T/X handheld devices, which will enable the centre to increase the number of individuals who can participate in the program and advance those who have benefited from Phase I. Part of the Palm Foundation grant also includes protective cases, headsets, stylus pens, and keyboards for the new T/X devices.
"We are very excited to work with the Palm Foundation to advance our mobile-learning initiatives for autistic individuals using cutting-edge technology. Our goal is to empower people with autism by giving them the tools they need to lead independent, confident lives", says Margaret Whelan, executive director, Geneva Centre for Autism.
Autism and Visual Learning
Autism is often referred to as a "spectrum disorder" because symptoms and characteristics can present themselves in a variety of combinations, ranging from mild to severe. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), such as Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Asperger syndrome, are lifelong neuro-developmental disorders that typically affect a person's ability to communicate, form relationships, and respond appropriately to their social environment.
Individuals with autism are known to have strong visual-learning capabilities and benefit from visual communication tools. The touch-screen technology, agenda, contacts, and other organizational tools and functions associated with Palm handhelds are highly visual and align with the needs of many autistic individuals.
Twenty-five-year-old Rachel Cohen, who has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, received a Palm Z22 handheld as part of Geneva Centre's Phase I pilot program. She recently traded in her Z22 for a new Palm T/X. Rachel lives on her own and uses her handheld for everything, from managing her finances to keeping track of her bowling scores. In an anxious moment, she might play a game on her Palm handheld to help her relax. She also uses the device to take notes for a pet column she writes for her apartment building's newsletter.
"It keeps me organized, and it's great to have all my contacts in one place. I am good at losing papers and forgetting appointments", says Rachel. "The colour-coding really helps me see at a glance what I have coming up, and the note pad is great because I'm trying to learn Hebrew. I can write a Hebrew word and the translation on the screen, so I can review it any time and learn it. I keep my Palm T/X with me all the time; it's something I can always count on."
