itaalk

 

In January of 2010 the idea of iTaalk was born. The son of iTaalk President Brooke Olson, received his first iPod® touch in August of 2009. Within the first four months his language blossomed and the results of his success were amazing his family, friends and therapists. If this success could be replicated for other children with ASD’s, then it was imperative that all children be given the opportunity and access to these interactive devices, and thus the original vision for iTaalk was formed.

   After exploring the need in the community, it became apparent that the need was not only for the devices, but for the educational piece on how to use them as well. We now pride ourselves on our Training Series for families, “iTaalk 101-104,” as well as our Professional series “iTaalk 201-204.” We also provide an affordable Top 30 list of Apps that have been successful with children on the Autism spectrum. The incredible success stories and ideas on innovative ways to use the iPods®/iPads® with our children is what keeps us going. It is our dream to provide this training along with the interactive devices so that all children with an ASD can access this wonderful technology!  

 

​What we've done...

Since January 1, 2011, The iTaalk Autism Foundation has educated over 3000 families, service providers and caretakers on the beneficial uses of interactive technology with children with Autism and varying other special needs.  Education is of upmost importance, and will ALWAYS be iTaalk's most important venture. With that said, the cost of technology can be overwhelming for families already struggling to afford necessary therapies.  So, iTaalk has made it a priority to offer giving cycles where families in need can apply for iOS technology.  Since April of 2011, we have given over 350 devices to children with an Autism Diagnosis.  We are always accepting donations of used iOS devices as well as financial donations.  In April of 2011, we were granted our 501c3 designation by the IRS, we hope this will encourage donations and increase our ability to receive additional grants and funding.  For more information, please contact us for information on grants, funding and donations. info@itaalk.org

 

Where we are going...

With a generous grant from the Marathon Classic LPGA event and The Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism, iTaalk will be moving forward with a new venture. In 2016, iTaalk partnered with Bowling Green State University to open "The iTaalk Assistive Technology Lending Library." This will be the first AT library of it's type, partnering Assistive Technology graduate students with teachers/therapists/clinics/respite providers in teaching all the essentials of introducing a device. These teachers/therapists will be able to "Check-out" from a list of dozens of devices and be trained on maintenance and applications for each device. This will allow clinicians to "test" devices with their clients before recommending costly technology that may not be the right fit. School districts will have data to support the necessity before adding to IEPs, and many more benefits. This is just one more way to provide technology access to hundreds of more children and young adults with autism and related disorders.