Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation Funds Communication

Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation Funds Communication

8th February 2012

The Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation sees the value of new technologies which assist people to communicate and, through their generosity, Interchange has been able to develop a project using these technologies.

 
Early in 2011, Interchange Outer East applied for funding through the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation small grants program. We requested $8,000 to purchase communication software and iPads for Interchange Outer East families to trial.

In October 2012, the grant was approved and a cheque was presented at the Foundation’s Celebration of Giving event.

‘Having a voice, being heard and making choices about your life are fundamental human rights that all people should enjoy. Take away the capacity to communicate and the potential for human rights abuse is significant.’ These were some of the words in the application that helped the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation to appreciate the need to support this project.

With the successful funding Interchange Outer East has been able to get the communication based project, up and running.

Karina Fry, IOE’s Human Rights and Behaviour Support Coordinator said, ‘Since we started providing this option of trialing iPads and communication software, the demand has been constant, to the point that we have created a waiting list for the trials. We are also holding group training sessions, to show people the basics of how to use the device and associated apps.’

‘It’s really fantastic how the project has taken off and we certainly appreciate the initial backing and financial contribution from the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation.’ said Karina.

For more information on the specifics of the group based training sessions contact Karina at Interchange Outer East on (03) 9758 5522 or via email karina.fry@ioe.org.au Also take a look at Karina’s blog ‘iPad Information Sessions’ for more about the project.

by Rebecca Gallaher