Provide iPads to autistic children to:
- enhance communication
- learn new skills
- provide the means to have fun, be creative, and feel good about themselves
Download Flyer (PDF)
The Willoughby Rotary Autism Project is supported by the Willoughby Rotary Foundation, and fundraising by Cleveland History Lessons, featuring Dan Ruminski, Storyteller
Why iPads?
Research has determined that autistic children who have difficulty communicating can have their communication skills improved dramatically with iPads.
Older tools such as cards or even regular computer screens are limited in keeping the autistic user interested. The touch screen and layout make the iPad easier to use for individuals with coordination or learning difficulties. Typing is not required, as many apps feature bright, colorful icons that are manipulated by tapping and sliding. The iPad can help individuals with autism improve basic social, fine motor, language and communication skills. Users learn to communicate and express themselves with their iPad without the frustration they commonly experience.
Please view this 60 Minutes special on autistic children using iPads: View Video
Our Plan
Willoughby Rotary members voted to help families in our community affected by autism by providing iPads and information on appropriate apps.
To provide a unique way to generate awareness and revenue, Rotarian Dan Ruminski volunteered to lead our efforts. Dan is "Cleveland's Storyteller," educating people on the rarely known but spectacular history of Cleveland, Ohio.
His series of "WRAP Cleveland History Talks" feature dinner and spellbinding stories, have attracted sponsors, and raised thousands for autism.
Read Jim Collin's News-Herald column on Rotary's initiative gives a boost to autistic kids
Thanks to our Sponsors
The following companies and individuals sponsored our Nov 11 fundraiser. We appreciate their support.
Sponsors:
- Kevin Quin - Principal Financial
- Share-A-Vision
- Kevin Ellison
- Ohio Business Machine
- Burgers Ace Hardware
- Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center
- Black Lab Corp.
- Jack and Marlene Cornachio
- Latham W. Murfey III - Headwaters Investment Counsel LLC
- Mary Ann Crozier - Bertha's Gallery
- Schoneman, Inc.
Contributions:
- Dave Klima
- DiFranco
- Classic Ford, Madison
- Don Nemeth
- Rev. Robert Schuler
- Jerry and Helen Collins
- Jack And Marlene Cornachio
- Eric Berger
About Autism
The basic facts are staggering:
- Autism affects 1 in 88 children
- Autism affects 1 in 54 boys, and boys are four times more likely to have Autism
- More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined
- Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
- Autism costs the nation $137 billion per year
- Autism causes receive little organized funding support
- The average person is not aware of the extent of this epidemic, or how people with autism can be helped
- There is no cure for autism
Donate
Direct donations to our project, or sponsorship of our "Dinner and a Story" events, will help us achieve our current goal of 50 iPads for autistic children by June 2013.
Checks may be made out to:
Willoughby Rotary Foundation
PO Box 1302
Willoughby, OH 44096-1302
Attention: iPads for Autism Project
Donate Securely Online
The Willoughby Rotary Foundation is a is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that has contributed over $250,000 to Rotary International humanitarian programs and more than 30 Ohio charitable causes since 1998.
Event Information
Phone: 440.951.1312 (ask for Dan)
E-mail:
Meetings: 12:00 pm Monday, Dino's Restaurant, 4145 Rt 306, Willoughby
