£25,000 donation gives disabled children a voice
FIFTY disabled children from six schools have received tablet computers to support their communication.
The Randal Charitable Foundation, in Loughborough, donated £25,000 to Wigston charity Menphys, which paid for the iPads, screen protectors, specialist verbalisation software and distribution.
Menphys chief executive officer Ian Caldwell said: “Menphys would like to thank the Randal Charitable
Foundation for funding this lifechanging project.
“The devices we have provided will open up the world to children and young people who are non-verbal or struggle to communicate due to their disability.
“They will now be able to express thoughts, feelings, make individual choices and have a voice.
“Everyone, no matter their circumstance, should have a voice and this project has made that possible for 50 wonderful young people.”
Many of the youngsters were ineligible or experiencing lengthy waits for public sector support for the communication aids.
Dr Nik Kotecha, Randal foundation chairman of trustees, said: “It’s estimated one in 10 children in the UK struggles with language and communication.
“For some, having the tools for the most basic of communication makes such a huge difference to their quality of life and ability to interact with those around them.
“We’re delighted to have been able to support children and young people through thi project.”
The tablets were distributed to pupils at Ellesmere College; Ash Field Academy, Evington; Birkett House Special School, Wigston; Dorothy Goodman School, Hinckley; Forest Way School, Coalville; and, Little Hill Primary, Wigston.